LJUBLJANA (Slovenia) - Slovenia have remained one of Europe's finest teams since Aleksander Sekulic took the helm in November of 2020.
The veteran will retain the reins of the national team until 2027, the country's basketball federation has announced.
The new deal means that Sekulic will lead the team if it qualifies for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 in Qatar. He most recently was at the helm of the team in the opening two games of the European Qualifiers.
''I accept the decision of the Executive Board of the Basketball Association of Slovenia with great respect and responsibility," said Sekulic, who also coaches Zenit Saint Petersburg.
"Continuing to work as the head coach of the Slovenian men's national team is a great honor for me, but at the same time a clear commitment to basketball, the players and the country we represent. I would like to thank all the players, the professional staff and the national team colleagues for their cooperation so far."
Sekulic has been with Slovenia when they reached their greatest moments in basketball. At EuroBasket 2017, he was an assistant coach to Igor Kokoskov when Slovenia won the title.
His finest moment as head coach came early, in 2021, when the team caught fire and won the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Kaunas.
That ensured Slovenia would make its bow at the Olympic Games, in Tokyo.
Luka Doncic had one of the most dominating performances in international basketball history and was the MVP in Kaunas.
He continued to play at a high level with Sekulic calling the shots in Tokyo.
At the Olympics in Japan, Slovenia almost reached the Final but lost by a single point after France's Nicolas Batum blocked a layup by Klemen Prepelic at the buzzer. The Slovenians then fell to Australia in the Bronze Medal Game.
At FIBA EuroBasket 2022, it seemed that Slovenia might defend their title in Germany but the team was upset in the Quarter-Finals by Poland.
Slovenia reached the Quarter-Finals of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 under Sekulic but fell to Canada in the Quarter-Finals.
At the 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Piraeus, Slovenia weren't at their best and lost in the Semi-Finals, while Sekulic's steady hand helped the national team navigate difficult terrain at FIBA EuroBasket 2025. Eventual champions Germany defeated them in the Quarter-Finals.
I BELIEVE IN THIS GROUP OF PLAYERS AND THE DIRECTION WE ARE GOING
With Doncic among the best players in the world, Sekulic and Slovenia will be dangerous in Qatar but first, they must qualify.
"Together we have achieved some important things, but at the same time we are well aware of where there are still reserves and where we need to take a step forward," Sekulic said. "Our goal remains clear. To build a competitive, cohesive and stable national team that will represent Slovenia with character, discipline and pride.
"The challenges ahead are demanding and unpredictable. But I believe in this group of players and the direction we are going. I will continue to do my job with all my energy, responsibility and respect for the rich Slovenian basketball tradition.''
The team will go into the second window of the European Qualifiers at the end of next month with a 1-1 record in Group H. Slovenia host Czechia on February 27 and then play at the Czechs on March 1. Czechia top the group with 2 wins.
FIBA