Nebojša Bogavac and Limoges - a few days ago, information emerged that the former European champion, one of the most famous French clubs, wants to hire a Montenegrin expert, who spent a large part of his playing and now coaching career in that country.
Nebojša Bogavac has left a deep mark in France. He played for Le Mans, Asvel and Dijon, and during his coaching career was on the coaching staff of Strasbourg under Vincent Colle, only to return to France after parting ways with Podgorica two years ago, where he strengthened the coaching staff of Metropolitan, from where he arrived at ASA Basket in December 2023. Therefore, it is not surprising that he is considered a domestic coach in France.
When he arrived at ASA, Bogavac found the team in last place, only to eventually lead it to the playoffs. He continued in the same rhythm this season - after 35 rounds, the team is in sixth position, which leads to the playoffs. And that is just one of the reasons why Limoges wants Bogavac.
"I've been tied to the club for three years. If I have the option to go to the LNB or another First League in Europe, then I can get out of the contract. But the club is not in favor of me leaving. From a sporting perspective, it certainly makes sense for me to leave and change my environment. On the other hand, if I leave, I will certainly lose a lot in terms of the content of my life, family and friends. I've been in Strasbourg for about eight years, that's a long period of time," Bogavac explains to "Vijesti".
Emotions exist, Bogavac has not yet made a decision.
"I think it's a great opportunity to go to a higher level, to confirm everything I've done so far. On the other hand, it suits my family here. I would have to come to an agreement with them. It's not easy, I'm at a turning point. I'll have to make a decision in about ten days at the latest. In France, they treat me like a local coach. I was a player here for a long time, then an assistant coach, then a coach. I think I'm one of the rare foreigners who won the Cup, the Leaders Cup and the championship. It will be good if I stay, and if I leave then I will have a great sporting challenge, and I'm not afraid of challenges. It's up to me - to decide which path I'm going to take," Bogavac is honest.
If he goes to Limoges, he will be the fifth coach from this region to lead the former European champions. And who are the other four? Božidar Maljković, Bogdan Tanjević, Duško Ivanović and Duško Vujošević!
In the meantime, until he decides whether to take over Limoges and add his name to the list of famous names, Bogavac has obligations with ASA Basket. The regular season is coming to an end, and the team is in the playoff zone.
"We played well, lost some games in incomprehensible endings. We reached the quarter-finals of the French Cup, where we lost to Bourges. The club is satisfied, the season is good. The club is well organized, the budget is correct, it is not small, but not big either, like other teams in the PRO B league have. Financially and organizationally, the league is strong, high-quality and very difficult to play. There is no big difference between the teams in the second half of the LNB and the first half of the PRO B league."
And how did Bogavac come to ASA Basket?
"I came on the recommendation of a friend. To help them. When I arrived, they were last in the standings, and then at the end of last season we made the playoffs. Last year was good, and this year is great. Everyone at the club is happy."
In case ASA Basket has a chance to advance to the elite, the management will stand behind the club.
"The club recently announced that they will find the funds, if we enter the elite next season, that they will see us off. These are not small funds, but a larger investment than this season. But first, let's secure the playoffs. It's a difficult league to play in, physically difficult, athletic, the first team in the standings can easily lose to the last, physical contact is allowed in games, it's not sanctioned as much. Teams that have quality players, but are not ready to enter into physical combat, often lose games."
When it comes to the ASA playing staff, there are names familiar to the local public - there is former Mornar player Antonio Vranković, then former Sutjeska basketball player Đorđe Milošević, but also Ludovik Bayhurst, who was coached by Bogavac in Podgorica.
"The team is familiar with the system and that was key this year. The club is fair. Players who are under contract for a longer period have the option to move to the First League without a buyout clause. The club is not focused on profit, but wants to help players move to a higher level," explains Bogavac.
Luka is dedicated, there is no reason not to move forward.
Nebojša Bogavac follows basketball events in the region with particular attention. The reason is his son Luka, who is having a great season with SC Derbija. He made his debut for the national team last year, and his career is on an upward trajectory.
"I am satisfied with his focus, dedication, energy and hard work. He has a notable role in the national team. He was the best young basketball player, then the best basketball player in Montenegro, everything is going in order. All the things that happened to him before, help him persevere and reach the goals he set. On the playing side, he had a good season, he made a breakthrough, but that is just one step in a series that he needs to continue. What is important is that he is focused, dedicated to work, training, and improving off the court. There is no reason why he should not move forward," Nebojša Bogavac is clear.
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