Rasid Mahalbasic has signed a contract with Cedevita Olimpija until the end of the season, joining forces with Karlo Matkovic, Shawn Jones, and Aleksandar Saskov in the frontcourt of the Ljubljana-based team.
Speculation arose a few days ago that the experienced center could strengthen the ‘Dragons,’ and now confirmation has arrived from Ljubljana.
Mahalbasic was born in Slovenia but began his career in Austria. He has played for Fenerbahce, Tofas, Split, Zlatorog, Prokom, Nimbruk, Astana, Nizhny Novgorod, Beledije, Real Betis, Oldenburg, Monaco, Breogan, and Burgos, accumulating vast international experience.
He participated in the EuroLeague with Prokom a decade ago, amassed 53 appearances in the EuroCup, and was twice named to the ideal five of the German championship in terms of individual awards.
A member of the Austrian national team since 2009, Mahalbasic last played for them during the pre-qualifications for EuroBasket 2025, recording 21.5 points, along with six assists and rebounds. His playing style resembles that of Nikola Jokic, as he is highly versatile, excelling in offensive decision-making. Despite his height of 211 centimeters, he covers the center position.
Injuries to Matkovic and Saskov forced Cedevita Olimpija to seek a solution in the market, and the choice fell on the 33-year-old player from Jesenica.
“Rasid Mahalbasic trained with the first team for several days, and now we have managed to reach an agreement for him to join us ahead of the significant number of matches awaiting us in the coming period. He is an experienced player, proven on European courts, and we believe that his characteristics will contribute to our game on the court,” said Cedevita Olimpija’s Sports Director, Vlado Ilievski.