Aleksandar Nikolić

Aleksandar Nikolić was considered the “Father of Yugoslav Basketball.” He played for Red Star Beograd from 1947-49, before becoming a coach. He led Yugoslavia to a silver medal at the 1961 European Championships, the first major international medal for the nation. His greatest moments came in coaching the Yugoslavs to the 1978 World Championship gold medal and the 1977 European title.

During his career Nikolić coached OKK Belgrade, Petrarca Padova, Red Star, Alco Bologna, Virtus Bologna, Reyer Venecia, Scavolini Pesara, and Udine. He was voted coach of the year in 1966 and 1975. Nikolić won four national titles, three national cups, two Inter-Cups (1969-70), three European Cups for Men’s Champion Clubs (1970, 1972-73), and a European Cup for Men’s Clubs in 1974. He was later inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts.