May 25, 2013
Aleksandar Nikolic (1954-1984)
Dubravka Nikolic
Teams: Partizan (SRB), OKK Beograd (SRB), Padova (ITA), Red Star (SRB), Varese (ITA), Fortitudo Bologna (ITA), Borac Cacak (SRB), Virtus Bologna (ITA), Scavolini Pesaro (ITA), Yugoslavian NT
Aca Nikolic
Summary: The father of Serbian basketball was none other than Aleksandar "Aza" Nikolic, whose legacy still lives on. Nikolic helped Yugoslavian basketball go from relatively unknown status to a dominant force. He coached some of the best clubs in the country, including Partizan, OKK Belgrade and Red Star as well as Padova in Italy. But Nikolic he found his biggest glory in Varese, leading them to three Euroleague crowns (1970-73) in four consecutive finals, three Italian league crowns and three Italian Cups. With his national team, Nikolic captured gold medals at EuroBasket 1977 and the 1978 World Championship. Nikolic passed away in 2000, but not until he had spread and taught basketball all around the continent.
Aleksandar Nikolic
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