Crvena Zvezda
KK Crvena zvezda is a Serbian basketball club founded in 1945, based in Belgrade, Serbia. The club plays at the Stark Arena and competes in the Basketball League of Serbia, having also participated in prestigious competitions such as the EuroLeague and Adriatic League. Throughout its history, the club has established itself as one of the most successful basketball teams in the region with numerous domestic and international achievements.
History
Overview
General information about the club
KK Crvena zvezda is a professional basketball club that represents one of the most prominent sports organizations in Serbia. The club has been a consistent participant in top-level domestic and international competitions, maintaining its status as a major force in European basketball.
Most recent season and achievements
The 2017-18 season marked the 73rd season in the club's existence. During this campaign, Crvena zvezda competed in three major competitions: the Basketball League of Serbia, the Adriatic League, and the EuroLeague. The team finished first in the regular season of the ABA League with 19 wins and 3 losses, reached the finals but lost 3-1 to Budućnost. In domestic competition, they managed to win the Superleague title by defeating FMP in the finals, though the season was generally considered unsuccessful due to their failure to secure a EuroLeague spot for the following year.
History
Early years
Based on the available information, KK Crvena zvezda was established in 1945, making the 2017-18 season their 73rd year of existence.
Current period
The 2017-18 season began with significant changes as head coach Dejan Radonjić departed without signing a new contract. The club underwent a major roster overhaul, parting ways with eleven players including key figures such as Marko Simonović, captain Luka Mitrović, Charles Jenkins, Stefan Jović, Ognjen Kuzmić, and Marko Gudurić. Young prospect Dušan Alimpijević was appointed as the new head coach.
The depleted roster was reinforced with new signings including James Feldeine, Taylor Rochestie, veterans Pero Antić and Marko Kešelj, along with young players Mathias Lessort, Nikola Radičević, Stefan Janković, and Nikola Jovanović. The team also promoted Dragan Apić, Dejan Davidovac, and Stefan Lazarević from their development team FMP.
Breaking with the defense-oriented philosophy of the Radonjić era, the team adopted a more offensive approach centered around three-point shooting. In December 2017, the roster was further strengthened with combo guard Dylan Ennis, and later with Slovenian center Alen Omić. However, poor performance in the domestic league forced coach Alimpijević to resign, with his assistant Milenko Topić taking over as interim head coach.
Achievements and Honors
Domestic competitions
During the 2017-18 season, Crvena zvezda achieved success in domestic competition by winning the Serbian Superleague title, defeating FMP in the finals.
Continental and global competitions
In the Adriatic League, the team finished first in the regular season with an impressive record of 19 wins and 3 losses. They advanced to the finals by defeating Mornar 2-1 in the semifinal series, though they ultimately lost 3-1 to Budućnost in the final series.
Traditional Rivals
Partizan
Based on the reference to the "2017-18 KK Partizan season" in the source material, KK Partizan appears to be a traditional rival of Crvena zvezda.
Club Traditions and Behind the Scenes
Sponsors
The club has been associated with Nike sponsorship, as indicated in the source material references.
Ownership and finances
The failure to qualify for the EuroLeague triggered financial downsizing, leading to contract terminations with players such as Dylan Ennis and Milko Bjelica, while the squad was reinforced with more budget-friendly options like Filip Čović and young prospect Aleksa Radanov from FMP.
Stadium
Crvena zvezda plays their home games at Stark Arena in Belgrade, Serbia.