The EP in ZAGREB

The European Championship of wheelchair basketball, held in Zagreb, kicked off on June 29, 2026, with Slovenia securing a hard-fought victory against Latvia. The match took place at ŠSD Peščenica, one of the main venues hosting the tournament. Slovenia's team, led by head coach Žiga Kobaševič, managed to overcome a challenging start and eventually triumphed with a score of 58–41. This win marked the beginning of their campaign in Group A, which also includes Croatia, Bulgaria, Latvia, and Israel. The next day, Slovenia was set to face Croatia, another strong contender in the group, in a crucial match scheduled for July 1 at 13:30.

From the outset, Slovenia struggled with coordination and confidence, allowing Latvia to take control early in the first quarter. Latvia led 19–0 after the first ten minutes, and even extended its lead to 20–4 by halftime. However, Slovenia responded strongly in the second half, showing resilience and tactical adjustments. They narrowed the gap significantly, eventually taking the lead and maintaining it throughout the remainder of the game. The turning point came when Slovenia’s defense tightened, and their offensive play improved dramatically, leading to a decisive advantage in the fourth quarter. Key contributors were David Škorjanc, who scored 21 points and recorded 15 rebounds, and Nicola Favretto, who added 18 points and 13 rebounds.

The performance of the Slovenian squad reflected both the challenges they faced and the progress they made during the game. Coach Žiga Kobaševič acknowledged the initial difficulties but praised his players' ability to adapt and improve as the match progressed. “We started very nervously,” he said. “We knew what the opening match would bring. The boys were in a big slump, which hasn’t happened for a long time. The entire first half was very poor in attack. Thank God our defense worked well and we managed to hold on at least somewhat.” After a much-needed break, Slovenia regrouped and began to dominate the second half, ultimately securing the win.

Looking ahead, Slovenia faces several formidable opponents in the group stage. Their next match is against Croatia, a nation known for its strong wheelchair basketball program. The two teams have a history of competitive matches, and this encounter promises to be highly anticipated. Following that, Slovenia will take on Bulgaria and then Israel, each of which presents unique challenges and opportunities. The tournament schedule runs until July 5, with the final set for that date at 18:00 local time.

This year marks the tenth edition of the European Championship for wheelchair basketball, a significant milestone for the sport. The event has grown substantially since its inception in 1994, when Slovenia first participated. Over the years, the national team has competed in Division A three times—specifically in 1997, 1999, and 2003—and most recently achieved fifth place in the 2024 European Championship in Sarajevo, which remains their best result since returning to Division A in 2003.

The structure of the tournament involves two groups, each containing five teams. In Group A, Slovenia competes alongside Croatia, Bulgaria, Latvia, and Israel, while Group B features Lithuania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sweden, Greece, and Portugal. The top two teams from each group advance to the semifinals, where the winners will qualify for Division A. The third-place teams compete for the fifth overall position, and the fourth and fifth-placed teams battle for continued participation in Division B. The semifinals are scheduled for July 4, with the final taking place on July 5.

The Slovenian team consists of nine athletes, including Milan Slapničar, Haris Kuduzović, Enis Musić, Simon Gračnar, Robi Bojanec, Matej Arh, Nicola Favretto, David Škorjanc, and Klemen Lokar. The coaching staff includes Žiga Kobaševič, supported by Aleš Povše, Saša Ogrizovič, Marino Popovič, and Milan Stanič. The preparation for the tournament was extensive, with four major training cycles conducted in Laško and Kranjska Gora. The team focused on improving their gameplay, adapting strategies, and responding effectively to different defensive styles. According to Kobaševič, the preparations were successful, though the true test will come in Zagreb.

The support from fans is considered a crucial factor in the success of the team. Captain Milan Slapničar emphasized the importance of unity and teamwork, stating that the players breathe together and rely on each other. He noted that while the competition is tough, the team is ready to tackle each match step by step. Player David Škorjanc echoed these sentiments, highlighting the need for composure during setbacks and the value of fan support. He mentioned that the presence of spectators can make a significant difference, especially given the experience gained from previous competitions such as the NLB League finals.

As the tournament progresses, the focus will remain on achieving stability within Division B and potentially advancing further. While the immediate goal is to secure a spot in the next round, the ultimate aspiration is to reach the semifinals. With a mix of experienced players and strategic planning, Slovenia aims to build upon its recent successes and continue making strides in international wheelchair basketball. The upcoming matches against Croatia, Bulgaria, and Israel will serve as critical tests of the team's capabilities and determination. The journey in Zagreb is just beginning, and the hopes of the Slovenian team and its supporters are high.