Belgrade, Serbia mourns the loss of esteemed Golden State Warriors assistant coach, Dejan Milojević, renowned for his mentorship of two-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokić. The beloved coach was laid to rest on a sorrowful day at a Belgrade cemetery, where hundreds of mourners gathered to pay their respects. The attendance included the Warriors’ head coach Steve Kerr, general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr., assistant coaches Chris DeMarco and Ron Adams, basketball operations consultant Zaza Pachulia, and trainer Rick Celebrini. The poignant ceremony was marked by former Serbian teammates carrying a flower-draped casket, as they bid farewell to a truly remarkable individual. Milojević’s passing on January 17th, after suffering a heart attack during a private team dinner in Salt Lake City, Utah, has left an indelible impact on the basketball community, both in the United States and his homeland of Serbia.
Dejan Milojević’s influence extended far beyond his coaching role. As a respected figure within Serbian basketball, he was celebrated not only for his skill as a player but also for his character as a man. Partizan Belgrade and various clubs in Serbia, Montenegro, Turkey, and Spain witnessed the blossoming talent of Milojević before he transitioned into coaching. His exceptional achievements as an athlete amassed him tremendous respect and adoration from the Serbian Basketball Federation and fans across the nation. Predrag Danilović, President of the Serbian Basketball Federation, emphasized the immense respect and love everyone had for Milojević, describing him as a person without a single flaw. Marko Kešelj, an official from Serbia’s Ministry of Sports and a former basketball player himself, spoke of the impact Milojević had on his fellow athletes. Kešelj highlighted his positive energy, which motivated people to strive for excellence and become better players and individuals.
During his tenure with the Golden State Warriors and previous coaching stints in Serbia and Montenegro, Dejan Milojević showcased his remarkable ability to guide and inspire young talent. Known for his close relationship with Nikola Jokić, he also worked closely with other promising players such as Ivica Zubac, Goga Bitadze, and Boban Marjanović. Milojević’s mentorship extended beyond technical proficiency on the court; he nurtured a holistic approach, encouraging his mentees to grow as individuals. His positive energy and leadership qualities instilled a sense of motivation and determination in those around him, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of those fortunate enough to work with him.
Dejan Milojević’s personal achievements as a player were exemplary. Notably, he secured three consecutive MVP awards in the Adriatic League, a competition encompassing teams from former Yugoslavia, during his peak playing years between 2004 and 2006. Standing at 6-foot-7 and weighing 240 pounds, Milojević’s dominance as a power forward garnered him well-deserved accolades. Furthermore, he played an instrumental role in shaping the career of future NBA star Nikola Jokić, who himself became the Adriatic League MVP in 2015. Milojević’s contributions to the game were not limited to the court. Through his summer league assistant-coaching positions with the Atlanta Hawks, San Antonio Spurs, and Houston Rockets, he gained valuable NBA experience, further solidifying his reputation as a skilled coach and mentor.
Dejan Milojević may be gone, but the impact he has left on the basketball world will endure. His legacy as a leader, mentor, and friend will continue to inspire future generations. His untimely passing has brought immense sadness, not only to the Golden State Warriors organization but also to the broader basketball community, who recognize his significant contributions to the game. As we honor his memory, let us remember the positive energy, motivation, and guidance that he imparted to those around him. Dejan Milojević will forever be cherished as a remarkable individual who personified the essence of basketball and touched countless lives with his remarkable character and undeniable passion for the game. He leaves behind his beloved wife Nataša and their children, Nikola and Maša, as a reminder of the profound impact he had both on and off the court.
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