Famous Serbian Coaches

Aleksandar "Saša" Đorđević is a Serbian professional basketball coach and former player known for his successful career in both roles. He has achieved numerous accolades, including leading Partizan Belgrade to its first EuroLeague title in 1992 and winning multiple gold medals representing the national teams of SFR Yugoslavia and FR Yugoslavia. Đorđević has been recognized as the Mister Europa Player of the Year, a Most Valuable Player, and has hit memorable game-winning shots in significant competitions. He is also celebrated for being the only individual to win medals at the Summer Olympic Games, FIBA World Cup, and FIBA EuroBasket as both a player and head coach.

Željko Obradović is a Serbian basketball coach known for his unparalleled success in European basketball. With an illustrious 30-year coaching career, he has amassed an impressive total of 64 club titles and honors, including a record nine EuroLeague championships with five different teams. Obradović has also achieved significant success at the international level, leading the Yugoslavia national team to gold medals at the 1997 EuroBasket and the 1998 FIBA World Championship. He has received numerous coaching awards and accolades, solidifying his status as one of the greatest coaches in European basketball history.

Dušan "Duda" Ivković was a prominent Serbian professional basketball player and coach, known for his significant contributions to the sport. He notably served as head coach of the senior Serbian and Yugoslavian national basketball teams, achieving success during his tenure. Ivković was also recognized for his influence in European basketball, being named one of the 50 Greatest EuroLeague Contributors and elected to the FIBA Hall of Fame. His legacy was further solidified when he was honored as a EuroLeague Basketball Legend.

Sascha Bajin is a German tennis coach and former player of Serbian origin. He gained recognition as the hitting partner for Serena Williams during her major title wins and coached Naomi Osaka to two Grand Slam victories. Bajin received the WTA Coach of the Year award in 2018 for his work with Osaka. He has also coached players like Kristina Mladenovic, Dayana Yastremska, and Karolína Plíšková, guiding them to notable achievements in the tennis world. Bajin's experience includes serving as a hitting partner for several high-profile players on the ATP Tour.

Svetislav "Kari" Pešić is a prominent figure in Serbian basketball, known for his successful career as both a player and a coach. He has made significant contributions to the sport, particularly in his role as head coach of the Serbia men's national team. Pešić's expertise and leadership have led to numerous achievements and accolades throughout his professional life. His strategic approach and deep understanding of the game have earned him a respected reputation within the basketball community.

Jelena Genčić was a prominent Serbian athlete and coach known for her contributions to tennis and handball. Transitioning to coaching in the 1970s, she played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of several top professional players and Grand Slam champions. Notable figures she discovered and mentored include Monica Seles, Novak Djokovic, Goran Ivanišević, Mima Jaušovec, Iva Majoli, and Tatjana Ječmenica. Her coached players achieved remarkable success, collectively winning a total of 36 Grand Slam singles titles, with Djokovic claiming 24, Seles 9, Ivanišević 1, Jaušovec 1, and Majoli 1.

Sasa Obradovic is a Serbian professional basketball coach and former player known for his success both on the court and on the sidelines. As a player, he competed for various teams and won multiple championships, including the FIBA Korać Cup and several league titles. Transitioning to coaching, Obradovic achieved further success, winning league titles in Germany and Ukraine, as well as the Russian Cup. He has also earned accolades such as the EuroCup Coach of the Year award for his coaching prowess and leadership skills.

Borislav "Bora" Stanković was a Serbian basketball player, coach, and sports administrator who made significant contributions to the global basketball community. He played internationally for the Yugoslavian national team and later became a key figure in FIBA and the International Olympic Committee. Stanković played a pivotal role in allowing NBA players to participate in the Summer Olympics by amending FIBA regulations. His efforts led to his induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame, Women's Basketball Hall of Fame, and the FIBA Hall of Fame.

Igor Stefan Kokoškov is a Serbian professional basketball coach with a remarkable career in the NBA and international basketball. He has worked as an assistant coach for various NBA teams, including a brief stint as head coach for the Phoenix Suns. Kokoškov was the first European to be a full-time assistant coach in NCAA Division I college basketball and the first non-American to hold such a position in the NBA. He has achieved notable milestones, including winning EuroBasket 2017 and being the first coach born and raised outside of North America to be hired as an NBA head coach.

