Basketball club KRKA Novo mesto (abbreviated as BC Krka) is a professional basketball team that is based in Novo mesto, Slovenia. The team currently competes in the Premier A Slovenian League, the Adriatic League, and the ULEB Eurocup. The team's home arena is Leon Štukelj Hall.

History [link]

The first basketball club in Novo mesto was founded in 1948, but not until 1983, the year of its 35th anniversary, was the city able to celebrate the conquer of the Slovenian national championship. After that triumph, however, basketball saw a decline in Novo Mesto that lasted until after the separation of the Slovenian Republic from the former Yugoslavia. Soon the team was climbing through the second division to rejoin the Slovenian First League in 1997, when it also took the name of its sponsor, Krka. A fourth-place finish in the national league and third in the Slovenian Cup allowed the club to qualify for the Korać Cup for 1998/99. The big breakthrough came a year later, however, as Krka defeated historical rival Olimpija Ljubljana in the Slovenian playoff finals to win the national title. That year, the team also played the Saporta Cup and reached third place in the Slovenian Cup. In 2000/01, Krka consolidated its strength, but nonetheless fell to Olimpija in the finals. In 2001/02, Krka qualified for the Euroleague in a pre-season tournament and made its mark in a group of superpowers. Though Krka missed the Top 16, it was able to defeat all its opponents once, including names like Real Madrid, Panathinaikos, PBC CSKA Moscow and Skipper Bologna. At home, Krka finished second in the Goodyear league, in the Slovenian Championship and in the national cup, losing all three times to Olimpija Ljubljana. Last season changed that trend, however. Krka zoomed to the 2003 ULEB Cup double finals, narrowly losing to Pamesa Valencia despite being the only ULEB Cup team to win in Valencia. Krka then flexed its muscles, upsetting Olimpija for its second Slovenian crown. Novo Mesto will continue to battle without fear, making the continent's major powers take notice of its remarkable accomplishments. After successful season in European leagues after 2003/04 season dark clouds came above Krka. Lack of sponsorship money weakened rooster so young domestic players came into first squad. Krka successfully paid its debt and started a fresh new season with new squad with no well known names. Krka did not compete in European leagues or ABA league, so only Slovenian 1. league was left. Krka finished 6th. Season 2005/06 was far the worst in this decade. After finished last after 1st part of Slovenian league Krka lost only three times in league for loss, elevating this team to 9th place. Better season came next year in 2006/07 season when Krka finished 6th, coming into champion league.

2007/2008 season;qualified for ABA [link]

This season Krka finished third in domestic league and replaced Geoplin Slovan in Adriatic League.

2008/2009 season [link]

Krka was one of three Slovenian clubs that represented Slovenia in regional ABA league. 11th place was solid achievement for rookie after some years in league. In 1. SKL Krka finished third, after many injuries finished after 2nd Helios and could not compete in regional league.

2009/2010 season; National champion, qualified for ABA [link]

Aleksandar Džikić became fist coach of Krka squad in 2009/10 bringing great results to the club. Finished first after 1st part of 1. SKl and 2nd in champions league, brought semi-finals to Krka. Beating 2-1 Helios from Domžale Krka achieved finals after 7 long years. Beating Union Olimpija 3-2 in last game in Tivoli Krka finished very successful becoming Slovenian champion.

2010/2011 season; National champion, Eurochallenge champion [link]

Aleksandar Džikić was confirmed to be coach in 2010/11 season. Krka qualified for ABA league and decided to compete in 3rd rank European league called FIBA Eurochallenge. Season started great after winning Slovenian SuperCup beating Olimpija in Maribor. Krka played great and qualified for NLB League Final 4, where they lost against Union Olimpija in the semi finals. They also made it to the FIBA Eurochallenge Final 4 where they won club's 1st European trophy, beating domestic Oostende in semifinals and Lokomotiv Kuban in finals. They finished slovenian league on 1st place with 1. loss. In semifinals Krka bet Zlatorog by 2:0. Great season ended on 11 June after winning Slovenian league, beating Olimpija 3:2. This was the 4th national trophy and second in the row.

2011/2012 season; Back to EuroCup, national champions [link]

Club is competing in ABA league, ULEB Eurocup, Slovenian cup and Slovenian first league. Coach Aleksandar Đikić was replaced with Nenad Trajković. Club left Dušan Đorđević, Goran Ikonić, Dragiša Drobnjak and Chris Booker. Their replacement were Jaka Klobučar, Curtis Stinson, Marko Đurković, Jimmy Baxter and Jerome Jordan. Club had two players in Slovenian national team. Those were Edo Murić and Zoran Dragić. Club had successfully started a season in october, winning Slovenian Supercup over Olimpija. In november club left Jaka Klobučar and Curtis Stinson. Jaka's wish was playing in foreign country, while Stinson went to surgery (broken ankle). Club bought Allan Ray who was playing only 3 games. After excellent performance against Le Mans he was literal kidnapped by his agents and moved to France. His replacement was Mustafa Abdul Hamid.

In December cocach Nenad Trajković moved to Phoenix Suns and it was replaced with his assistant Aleksander Sekulić. Also the club left Jerome Jordan (NBA-out clause), club released Jimmy Baxter (denied FBI documents) and Marko Đurković (bad performance). The 29th of December club announced three new players - from Bayern München came Ben Lee Hansbrough, from Radnički Kragujevac came Uroš Lučić, who already played for Krka in 2009-2010 Season and Jure Lalić, who came from Cibona Zagreb. In January 2012 club released Mustafa Abdul Hamid and announced new player on PG position. That became Afik Nissim. Season ended with winning fifth national championship, third in the row. Season will be remebered as there was 23 players that were in BC Krka's squad at some point.

Current roster [link]

KRKA Novo mesto roster v t e
Players	Coaches
Pos. # Nat. Name Ht. Wt. Age 1.0 !PG 10 Israel ! Nissim, Afik 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in) &1000000000000003100000031 1.0 !PG 13 Slovenia ! Krivec, Bojan 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in) &1000000000000002500000025 1.0 !PG 14 Slovenia ! Bratož, Domen 1.86 m (6 ft 1 in) &1000000000000001900000019 1.0 !PG 6 Slovenia ! Rojc, Matej 1.98 m (6 ft 6 in) &1000000000000001900000019 2.0 !SG 4 USA ! Abdul-Hamid, Mustafa 1.90 m (6 ft 3 in) &1000000000000002400000024 2.0 !SG 16 Slovenia ! Mežan, Martin 1.95 m (6 ft 5 in) &1000000000000001900000019 3.0 !SF 8 Slovenia ! Murić, Edo 2.02 m (6 ft 8 in) &1000000000000002000000020 4.5 !PF 15 Slovenia ! Balažič, Jure (C) 2.04 m (6 ft 8 in) &1000000000000003100000031 4.5 !PF 5 Serbia ! Lućić, Uros 2.07 m (6 ft 9 in) &1000000000000002900000029 6.0 !C 17 Slovenia ! Fifolt, Žiga 2.09 m (6 ft 10 in) &1000000000000001800000018 6.0 !C 9 Slovenia ! Pavič, Smiljan 2.10 m (6 ft 11 in) &1000000000000003200000032 6.0 !C 21 Croatia ! Lalić, Jure 2.12 m (6 ft 11 in) &1000000000000002600000026	Head coach Aleksander Sekulić Assistant coach(es) Gašper Potočnik Miha Jerele Josip Radakovič (condition coach) Igor Bošnjak (physiotherapist) Legend (C) Team captain (*) Playing only in Eurocup Injured Roster • updated 09 January 2012

Depth Chart [link]

Squad Changes for the 2012–2013 Season [link]

In [link]

Out [link]

• Zoran Dragić (to  ??)
• Simon Petrov (retired)

Out during the current season [link]

/

Leon Štukelj hall [link]

5th game of Slovenian League 2011, showing Leon Štukelj hall from southeast side

Club is currently playing in Sport Hall Leon Štukelj with capacity 2,800 seats. Hall is located in school center in southwestern part of town. It is Novo mesto+s school centre primarly sport gym and is venue to many sports and events, since it is the largest hall in Novo mesto and Dolenjska. New arena with 5000+ seats was planned to be built in 2013 as Novo mesto was one of home cities for EuroBasket 2013 in Slovenia but is currently canceled.

Seasons [link]

Season	League	Cups	SuperCup	Adriatic	Europe	Coach	Roster
2012-13						Aleksander Sekulić
2011-12	Champions	Finalist	Winners	11th (9-17)	Eurocup TOP16 4th place in group (1/5)	Nenad Trajković Aleksander Sekulić	Curtis Stinson, Bojan Krivec, Matej Rojc, Jimmy Baxter, Simon Petrov, Jaka Klobučar, Marko Kastelic, Zoran Dragić, Edo Murić,Jure Balažič, Marko Đurković, Jan Osolnik, Smiljan Pavič, Jerome Jordan, Allan Ray, Domen Bratož, Ben Hasbrough, Jure Lalić, Uroš Lučić, Mustafa Abdul Hamid, Afik Nissim, Martin Mežan, Žiga Fifolt
2010-11	Champions	1/4 Finals	Winners	3rd place (17-9) Semifinals	Eurochallenge Winners	Aleksandar Đikić	Dušan Đorđević, Bojan Krivec, Matej Rojc, Goran Ikonić, Simon Petrov, Marko Kastelic, Zoran Dragić Dragiša Drobnjak, Edo Murić, Jan Osolnik, Jure Balažič, Chris Booker, Smiljan Pavič
2009-10	Champions	Semifinals	DNC	DNC	DNC	Aleksandar Đikić	Nik Ivanović, Maj Kovačevič, Bojan Krivec, Simon Petrov, Goran Ikonić, Brent Ragsdale, Matej Venta, Miloš Marković,Davor Marcelić, Stanko Sebič, Jure Balažič, Matej Župevec, Uroš Lučić, Uroš Nikolić, Smiljan Pavič
2008-09	3rd place	Semifinals	DNC	11th (9-17)	DNC	Ivan Sunara	Maj Kovačevič, Bojan Krivec, Simon Petrov, Ricky Shields, Rene Žvan, Bruce Price, Rolandas Alijevas, Stanko Sebič, Davor Marcelić, J.P. Ingram, Jure Balažič, Matej Župevec, Marko Rakočević, Smiljan Pavič
2007-08	3rd place	DNC	DNC	DNC	DNC	Rade Mijanović	Vladimir Mihailovič, Maj Kovačevič, T.J. Sorrentine, Rene Žvan, Bojan Krivec, Stanko Sebič, Davor Marcelić, Anže Cerkovnik Klemen Bučar, Žiga Koritnik, Matej Župevec, Jure Balažič, Vjeran Soldo, Marko Rakočević, Dalibor Djapa
2006-07	6th	DNC	DNC	DNC	DNC	Predrag Milović	Vladimir Mihailovič, Rene Žvan, Bojan Krivec, Bojan Jovanovič, Stanko Sebič, Ervin Taraniš, Klemen Bučar, Anže Cerkovnik, Igor Jokič, Matej Župevec Matas Niparavicius, Vjeran Soldo
2005-06	9th	DNC	DNC	DNC	DNC	Predrag Milović	Bojan Krivec, Ristič, Matej Župevec, Sitar, Rene Žvan, Gorenc, Šmigič, Matej Venta, Stanko Sebič, Gliha,Nejc Smodiš, Taraniš, AnžeCerkovnik, Hočevar, Igor Jokič, Primc, Jure Balažič, Klepo, Jovanovič in Keith
2004-05	6th	DNC	DNC	DNC	DNC	Predrag Milović	Bojan Krivec, Goran Milanovič, Jaka Klobučar, Klemen Bučar, Matija Frančič, Mitja Sitar, Rene Žvan,Simon Gorenc, Matej Venta, Stanko Sebič, Ervin Taraniš, Anže Cerkovnik, Jure Balažič, Brane Savič, Samo Plevnik, Mihajlo Vukič, Vladimir Anzulovič, Aleksandar Damjanovič, Milan Parezanovič
2003-04	5th	DNC	Finalist	DNC	Euroleague 8th place in group B (2-12)	Petar Skansi	Gardner, Antonijevič, Gilbert, Matej Venta, Subotič, Slavko Duščak, Ivaškovič, Bečirovic, Budzinauskas, Grgurevič, Gnjidič, Saša Mučič, Dundovič, Jure Balažič, Rickert, Mihajlovič, Ugrekhelidze, Bošnjak, Bader
