Boban Marjanović, the seasoned Serbian center, has signed with Slovenian club Ilirija, marking his return to the ABA League after a decade. Marjanović, now 37, left the league in 2015 as a champion with Red Star Belgrade and is expected to bring his extensive experience to the team as they prepare for a crucial matchup against Budućnost Voli in Ljubljana on October 28, 2023.
The acquisition of Marjanović is seen as a significant enhancement for Ilirija, with officials highlighting his leadership and charisma. “His arrival represents a crucial step for the development of our project and the elevation of the game quality in the ABA League and Slovenian league,” the club stated. Marjanović’s vast experience, having played eight seasons in the NBA, is anticipated to inspire both teammates and fans alike.
Marjanović began his professional career at Hemofarm and steadily progressed through some of Europe’s top clubs. He played with CSKA Moscow in Russia and Žalgiris in Lithuania, but his most notable achievements came with Red Star Belgrade. During his time there, he won the ABA League title in 2015 and earned a spot on the league’s All-Star team. That same year, he was named to the EuroLeague First Team and recognized as the league’s top rebounder.
His NBA career commenced in 2015 when he signed with the San Antonio Spurs at the age of 27. Over the years, he has played for several teams, including the Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, Dallas Mavericks, and Houston Rockets. Known for his remarkable physical attributes and efficiency in limited playing time, Marjanović has become one of the most recognizable figures in the league.
Before returning to Europe, Marjanović played for Fenerbahçe last season, followed by a stint with Zhejiang Lions in China. His international career includes winning gold with the Serbian youth national team at the 2008 European Championship and the 2007 World Championship. As a senior player, he also contributed to Serbia’s silver medal win at EuroBasket 2017.
The upcoming match against Budućnost Voli is expected to be a significant event not only for Ilirija but also for Marjanović as he steps back into a competitive league where he has previously found success. His presence is likely to impact the team’s performance positively, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.
