Sasha Djordjevic: The EuroLeague can make all the difference—these are the decisive hours

At Virtus Bologna, attention is now focused primarily on selecting a new head coach to take over from Nenad Jakovljević on the team’s bench. Despite an expected budget reduction for next season as well, the Bologna-based club continues to hold strong appeal.

One example is the dialogue that has begun, albeit away from the spotlight, with Aleksandar “Sale” Djordjević. From a financial standpoint, Virtus’s offer would be slightly lower than other proposals, but the difference could be offset by performance-based bonuses.

The Serbian coach is, in fact, also being closely monitored by Bahcesehir Koleji, a Turkish club ready to put a two-year contract on the table with an option for a third season. Bologna, on the other hand, would offer a two-year deal with no additional options, but with the advantage of guaranteeing participation in the EuroLeague, a more prestigious competition than the EuroCup.

Djordjević is well acquainted with the Bologna environment, having already led the team for three seasons from 2018 to 2021, a period during which he left an indelible mark by winning the Champions League and the league title. Following his Italian stint, the Serbian coach won a Turkish league title with Fenerbahçe, before taking the helm of the Chinese national team for two years. A profile that, in addition to his recognized experience and charisma, also brings with it a willingness to develop young players—a trait particularly appreciated by the Bianconeri management during this inevitable transition phase.