Milan Vranjkovic is synonymous with the basketball world. He has had a successful and illustrious career spanning more than 30 years.

 

Born in Split, the accomplished basketball star has played for some of the world’s premier basketball clubs.

 

His talent for the sport was noticed at an early age. He possessed great court vision, superior ball-handling skills and an accurate shooting ability.

 

Apart from being an offensive threat, he excelled in defence, forcing his opponents to work extra hard in their offence.

 

By the age of 13, he was spotted by KK Jugoplastika Split, with whom he played in the junior divisions.

 

That early success bred further success, when he joined powerhouse club KK Partizan Belgrade. This coincided with his inclusion in the under-18 Serbia and Montenegro side.

 

Due to sanctions imposed on the country, the national side was barred from competing in international tournaments.

 

Undeterred, Milan concentrated on his career. Initially a member of KK Partizan’s under-18 side, he catapulted into the senior side, playing his first official senior game on his 18th birthday in the Serbia Cup. The point guards on the national team comprised of Milan Vranjkovic (KK Partizan), Srdjan Jojanovic (KK Crvena Zvedza) and Dragan Lukovski (KK Spartak Subotica).

 

The then KK Partizan side featured a host of renowned players, such as point guard Milan Vranjkovic, guard Vladimir Petrovic, forwards Nenad Canak, Aleksandar Glintic and Radoslav Nesterovic, and centre Predrag Drobnjak. They were given their first professional contract to sign.

 

Although his career appeared promising, the advent of the war in the Balkans redirected Milan’s journey elsewhere. In 1993, Milan and his family decided to embark on a better life by emigrating to Australia.

 

In 1994, Milan trialed with the Newcastle Falcons in the National Basketball League (NBL), which is Australia’s premier basketball competition. The club at that time was coached by Tom Wiseman.

 

Milan succeeded in joining the roster, however, he was unable to play due to the competition rules concerning imported players; only two were allowed to play for each club.

 

The Falcons already two American nationals, Butch Hays (who played Milan’s position of point guard) and 7 footer Smith.

 

Coach Wiseman was largely impressed by Milan’s skill set and potential. He therefore arranged a fully paid scholarship for Milan to attend University of Florida, in order to play for their basketball team, the Florida Gators, in the NCAA (Division 1).

 

Due to Milan not being fluent in the English language, he decided not to pursue that avenue and instead, joined the Parramatta Wildcats in the NSW Basketball League, Australia’s second-tier professional competition.

 

Milan’s foray into Australian basketball saw him win the NSW Championship with the Wildcats. He subsequently played for the Cairns Marlins, and resumed his European career with Radnicki, Serbia, followed by clubs in Greece, England, Germany, and Holland.

 

Milan’s professional career ended whilst playing in Holland, when he sustained an injury in the 2002 / 2003 season.

 

Fast forward to the present, Milan has established the Euro Basket Academy. His goal is to instill the next generation of up-and-coming basketball stars with the very skills and knowledge he attained throughout his career, so they can pursue theirs and excel at the highest level.

 

Milan’s passion when it comes basketball is second-to-none, and his Euro Basket Academy is highly recommended for anyone wanting to take up the sport and to further their skills and abilities.

 

Having played professionally and being mentored by some of the best coaches, Milan has the skills and background to now offer his expertise to the next generation of basketballers. If want to develop your game, then why not give Milan’s Euro Basket Academy a go. You’ll love it! Please refer to the below details.

 

See you on the court!