2002-03	Champions	DNC	DNE	7th (11-11)	EuroCup Finalist	Neven Spahija	Ivaškovič, Gnjidič, Aleksander Čapin, Matej Venta, Vladimir Anzulovič, Mathis, Samo Grum, Paravinja, Arnold, Slavko Duščak, Dragiša Drobnjak, Saša Mučič, Miloš Mirkovič, Maravič, Bader, Jure Balažič, Stanko Sebič
2001-02	Finalist	Finalist	DNE	Finalist (16-6)	Euroleague 6th place in grup C (7-7)	Aleš Pipan	Vladimir Anzulovič, Jaka Lakovič, Samo Grum, Igor Ivaškovič, Aleksander Čapin, Boris Gnjidić, Bennett Davison, Andrej Gliha, Saša Mučič, Kristjan Preglej,Dragiša Drobnjak, Miloš Mirković,Mate Skelin, Nemanja Jelesijević, Marko Šamanić, Martin Mihajlović
2000-01	Finalist	Finalist	DNE	DNE	Suproleague 8th place in Grup B (7-11)	Aleš Pipan	Vladimir Anzulovič, Simon Petrov, Samo Grum, Aleksander Čapin, Igor Ivaškovič, Dejan Jevtović, Saša Dončič, Ervin Taraniš, J. P. Courtney, Davison, Andrej Gliha, Nejc Smodiš, Dragiša Drobnjak,Mirko Ščekić, Martin Mihajlović, Franjo Arapović, Miloš Mirković
1999-00	Champions	DNC	DNE	DNE	Saporta Cup Last 16	Ivan Sunara	Dražovič, Dejan Jevtović, Ervin Taraniš, Simon Petrov, Matjaž Smodiš, Viskovič, Samo Grum, Dragiša Drobnjak, Stakič, Majerle, Martin Šcekič in Nakič
1998-99	3rd place	DNC	DNE	DNE	Korač Cup Last 16	Živko Ljubojevič Ivan Sunara	Jevtovič, Samar, Simon Petrov, Matjaž Smodiš, Grum, Nakič, Šcekič, Meluš, Balažic, Taraniš, Eržek, Ivaškovič, Leon Stipaničev, Gliha, Majerle
1997-98	4th	DNC	DNE	DNE	DNC	Živko Ljubojevič	Jevtovič, Samar, Bordelius, Simon Petrov, Matjaž Smodiš, Bajc, Grum, Stipaničev,Plevnik, M. Petrov, Stevič, Jazbec, Dakič, Stakič, Balažic
1996-97	2. (A2) League Champions	DNC	DNE	DNE	DNC	Slavko Seničar Slavko Kovačevič	Bordelius, Samar, Stipaničev, Simon Petrov, M. Petrov, Matjaž Smodiš,Bajc, Vučkovič, Lučev, Novina, Rusič, Jazbec, Oštir
1995-96	2.League (A2) 3rd	DNC	DNE	DNE	DNC	Slavko Seničar	Plantan, Cerkovnik, Munih, Župevec, S. Seničar, Bajc, Kek, Lenart, Červ, Simon Petrov, Oštir, Vučkovič, Novina, Gavranovič, Zupančič, Vipavec, M. Petrov, Lalič, Smodiš, Primož Samar, Leon Stipaničev
1994-95	3.League (2 SKL) West Champions	DNC	DNE	DNE	DNC		Plantan, Cerkovnik, Munih, Župevec, S. Seničar, Bajc, Kek, Lenart, Červ, Simon Petrov, Oštir, Vučkovič, Novina, Gavranovič, Zupančič, Vipavec, M. Petrov, Lalič, Smodiš,
1993-94	3.League (2 SKL) West 6th place	DNC	DNE	DNE	DNC		Simon Petrov
1992-93	4. (ZAHOD I) League Champions	DNC	DNE	DNE	DNC

• DNC = did not compete
• DNE = (tournament) did not exist

Most seasons as of 2011/2012 season [link]

Notable players [link]

Notable coaches [link]

Most notable coaches in the recent years were:

• Ivan Sunara
• Neven Spahija
• Petar Skansi
• Aleš Pipan
• Aleksandar Džikić

External links [link]

• Official Website basket.krka.si (Slovene)
• Adriatic League Team Profile
• ULEB Eurocup Team Profile
• Eurobasket.com Team Profile
• Team Fan Club Kelti

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