Dusan Alimpijevic: “We are aiming for the highest goals with Besiktas”

Besiktas Fibabanka’s head coach, Dusan Alimpijevic, has firmly established himself as a key figure in Turkish basketball, showcasing both his tactical acumen and leadership skills throughout the season. With Besiktas performing impressively in the Basketball Super League (BSL) and EuroCup, Alimpijevic’s insights on the team’s performance and his ambitions for the future have drawn significant attention.

Evaluating Besiktas Success Under Alimpijevic

Reflecting on the current season, Alimpijevic acknowledged the growth of the team compared to the previous year. “Last year, we were eliminated in the semi-finals of the Turkish Cup, but this season we advanced to the finals,” he said with evident pride. Besiktas performance in the BSL has also been nothing short of spectacular, with the team currently sitting in second place, despite the challenges presented by a highly competitive league featuring 20 teams. “We have five matches left, and I believe we can finish the season in the top 3. This would be a great success for both us and the club,” Alimpijevic added.

For a club like Besiktas , which operates with a relatively modest budget compared to giants like Fenerbahçe Beko and Anadolu Efes, Alimpijevic’s leadership has proven that hard work and consistency can defy expectations. His philosophy is simple but effective: “Our goal should always be the highest,” he remarked. Whether it’s competing in the EuroCup, chasing the Turkish Cup, or aiming for success in the league playoffs, Alimpijevic’s mindset is to aim for the top in every competition. “We want to be in all Final Fours. If we achieve these successes now, we will start winning trophies in the future,” he emphasized.

The EuroCup Journey: A Setback but a Learning Experience

In terms of Besiktas EuroCup journey, Alimpijevic expressed mixed feelings. “We needed to advance one or two more rounds in the EuroCup. Unfortunately, we were eliminated with the defeat we suffered in Lebanon,” he said, referring to the tough defeat that ended their European aspirations. Alimpijevic didn’t shy away from addressing some of the challenges that impacted the team’s EuroCup campaign. “We suffered unexpected defeats at home during the regular season, and this created a disadvantage in terms of fixtures,” he explained. However, despite the setback, Alimpijevic remains optimistic about the potential for growth and improvement in future European campaigns.

The Serbian head coach has always shown a level-headed approach to both victory and defeat. While acknowledging the disappointment of early elimination, he emphasized that this experience would serve as valuable learning for both him and the team. “Every setback is an opportunity to grow. We’ve learned from this and will use it to build a stronger squad for the future,” he stated.

Alimpijevic’s Admiration for the Turkish Basketball Scene

In a wide-ranging interview with A Spor, Alimpijevic also expressed his admiration for the strength of Fenerbahçe Beko and Anadolu Efes in Turkish basketball. Both teams, with their superior budgets, have been the dominant forces in recent years. “Fenerbahçe and Anadolu Efes are much superior teams in terms of budget, but budget is not everything,” Alimpijevic said. “If we work well and play consistently, we can surprise them.”

While Alimpijevic is focused on improving Besiktas standing within the league, he also has great respect for the achievements of other teams and their coaches. He paid a special tribute to Ergin Ataman, the highly successful coach of Anadolu Efes, calling him “the greatest coach of his country.” For Alimpijevic, Ataman’s success speaks volumes about his tactical expertise and leadership. “Ataman is a complete cup monster. There is no greater name for Türkiye than him,” he acknowledged, demonstrating his recognition of the work done by other coaches in the league.

The Prospect of Leading the Turkish National Team

Alimpijevic’s connection to Turkey is more than just professional; he has developed a deep understanding of the basketball environment in the country. “I know the player market and basketball environment in Turkey very well,” he said. His knowledge of the league and the talent pool available has allowed him to make informed decisions as Besiktas head coach. However, his ambitions stretch beyond club basketball, and the prospect of leading the Turkish National Team is something that deeply excites him.

“It is a great pride for every coach to manage the national team of his country. If I receive an offer from the Turkish National Team, it would be a great honor for me to work for this country,” Alimpijevic said, acknowledging the immense prestige and responsibility that comes with such a role. Given his deep ties to Turkish basketball and his achievements with Besiktas , it would not be surprising if Alimpijevic were considered a potential candidate to lead the national team in the future.

A Bright Future for Besiktas and Turkish Basketball

Looking ahead, Alimpijevic is optimistic about both Besiktas future and his own personal journey within Turkish basketball. His goal remains unchanged: to guide BBesiktas şiktaş to the very top of Turkish basketball, consistently competing in the EuroCup and league playoffs, while also striving for domestic and international trophies.

With the season winding down, Besiktas is still well-placed to finish in the top 3 of the BSL, and Alimpijevic’s belief in his team’s potential is unwavering. “We have a talented squad, and if we continue working hard and playing consistently, we can achieve great things,” he said. As Besiktas continues to challenge the established powerhouses of Turkish basketball, Alimpijevic’s leadership and vision for the future will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the club’s ongoing success.