This is how Olimpija’s basketball players celebrated the championship title last year, when they beat Krka 3:1 in the final. Photo: Luka Cjuha
The common denominator of both finalists is decimation
The basketball players of Krka and Cedevita Olimpija are starting the last action of this season on Wednesday at 6 pm in Novi Mesto. In the fight for the title of national champion, the favorites are the people of Ljubljana.
Before the end of the season in Slovenian club basketball, there is still time for the final act of the national championship. Old acquaintances – Cedevita Olimpija and Krka will battle for the championship title. In the semi-final, the people of Ljubljana defeated Šenčur 2:0, while Krka had a bit of a hard time with Iliria, as they advanced after success in the decisive third match. The favorite for the final victory is Olimpija, which has five consecutive championship titles on its account, and a total of 22. Krka is at seven. The two teams will play for three wins, and the first match is on Wednesday at 6 pm in Novi mesto.
Mitrović expects a tough job
For the people of Ljubljana, winning the national title is an obligation, because in terms of finances and the quality of the staff, they stand out strongly in the Slovenian space. Coach Zvezdan Mitrović has a few headaches, as captain Jaka Blažič and Žiga Daneu are missing due to injuries, which is quickly known in the rotation with the rule of four foreigners. But he will once again be able to count on some younger players who, due to their participation in the final tournament of the youth Euroleague, were not among the twelve players against Šenčur.
“After almost 70 matches together with the preparatory period, the end of the season awaits us, and in the series for the champion of Slovenia, I expect a difficult task, because Krka is a serious team with a good system. They have made some changes to the team since the last match in the cup final. We will be handicapped by the absence of Blažič and Daneu, as we can only count on four foreigners. Blažič underwent meniscus surgery and on this occasion I wish him a speedy return to the field. I will count on the help of young local players, who already got a chance in the cup and the playoffs of the national championship. Together we want to achieve the goal and win the championship,” said Cedevita Olimpija’s coach Zvezdan Mitrović.
At Krka, they will not take risks at any cost
Krka also enter the final series quite decimated. Žak Smrekar, who should be ready, and Krišs Helmanis are injured, while Niko Bačvić is struggling with illness. Some of the remaining players, such as Blaž Mahkovic, have also started. Coach Dejan Jakara did not know who he could count on in the first match, but he also added that he would not like to reveal everything to the opponent. “We’ll see on game day how anyone feels. We’d rather not take a risk with someone who’s started, and thus have him available in the second or third game. The series is a three-win series, so the opening game is not yet crucial to risk,” he explained Dejan Jakar and added that Olimpija is clearly the favorite. “With this season’s games, we proved that we are deservedly in the final of the national championship. The players even outdid themselves in some respects. We had some unpleasant things during the season, but we made the most of every situation. We know who we’re playing, but we’re not giving up in advance. We’ll do our best and then see if it’s enough to pull off a surprise.”
