The ABA League celebrated its 25th anniversary in Ljubljana with a special ceremony honoring the players, coaches, clubs and other figures who shaped the competition over its first quarter-century.
The event was held at Tivoli Hall, where the regional league was launched 25 years ago, with a series of awards recognizing some of the biggest names in ABA League history.
Smiles, style and a touch of basketball magic. 🏀🤩
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📸 Red carpet moments from the #ABALiga Gala Night. pic.twitter.com/pXpyxr2AM4
Nikola Jokic named ABA League Icon
Nikola Jokic received the most prestigious individual recognition, being named the ABA League Icon. The Denver Nuggets superstar began his professional career in the competition with Mega before going on to become one of the NBA’s biggest stars.
“Means a lot to me. Because I grew up in this league and followed it as a kid. A lot of quality players have gone through this league. The award will probably have more meaning when I finish,” Jokic said in a video message.
The league also recognized Nemanja Gordic and Branko Lazic with Lifetime Achievement awards. Gordic was honored as the ABA League’s all-time leader in scoring and assists, while Lazic was recognized as the competition’s most decorated player.
Lazic used the occasion to announce his retirement from professional basketball.
“It is a great honor. None of this would have been possible without my teammates, coaches and fans,” Lazic said.
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Partizan, Radonjic and Vujosevic among honorees
Partizan received the award for the Most Decorated Club, with club representative Mladjan Silobad accepting the recognition.
The Most Decorated Coach award was shared by Dejan Radonjic and Dusko Vujosevic. Vujosevic’s son Luka accepted the award on behalf of the former Partizan coach.
Dejan Milojevic was named Mr. MVP after winning three consecutive ABA League MVP awards. His son Nemanja accepted the posthumous recognition.
Luka Bozic received the Mr. Triple-Double award, with Zadar director Roko Jurlina accepting it on his behalf.
The Most Memorable Moment award went to Dusan Kecman for his iconic buzzer-beater against Cibona.
ABA League honors the people who built the competition
The 25th anniversary ceremony also paid tribute to figures who played important roles in establishing and developing the ABA League.
Special awards were presented to Bozo Milicevic, Radovan Lorbek, Roman Lisac, Zmago Sagadin and the late Danko Radic, while Nihad Imamovic, Veselin Barovic, Danilo Mitrovic, Joze Mermal, Dragan Bokan, Mladen Veber and Nebojsa Covic were also recognized.
