By Stefan Djordjevic/ info@eurohoops.net
Partizan had multiple options regarding its future in European competitions and the club president Ostoja Mijailovic announced that the team will continue in EuroCup next season.
“We have money on one side and basketball on the other, and we had to weigh what to do… In the end, I decided to stay with EuroLeague and compete again in EuroCup. I’d thank FIBA for giving us support and free option without any conditions,” Mijailovic said at the press conference while adding that most of the team will stay together along with coach Andrea Trinchieri.
He explained that Partizan hoped to play in EuroLeague next season but as that wasn’t possible, they were left with the options to stay in EuroCup, move to the Basketball Champions League or even decide not to play in any, but simply focus on the ABA League.
“Our first option was EuroLeague, which didn’t happen due to circumstances. I can’t say that we would have won the EuroCup but we had a big chance to do so considering the results and the home-court advantage. The second option is FIBA and it’s the best way to go financial-wise. There was also an option not to play any European competitions, to focus solely on ABA League. The fourth option was EuroCup which we don’t feel pleasant about since we believe the club outgrew that competition.”
Mijailovic noted that the club understands EuroLeague’s decisions: “I can’t say that canceling the season was a sports injustice. EuroLeague decided that doing so caused the least harm for the competition and we accepted that. We’re not frustrated in any way, we understand the overall situation despite perhaps being the most damaged along with Efes.”
He also made sure to emphasize that it’s not some big success that certain clubs will play in EuroLeague next season but that they were just granted that chance due to circumstances. He wished the best to Crvena Zvezda.
“I want to congratulate all the teams that qualified for the EuroLeague. I can’t say it’s a managerial success and the successes of certain clubs to find their spot in EuroLeague next season. It’s more due to the circumstances which don’t allow for any other options. I also think it’s art to compete in EuroLeague without any trophies. Nonetheless, I congratulate our city rival, I wish them a lot of luck to have better results in EuroLeague next season.”