As the AdmiralBet ABA League reaches the 22nd round, Zadar remains the only Croatian team still in the playoff race. The defending champions are currently in ninth place, sharing an 11-11 record with Mega and FMP.

Under the guidance of coach Danijel Jusup, Zadar has historically been the sole Croatian representative in the league playoffs. The reigning champions are determined to secure a playoff spot this season, significantly aided by Montenegrin national player Vladimir Mihailović, who joined the team before the season started.

Since his arrival at the “Krešimir Ćosić” stadium, Mihailović has emerged as a pivotal leader. In the AdmiralBet ABA League, he averages 16.6 points per game but has missed the last two matches against Red Star Belgrade and Krka due to injury. His recovery is on track, and he is expected to return to action soon.

“My recovery is progressing well, and I should be ready soon. We’ve faced a lot of injuries this season. I hope we can stay healthy for the remainder of the season, and then everything we aspire to achieve will fall into place,” Mihailović shared during an interview with the club’s TV.

At the beginning of our conversation, Mihailović reflected on his transition to Zadar and his initial experiences in Dalmatia.

“I’ve adapted very well. From the start, I was welcomed warmly by my teammates, coaching staff, club officials, and fans. I feel at home in Zadar. Many of my teammates are familiar faces from previous years, and they are fantastic individuals,” said the Montenegrin international.

Mihailović joined Zadar at the personal urging of coach Danijel Jusup.

“We share a solid rapport. The coach’s experience speaks volumes, and his track record of achievements is impressive. It was an easy decision for me to accept his invitation to come to Zadar. I believe I made the right choice,” Mihailović candidly admitted.

Mihailović previously played in Zadar in 2010 as part of the Montenegrin youth national team. Alongside players like Bojan Dubljević and Nemanja Radović, they secured sixth place at the A Division European Championship.

“I’ve had previous visits to Zadar, the first being with the youth national team during the European Championship finals. I’ve played here numerous times. It’s a beautiful city, and my family enjoys visiting. Unfortunately, my older son is in school this year, so they’re only able to visit me when time allows,” he noted.

One of the standout moments of Mihailović’s tenure in Zadar was the match against Cedevita-Olimpija last November, where Zadar triumphed 81:73. Just before halftime, the guard made a nearly half-court three-pointer, igniting the crowd.

“That moment will always stick with me. The atmosphere was electric… I felt chills. Playing in ‘Jazine’ is truly special. I’ve played in various venues, but nothing compares to the energy in ‘Jazine’. It’s an intimate space where the audience’s proximity creates an incredible experience. Everyone sings together, and that feeling is beyond words,” Mihailović expressed.

Throughout his career, Vladimir Mihailović has played for multiple teams including Buducnost Voli, Mornar, and several clubs in Belgium and Germany, achieving notable success, particularly in Belgium where he won the double with Ostend in 2018.

“My time in Belgium was fantastic. During my first year with Ostend, I created unforgettable memories. Ostend stands out as the top club in Belgium. I later returned to Okapi for two fruitful years that were significant for both my family and my career. Among all the countries I’ve played in, Belgium left the most lasting impact,” Mihailović reflected.

While playing for Okapi in 2021, he earned the title of MVP of the Belgian championship and was the league’s top scorer.

“It was a remarkable achievement. The season had its challenges due to delays from the pandemic. I started strong and maintained that performance. I took advantage of the break to focus on self-improvement over the summer. The season ended up being superb for me personally, mirroring solid outcomes for the team. That recognition was a gratifying recompense for all the hard work,” Mihailović concluded in his interview with Klip TV.

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