Zufer Avdija is a Serbian-Israeli professional basketball coach and former player known for his successful career in both countries. He played for various clubs in Yugoslavia and Israel during the 1980s and 1990s. Avdija also represented the Yugoslavia basketball team at the international level. Currently, he serves as the general manager and president of basketball operations for Bnei Herzliya in the Israeli Basketball Premier League. His contributions to the sport have been significant and have left a lasting impact on the basketball community.

Dragan Đukanović is a Serbian professional football manager and former player. He has had a successful career in the football world, transitioning from being a player to a manager. Throughout his professional life, he has gained valuable experience and knowledge in the sport. Dragan has dedicated his time to developing his skills both on and off the field, making significant contributions to the teams he has been a part of. His passion for football is evident in his work as both a player and a manager.

Vladimir Vujasinović is a Serbian professional water polo head coach and former player with a successful career marked by multiple Olympic medals and numerous titles. He has been recognized as one of the best water polo players in the world, winning accolades such as best athlete of Serbia and Montenegro. Vujasinović has represented his country in 341 matches, showcasing his scoring prowess with 391 goals. As a coach, he currently leads VK Novi Beograd, continuing his legacy in the sport with his impressive achievements.

Slobodan Nikić is a highly accomplished Serbian water polo player, renowned for his success both at the national and international levels. As a long-standing member of the Serbia men's national water polo team, he has achieved numerous prestigious accolades, including multiple Olympic medals, World Championships, and European Championships. Nikić is recognized as one of the most decorated players in the history of water polo, holding the impressive title of the only player to have won three FINA World Championship gold medals. In his club career, he has also secured significant victories, such as the LEN Euroleague and LEN Supercup with Pro Recco.

Vrbica Stefanov is a retired Macedonian professional basketball player who also served as the head coach of Macedonian clubs Kožuv and MZT Skopje. He was awarded the Medal for Service to the Country in 2009 for his significant contributions to sports in Macedonia and his efforts in promoting the country internationally. Throughout his career, Stefanov made a lasting impact by excelling both on the court as a player and on the sidelines as a coach, leaving a legacy of success and sportsmanship.

Nenad Manojlović was a prominent Yugoslav and Serbian water polo player and manager. He achieved significant success as the manager of the Serbia and Montenegro men's national water polo team, winning medals in the Summer Olympics, World Championships, and European Championships. His coaching prowess was evident in the team's silver and bronze finishes at major international competitions. Tragically, his professional journey was cut short by his untimely passing while en route to a professional seminar in Sofia.

Blagoja Georgievski was a prominent Macedonian professional basketball player and coach who represented the Yugoslavia national basketball team. He competed in the 1972 and 1976 Summer Olympics as part of the SFR Yugoslavia team. Throughout his career, Georgievski made significant contributions to the sport, showcasing his skills both on the court as a player and on the sidelines as a coach. His dedication and talent left a lasting impact on the basketball community, solidifying his legacy in the sport.

Igor Milanović is a prominent figure in the world of water polo, known for his exceptional skills as both a player and a coach. With a career that spanned two decades, he has left a lasting impact on the sport. As a player, Milanović was regarded as one of the best in the history of water polo, achieving numerous accolades and successes. Transitioning into coaching, he continues to share his expertise and passion for the game, inspiring future generations of players.

Dejan Udovičić is a Serbian professional water polo head coach with an accomplished career. He started his coaching journey with Partizan Belgrade and later took on the role of head coach for the Serbia national team. Under his leadership, the team achieved significant success, including gold medals at the World Aquatics Championships, Men's European Water Polo Championships, and a bronze medal at the Olympics. Udovičić's notable achievements also include leading Partizan to a third-place finish at the 2007 Euroleague Final Four.

Dragan Raca is a renowned Cypriot-Serbian basketball coach and former player with a successful professional career spanning Yugoslavia, Cyprus, and China. He has coached national basketball teams in Lebanon, Cyprus, and North Macedonia, as well as leading clubs in Cyprus, Greece, and China. Recognized for his coaching prowess, he has been honored by FIBA as the best young coach in Europe and the best coach in club competitions. Raca has achieved notable successes, including leading teams to championships and medals in various international tournaments. Additionally, he has been involved in academic collaborations and humanitarian efforts, earning accolades for his contributions.

Vladimir Bogojević is a former professional basketball player who transitioned into coaching. He has experience playing at a high level and has represented Germany on the international stage. Bogojević has since become a respected basketball coach, known for his strategic acumen and leadership skills. With a background in both playing and coaching, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his teams. Bogojević continues to make significant contributions to the world of basketball through his coaching career.