In Udine, the post-Christon era has already begun

Udine has officially announced the player who will replace point guard Semaj Christon next season: Zan Mark Šiško, a Slovenian born in 1997.

“A point guard with extensive international experience, a technical leader, and a true cornerstone of the team’s offense, Šiško arrives in Udine after a career that has seen him shine at the highest levels of European basketball,” reads the press release from Apu Old Wild West Udine. With over 70 EuroLeague appearances for Bayern Munich, the Slovenian point guard is an invaluable addition, called upon to lead Coach Adriano Vertemati’s team with his vision of the game, his ability to involve his teammates, and leadership honed on the continent’s most prestigious stages. “This signing adds quality, experience, and personality to a roster built to continue growing and tackle the Serie A season with ambition.”

“Born in Ljubljana on June 29, 1997, and standing 191 centimeters tall, Mark Šiško is one of the most experienced and highly regarded Slovenian point guards on the European scene. From a very young age, he was considered one of his country’s top prospects, so much so that he made his professional debut at just 16 years old with the prestigious Union Olimpija Ljubljana, a historic Slovenian basketball club. After his early experiences at the highest level, he joined Cibona Zagreb in 2015, where he continued to develop his game by competing in the Croatian league and the ABA League, one of the most competitive leagues in Eastern Europe. His definitive breakthrough, however, came in December 2019, when he signed with Bayern Munich. With the German club, he spent four seasons as a key player, racking up over 70 appearances in the EuroLeague, facing off weekly against the continent’s best players and gaining valuable international experience. It was in Bavaria that his relationship with Adriano Vertemati—then a member of Bayern Munich’s coaching staff—began. This collaboration is now being renewed in Udine and represents a key strength in integrating the Slovenian point guard into the Bianconeri’s project.”

“An intelligent, selfless player with extraordinary court vision, Šiško is the classic floor general: a point guard capable of controlling the pace of the game, creating opportunities for his teammates, and elevating the team’s play. His passing ability, his reading of the pick-and-roll, his leadership, and his ability to always make the right decision make him one of the most well-rounded and reliable playmakers on the European scene. With his arrival, APU Udine secures a player of great international caliber, called upon to lead the team and put all his experience to work for the Bianconeri project.”

Sisko shared his first thoughts as a Udine player: “One of the main reasons that led me to come to Udine is this club’s ambition. I’ve found a club with very clear ideas and a desire to keep growing year after year. Becoming part of such an important project is a source of great pride and represents a challenge that excites me.”

“Being able to work with Coach Vertemati again was a major factor. At Bayern Munich, we shared a fantastic experience, and I know his approach very well. He’s a highly skilled coach who pays attention to every detail and has a deep understanding of the game. We know each other very well, and this rapport will certainly help us right from day one. For me, it will be an honor to play in front of such a passionate crowd. I’ve always seen the tremendous support that APU fans show the team, both in the best moments and the toughest ones. I’ll always give my all to repay that affection and make the club and our fans proud.”

“My role is to help others play well. I consider myself a point guard who always puts the team first. I love involving my teammates, reading the flow of the game, and choosing the best option for the group. I can also play alongside another guard, but my greatest satisfaction comes from seeing the team play beautiful basketball and win. I’m a player who always gives my all, both in practice and in games. I’ve spoken with the club and the coach about our goals, and we’re perfectly aligned: we want to keep growing and strive to achieve even greater results. Personally, I have no other goal than to help the team win. I can’t wait to get to Udine, get to know the city, meet my new teammates, and start this new adventure. I’m training every day to make sure I’m ready. I feel a very positive energy and I’m really looking forward to wearing this jersey.”