The dragons in the besieged castle have begun preparations, still looking for reinforcements.

Cedevita Olimpija has begun preparations for the new season with a reduced squad, still seeking two more reinforcements. The team, based in Ljubljana, has undergone significant changes compared to last year’s roster, while maintaining its core coaching staff led by head coach Zvezdan Mitrović. The first official match of the season is scheduled for September 17, when they will participate in the Slovenian Super Cup against Koper. This marks the start of their campaign in the European Challenge Cup, which will see them compete in Group 4 alongside teams such as Aris Thessaloniki, Italian Torino, Hapoel Jerusalem, Le Mans, Burgos, Riga, and Rostock. The club’s current squad includes several key players who have remained from previous seasons, including captain Jaka Blažič, Rok Radović, Miha Cerkvenik, Maks Ciperle, Cameron Houindo, Derin Ustun, Matthew Hurt, and David Škara. However, notable absences include players representing national teams competing in the 2027 World Cup, such as Rok Radović and Miha Cerkvenik in the Slovenian jersey, and David Škara in the Croatian one. Additionally, coach Mitrović, who serves as the selector of the Študentka team, will miss the initial phase of training due to his international duties. To prepare for the upcoming season, Cedevita Olimpija plans to play six friendly matches, with two of them held in Italy. The regional league ABA will kick off towards the end of September, with the opening round taking place in the final week of the month. The European Challenge Cup qualifiers are set for September 30 in Burgos. Blažič, who has been named as the team’s mentor, emphasized the importance of building a healthy team environment quickly, stating that he was motivated to continue his career after having signed a new contract with the club. The sports director of the club, Chechu Mulero, confirmed that the playing squad is not yet finalized. The team is actively searching for a high-caliber center and a versatile defender capable of playing multiple positions. He noted that the transfer market is highly competitive, especially for Slovenian players who have moved to the United States. Despite this challenge, Mulero expressed confidence in the club's reputation and the ability to attract quality talent. “We’ve been successful in our transfers and have built a team that should be competitive in all competitions,” he stated. In terms of player acquisitions, Cedevita Olimpija has already secured several new signings, including American forward Brandon Murray, guard Anthony Cowan, forward Jordan Gainey, forward Noah Kirkwood, and guard Jayce Johnson. These additions aim to fill gaps left by departing players such as Aleksej Nikolič, Umoja Gibson, D. J. Stewart, Thomas Kennedy, Ognjen Jaramaz, Luka Brajković, and Žiga Daneu. Among the newcomers, Kirkwood is expected to replace Stewart, while Johnson brings valuable experience under the basket. Murray and Cowan are positioned as key contributors on the court, similar to the roles played by Gibson and Nikolić in the previous season. Assistant coach Đorđe Adžić, who will lead the team during Mitrović’s absence, outlined the team’s strategy. His primary goal is to physically and technically prepare the players for Mitrović’s return, emphasizing the need for strength and skill development before focusing on tactical aspects. Adžić highlighted the specific contributions of each new player, noting that Johnson adds versatility with his backcourt skills, while Kirkwood mirrors Stewart’s impact. Murray and Cowan are expected to form a dynamic duo on the wing, much like the partnership between Gibson and Nikolić in the past. The team’s philosophy remains consistent, though adjustments will be made based on the strengths of the new recruits. Looking ahead, Cedevita Olimpija is set to compete in both the ABA League and the European Challenge Cup, with the latter expanding to 32 teams this season. The club continues to build upon its success from recent seasons, reinforcing its position as a competitive force in European basketball. As preparations progress, the focus remains on strengthening the squad and ensuring readiness for the challenges ahead.