"It's also sad, it's hard to leave a team like that, it's a step into adulthood"

Mark Padjen, the Slovenian basketball player, has concluded his journey with the national team after winning gold at the European Championship for Under-20 players and being named Most Valuable Player (MVP). The victory came in the final match against Serbia, which Slovenia won 84–65, marking another milestone in Padjen’s career. He contributed 14 points, two rebounds, six assists, two steals, and one block during the game. This achievement adds to his already impressive resume, including bronze medals from the European Championships under-18 and the Summer Games under-19. The path to this success was not without challenges. In the semifinal against France, Slovenia trailed 75–82 with less than five minutes remaining. However, Padjen turned the tide with a crucial assist to Samed Grošić, followed by two three-pointers and eight points to take the lead, 85–82. With just over a minute left, he found Filip Petkovski in the corner, who scored to give Slovenia a six-point advantage. After Padjen was forced to sit due to five personal fouls, Petkovski sealed the win with a last-second free throw, making the score 91–89. Padjen finished the semifinal with 25 points, four rebounds, and six assists. In the final, Slovenia played without their captain Urban Kroflič, who was injured, and Lovro Faganel, who was ill. Despite these setbacks, they dominated Serbia, showcasing a cohesive performance. Padjen's contributions were vital, and his efforts earned him the MVP title, a rare honor for a player in this age group. He became the third Slovenian to receive this distinction, joining Sanije Bečirović (2000) and Erasmus Lorbek (2004), both of whom led Slovenia to final victories over Israel. Speaking after the final, Padjen expressed gratitude towards his teammates and coaches. “Without the right team, I wouldn’t have won this title,” he said. “On all games, the team stood together, especially in tough moments. This MVP title is actually for the team, not me.” His comments reflect the deep bond formed among the players, who have become like family. Padjen emphasized that the experience would remain with them throughout their lives, connecting them even beyond their time on the court. He also acknowledged the role of coach Danijel Radosavljević, calling him one of the best trainers for young athletes. “He took the time to talk to each of us, called us individually, and gave everyone his attention,” Padjen said. “From the first to the 16th, 22nd player in training, he made sure we were connected. He’s an exceptional person, and he’s the main reason this golden story came to be.” Despite the emotional farewell, Padjen looks forward to the future. He will join Murray State University in the NCAA, starting his college career in the United States. “I’ve chosen to travel only on Monday, so today we can celebrate, tomorrow I’ll rest, and then I’ll depart,” he told reporters after the final match. His transition marks the beginning of a new chapter, one that continues the legacy of excellence he has built through hard work and teamwork.