Vojvodina to become Dubai's affiliate? Kamenjašević announces: We'll send young players to Novi Sad for development
)
By clinching the ABA League title last season, Dubai – despite being only two years old – has already established itself as a major force in regional basketball. Judging by their summer signings, including Toko Shengelia, Elie Okobo, Jaron Blossomgame, and Mahmadou Diakite, the UAE-based club is poised to make a significant leap in the EuroLeague, with a strong chance of defending their Adriatic title.
The seriousness of Dubai's ambition to become one of Europe's largest and most organized basketball clubs is further highlighted by their impending collaboration with Vojvodina, a team competing in the ABA 2 League.
Dejan Kamenjašević, Dubai's general manager, revealed in an interview with RTS that the Novi Sad club is set to become a key partner for the reigning ABA League champions.
"We are in discussions with Vojvodina; we were looking for a club where our young players could develop. We also want to help that club and city grow. Vojvodina is a historic club, not just as a sports society, but specifically in basketball. We reached an agreement with Dragoljub Zbiljić and Željko Rebrača. We saw that they think both athletically and commercially – which is very important to us." - Dejan Kamenjašević
Dubai's general manager dismissed claims that the club's success is solely based on its significant financial power.
"Others have invested too, but haven't achieved the same results. This is a big city eager for sports and basketball; around 100,000 people from our region live in Dubai. We are much more connected to the ABA League than people realize. We know that all Partizan and Crvena Zvezda fans will support us when we're not playing against their favorite clubs." - Dejan Kamenjašević
It's worth noting that Vojvodina has been on the cusp of entering the ABA League for several seasons but has yet to make the breakthrough. This assistance from Dubai, both financial and in terms of personnel, is expected to finally propel them into the elite. Last season, the Novi Sad team was eliminated in the ABA League 2 quarterfinals by Helios Domžale.
VIDEO: Jokic records triple-double against Bosnia and Herzegovina, then 'runs' into his children's embrace!
&format=webp)
&format=webp)
,fit(112:112)&format=webp)
,fit(112:112)&format=webp)
,fit(112:112)&format=webp)
,fit(112:112)&format=webp)