After helping build the Panathinaikos team that won the 2023/24 EuroLeague title, former sports director Sani Becirovic has started a new journey. He recently joined Zenit St. Petersburg on a three-year deal and shared his thoughts on this move and the exciting season ahead for European basketball.
Becirovic praised his new club and looked forward to a challenging EuroLeague competition, highlighting the strength of several top teams and the high expectations for his former club, Panathinaikos.
🚀 A New Chapter in St. Petersburg
Becirovic spoke highly of his new club, Zenit, describing it as a warm and welcoming environment. He mentioned that the organization operates at a very high level, comparable to a EuroLeague team. Although Zenit is not currently in the competition, he is confident they can be a strong contender once the situation allows.
🔥 An Even Stronger EuroLeague on the Horizon
Looking ahead, Becirovic expects the upcoming EuroLeague season to be tougher than ever. He pointed out several teams that have built strong rosters, including Anadolu Efes, Real Madrid, and Maccabi. He also mentioned traditional powerhouses like Barcelona, Fenerbahce, Monaco, and Olympiacos, suggesting that the competition for the title will be intense.
☘️ High Hopes for His Former Team
When asked about his former club, Panathinaikos, Becirovic was clear about their goals. He believes they have a fantastic team and that anything less than winning the EuroLeague again would be seen as a disappointment. He noted that Coach Ataman has built a roster deep enough to compete at the highest level.
🤝 Moving Forward with No Regrets
Reflecting on his departure from Panathinaikos, Becirovic explained that it was a part of life and sports, as both sides couldn’t agree on a way to continue working together. While initially surprised, he sees his new opportunity at Zenit as a positive step forward. He wished his former club the best and stated that his focus is now entirely on his new role with Zenit.
