Buducnost Voli Sets Ambitious Goals for Upcoming Basketball Season

At the traditional “Blue Night” event, held at the MTEL Moraca Hall, Dragan Bokan, the president of Buducnost Voli Basketball Club, declared the club’s ambitious goals for the upcoming season. He emphasized that the team is entering the new season “with great ambition and tremendous energy,” aiming for victories and trophies to create a new history for the club.

Bokan highlighted the unity within Buducnost Voli, stating, “We are not just a club; we are a team that breathes as one. The arena pulsates to the rhythm of our supporters, and we are a community of people who believe that we can achieve the greatest results together.” His remarks aimed to inspire players, coaching staff, club management, friends, and media representatives.

As the team prepares for the challenges of the ABA League and particularly the Eurocup, they will rely on a restructured roster. New signings include Ukrainian playmaker Oleksandr Kovlijar, American combo guard Skylar Mayes, French forward Axel Boutej, and centers James Thompson from the U.S. and Jerry Butsiel from France. Existing contracts have been extended for playmaker Jogi Ferel and power forward Juvan Morgan, while guards Rashid Sulejmon and Fletcher Magee, along with forwards Andrija Slavkovic and Đorđe Jovanovic, remain under contract.

The team also bid farewell to notable players, including last season’s ABA League MVP, McKinley Wright, and Kenan Kamenjas, who were integral to the club’s success. Bokan noted the departures of centers Alen Omic and Judoke Azubuki, along with Aleksa Ilic and Mateo Dreznjak, who have moved to SC Derby. Additionally, young playmaker Petar Minic has joined Podgorica Bemax.

Bokan also announced enhancements to the coaching staff, welcoming Igor Đaletic back to Buducnost after a seven-year stint in Japan. Đaletic previously served as an assistant coach with the club and led them to two national titles in 2016 and 2017. Bokan expressed confidence in the team’s readiness, stating, “Our players are prepared. This is a team that has the strength to inspire, the talent to surprise, and the heart to fight until the last moment.”

The president emphasized that this season presents an opportunity to demonstrate the value of hard work, discipline, and faith in victory. “I am confident that every match will be a testament to Buducnost Voli playing with pride for the club and Montenegro,” he added.

New jerseys were unveiled during the event, with players proudly showcasing their new uniforms as they stepped onto the stage of the Podgorica arena.

Bokan acknowledged the essential support from sponsors, the government, the city, and fans, stating, “Our strength comes from our supporters and friends who are always with us.” He extended gratitude to key sponsors, including Stadion, Erste Bank, NLB Bank, CKB, Porto Montenegro, and Montenegrin Telecom, among others.

He also expressed appreciation to Milojko Spajic, the Prime Minister of Montenegro, for recognizing the importance of sports in the country. Bokan publicly thanked the city’s leadership for their support in promoting Buducnost’s success story. Special recognition was given to loyal fans, known as the Varvari, who provide the team with unwavering support.

Buducnost Voli will kick off their official season in the Eurocup against the London Lions on October 2, 2023. Their group in the Eurocup includes strong contenders such as Turk Telekom, Burg, Ulm, Beşiktaş, Panionios, Lietkabelis, Trento, and Chemnitz.

The team’s first match in the ABA League will take place on October 5, 2023, when Buducnost hosts Spartak Subotica. The “Blues” will compete in Group B alongside notable teams such as Crvena Zvezda, Cedevita Olimpija, Bosna, Mega, Zadar, Ilirija, and Beč.

In closing, Bokan reiterated the clear objectives for the season: “Victories, trophies, and a new history. What motivates us the most is the feeling of community. Every basket, every rebound, and every victory belongs to all of you. It is time to show what it means to wear the blue jersey. Together—players, partners, supporters, and friends—we are writing a new chapter in our story.”

Dražen Drasković, president of the Gorshtak Basketball Club, acknowledged the significance of the “Blue Night” in a written message, calling it “a big and bright day for all of us who love basketball.” He expressed hope that the event would mark the beginning of a successful basketball year for Buducnost Voli.

Buducnost Voli will hold its final pre-season test against city rivals SC Derby at the House of Basketball in Kokoti tomorrow at 19:30 local time. Both teams have played six friendly matches, with each winning four and losing two, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.