By Manos Firogenis/ info@eurohoops.net
A legend of Partizan produced a major highlight on his playing days with the Belgrade giant in 2004. The night Dejan Milojevic destroyed Olympiacos and neared a new EuroLeague record for the highest performance index rating in a single game.
The basketball world is mourning the loss of Milojevic, a former player working as an assistant coach for the Golden State Warriors from 2021 until his death after a heart attack on Wednesday. A young person, constantly smiling, full of life, as contradictory as that seems now. A loyal servant of basketball for 30 years. He is no longer with us. In emotional moments over recent days, teams, coaches, and players expressed their condolences.
Playing days included five EuroLeague campaigns attached to 51 appearances between Buducnost and Partizan, including a brilliant performance against Olympiacos on December 2, 2004.
He was far from a player chasing more money, as noted by grieving Bogdan Bogdanovic. Competing at the highest level in Europe, his family, and passion for life were above potentially pursuing additional career opportunities. At the end of the day, impressive stats displayed his talents.
Representing Serbia and Montenegro, Milojevic won gold in the 2001 EuroBasket. For three straight years from 2004 to 2006, he was named MVP of the ABA League.
He was a productive power forward with a high basketball IQ. He knew how to finish plays, move away from the ball, and punish opponents. Certainly, the members of the 2004-05 squad of Olympiacos still remember him.
Partizan, coached by Dusko Vujosevic, featuring plenty of youngsters, was battling for success at the continental level while dominating the regional league.
In Round 5 of the Regular Season, hosting the Reds in Pionir was marked by Milojevic dropping a PIR of 55. The players guided by Jonas Kazlauskas were unable to stop him. His efforts translated into 35 points behind 13/16 field goals and 9/11 free throws, 14 rebounds, five steals, three assists, and no turnovers. He paved the way for the win, 87-73.
That was the second-best PIR in league history, trailing only a PIR of 63 delivered by Tanoka Beard for Zalgiris against Skipper Bologna on January 22, 2004. He stepped up covering for Arvydas Sabonis with 35 points and 19 rebounds and also earned ten fouls.
Back in 2001, Jaka Lakovic set the initial record at 55 PIR. He scored 38 points with 16/19 from the field for Krka versus Real Madrid.
Incredible individual performances. Twenty years later, they are unmatched despite so many great players competing in the EuroLeague.
Milojevic averaged 20.8 points and 11.5 rebounds per game over six appearances in his first EuroLeague campaign with Partizan in 2004-05. He went on with 16.4 points and 10.1 rebounds per game in his second and final season, 2005-06.
Photo Credit: EuroleagueBasketball.net