Ahead of the start of the AdmiralBet ABA League season, SC Derby announced that their goal, along with the affirmation of young players, was to survive in the regional competition. Both goals were ultimately met - the "students" never once feared for survival, they were objectively better than all the rivals who finished below them in the standings, and the playoffs remained out of reach, so Petar Mijović's team ended the season in 11th place with the same number of wins and 19 losses.
When it comes to the affirmation of young players, David Mirković and Andrija Grbović paid for their good seasons by going to college, while Luka Bogavac, who was one of the leaders of the young Podgorica team this season, which included only two foreigners - Erik Nil and Ivan Bogdanović, is on the verge of the NCAA.
"With a completely different concept, with fewer foreigners and less experience, we entered the season that is behind us. We set goals that we considered realistic, with the proviso that we all wanted a more active fight for the playoffs. I knew it would be difficult, because Spartak and Dubai entered the league, playoff teams with an exceptional budget and quality, which they confirmed during the season. As for our goals, it has been emphasized several times that it is survival in the league, which has never been in question. An equally important goal was to affirm the younger players, to give them more space and the opportunity to develop more and faster. I think we did a good job. As a coach, I have to express my satisfaction with how we handled the season. I am proud of the team and the organization," SC Derbija coach Petar Mijović told "Vijesti".
The young team failed to make it to the playoffs, and one of the reasons was that the "students" lost some games in tight games or by a single goal. The most memorable matches were away matches against Cibona, Krka, Split, Mega and Borac, and at home against Dubai and Mega.
"We achieved our first away win against Spartak in the first round of the second half. If that win had come earlier, in one of these uncertain finals that we lost, I think the burden of survival would have fallen sooner. Then we would have been in a position to join the fight for the playoffs sooner. In the second half of the season, we managed to resolve some even games in our favor, we were calmer in the finals," says Mijović.
SATISFIED WITH THE PROGRESS OF THE YOUNG PLAYERS
SC Derbi will be without Mirković, Grbović and Bogavac next season.
"I am satisfied with their basketball progress. Both when things were not going well and when they played well, the work and dedication were visible. I am sure that they are significantly better than they were at the beginning of the season. Mirković and Bogavac had different roles than last season, with a couple of more experienced players I think they were leaders. Their influence on the game was significant. Grbović was in a specific situation, he didn't play for six months due to mononucleosis. He wasn't on Budućnost's radar, I think we influenced him a lot so that he wouldn't lose another season. He made a serious contribution, we waited a little longer for him, because those things left their mark on him. But, in one part of the season he was a significant factor in why we played faster and better," explained Mijović.
Bogavac was one of the leaders, Mirković showed all his potential.
"Along with Nil, Igor Drobnjak and Zoran Nikolić, Bogavac has crystallized into one of the leaders. A guy with exceptional quality, who was ready to build on that quality with serious work. This season, he has profiled himself as one of the best second-stringers in the ABA League, which is one of the best leagues in Europe. Mirković entered the season quite worn out, having played with the younger national teams for many summers in a row. He entered the preparation period from an injury, he needed time. He is happy that he showed his best games against top teams."
Behind Drobnjak and Nikolić is the best season in the ABA League, which can be exciting even before the European Championship.
"I am grateful to Nikolić and Drobnjak, because I see that in their analyses they expressed gratitude for everything we have done together. We have known each other for a long time and it was easier for them and me, because we collaborated in the first team of Buducnost, and with Drobnjak for a long time. Drobnjak, Zoran Vučeljić, who had an important contribution, Filip Andjušić, then the experienced players led by Nikolić, Nikola Pavlićević, Emir Hadžibegović, Nil, they all raised their form, which says a lot about the way we work and the progress we had from the beginning, until the last round. And I would not neglect the playoffs of the First Montenegrin League, which we started with a convincing victory over Sutjeska."
Several times this season, the oldest member of the team - captain Nikola Pavlićević - was in the foreground. He often lifted the team with his energy, in some matches he was the man of the decision, and no matter how many minutes he spent on the field, the relationship was always the same. That is why Mijović said after the victory over Cibona in Podgorica that Pavlićević is pure gold for SC Derbija, a player who has the ability to do a lot of positive things in a short time.
"I have said many times how much energy, passion and quality Pavlićević plays with. He is always the 'x factor', he always lifts us up with his play when we get lethargic. It was a privilege to have such a player by your side, knowing that he is ready to give his maximum at any moment. That is important for a coach, to know that he has such a man in the team."
IT'S HARD TO PREVENT PLAYERS FROM GOING TO COLLEGE
The departure of talented basketball players to college is a reality for SC Derby, the region, and European basketball. An increasing number of talents are going to the NCAA, which offers excellent conditions, but also money that players at this age have a hard time earning in Europe.
"It's hard to prevent that. I'm worried about what needs to come, to replace these young players. I think there's a vacuum at the moment, the Montenegrin basketball market for young players simply isn't providing what it was providing a few years ago. We'll try to be prepared for the situation that's happening. To find people from the small base of Montenegrin players who we think are worth giving a chance to develop through our system and to somehow compensate for the departure of talented players."
NO INDICATION OF WHEN THE FINALS START
SC Derbi finished the season in the ABA League, but not in the domestic championship. "Students" easily and convincingly eliminated Sutjeska in the semi-finals of the First League and qualified for the final. However, there is no indication yet when the final will be played, as the second semi-final between Budućnost Voli and Podgorica Bemax has not been completed.
"We don't have an exact date for the games. We are waiting for Buducnost to finish its obligations in the ABA League. That could take a while, until we enter the last week of June. In those circumstances, there is also the question of the squad, which of all the guys can be there during that period. That is quite far away, the situation is such that we cannot predict anything with certainty. We are in the training process, it will be like that until the final. Uncertainty, waiting. But, we want Buducnost to stay in the ABA League as long as possible, to go to the very end, which is important for Montenegrin basketball."
YOU CAN FEEL THE ENTHUSIASM, THE FUTURE CAN GO FAR
Mijović also commented on the ABA League finals, and the chances of Buducnost, which will play Red Star Belgrade in the semifinals. The “blues” have had an excellent season in the regional competition, winning first place in the regular season, while Mega was eliminated in the quarterfinals.
"Buducnost's position in the ABA League is very good at the moment. With the energy they have, the atmosphere and the enthusiasm that can be felt, they can be dangerous and go far. There is no need to add any pressure. I think Buducnost is a good team, well balanced, with clear roles. 'Morača' is a very good home ground. In those circumstances, anything can happen. Buducnost can go far," concluded Mijović.
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