Dubai Basketball appoints Aleksander Sekulić as new head coach for crucial EuroLeague playoff push
Coaching Change - The Slovenian national team coach takes over until the end of the season following Jurica Golemac's departure, with Dubai Basketball fighting for a playoff spot in the EuroLeague's final stretch.
Aleksander Sekulic will take over in Dubai as new head coach Photo Credit: FIBA
Dubai Basketball has made a significant coaching change at a crucial juncture of the season. The club officially announced the appointment of Aleksander Sekulić as head coach until the end of the season, replacing Jurica Golemac who departed by mutual agreement with immediate effect.
The timing of this coaching transition highlights the urgency of Dubai’s situation. With the team fighting for a playoff spot in the EuroLeague, the organization needed to act decisively to maximize their chances in the competition’s final stretch.
A proven coach with international pedigree
Sekulić brings impressive credentials to his new role. Since 2020, the Slovenian coach has been at the helm of the Slovenian national team, achieving remarkable success on the international stage. His most notable accomplishment came at the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games, where he guided Slovenia to a fourth-place finish – a historic achievement for the basketball program.
The appointment also represents a reunion with familiar faces. Sekulić will work alongside team captain Klemen Prepelić, strengthening the Slovenian connection within the Dubai Basketball roster. Additionally, his international experience includes serving as an assistant coach for the staff that captured gold at EuroBasket 2017, further demonstrating his winning pedigree at the highest level.
Aleksander Sekulić takes over as head coach of Dubai Basketball until the end of the season.
First game on the bench comes against Valencia Basket in the final EuroLeague round.
Read more: https://t.co/lJFkjZAaXR pic.twitter.com/r433OJcOZz
— Dubai Basketball (@dubaibasket) April 13, 2026
Immediate challenges ahead
Sekulić will waste no time getting acquainted with his new environment. His debut on the Dubai Basketball bench is scheduled for the final round of the EuroLeague regular season against Valencia Basket – a potentially season-defining matchup given the team’s playoff aspirations.
The coaching change comes at a pivotal moment for Dubai Basketball, who find themselves in a precarious position regarding EuroLeague playoff qualification. With limited games remaining in the regular season, Sekulić must quickly implement his system and motivate his players to secure the results needed for postseason basketball.
The mutual agreement to part ways with Golemac suggests both parties recognized the need for a fresh approach during this critical period. Now, Dubai Basketball will look to Sekulić’s international experience and proven track record to guide them through the remaining challenges of the EuroLeague campaign and potentially into the playoffs.
Sylvain Sultat follows the NBA on a daily basis, covering individual performances, team dynamics, and the league's greatest stories. On Be-Basketball, he breaks down the latest American basketball news with passion and consistency, always on the lookout for the trends shaping the world of basketball.
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