Dubai Basketball is Here to Contribute
In late May, Dubai made its official debut on the regional basketball scene. A new, ambitious club from the United Arab Emirates joined the ABA family, led by Djordje Djokovic, who serves as the team’s executive director and vice president.
Reflecting on Dubai Basketball’s journey into the ABA League, Djordje Djokovic acknowledges the initial challenges faced in entering the European and Balkan markets. Despite skepticism, the club aims not to disrupt but enhance European basketball, believing the region could benefit from this fresh perspective.
“Our goal is to contribute to the growth of the ABA League and other leagues, if given the opportunity, by showcasing Dubai positively, attracting partners, sponsors, and investors, and ensuring all teams maintain a positive business balance,” explains Djordje Djokovic.
With official cooperation established with the ABA League, Dubai’s executive team, alongside general manager Dejan Kamenjasevic, is now focused on assembling a team that aims to be competitive not only in the Adriatic but on a broader European scale.
“Our objective is clear, but we’re mindful of taking measured steps,” Djordje notes. “While we aspire to reach the levels of established teams like Red Star Belgrade or Partizan, or the robust organization of Mega, we acknowledge this will take time.”
Dubai’s entrance into the senior league marks a significant milestone, with their junior team already participating in the U19 ABA League earlier this year. The club plans to develop youth talent in tandem with their senior team, emphasizing the importance of nurturing local talent to reduce dependence on external sources.
“The aim is to produce homegrown talent through our academy, fostering their growth with quality coaching and potentially bringing in foreign expertise to elevate their skills,” Djordje explains.
Looking beyond the Adriatic, Dubai harbors aspirations for European basketball’s pinnacle, the EuroLeague. However, Djordje stresses patience, acknowledging the complexities of this endeavor. He views the ABA League as a stepping stone to demonstrate Dubai’s capabilities, citing the league’s history of fostering talent bound for the EuroLeague and NBA.
Djordje’s passion for basketball brought him to Dubai, where he’s received support from his family, though they’re physically distant due to their respective commitments. He hopes to host his brother Novak, albeit recognizing the challenges of his schedule.
Dubai Basketball’s home games will take place at the Coca-Cola Arena, offering state-of-the-art facilities for players and fans alike. Djordje anticipates strong interest in basketball from the UAE community, signaling a promising future for the sport in the region.
