Drijencic Back on the Baskets Bank: Can he conquer Chemnitz?

Drijencic Back on the Baskets Bank: Can he conquer Chemnitz?

Chemnitz, Deutschland - Mladen Drijencic is facing an exciting comeback on Sunday! The 59-year-old coach returns to the Bundesliga with the EWE Baskets Oldenburg and meets the Niners Chemnitz, a team that does not exactly give him good memories. In April 2023 he had to accept a bitter 86:10 defeat against the Saxons with Medi Bayreuth, which ultimately led to the relegation of the Upper Franconia. Now he has the chance to heal the wounds and take a fresh start with Oldenburg.

The Situation at EWE Baskets is not as dramatic as it was then. With a balance of 3: 3 wins, the Oldenburgers are in the middle of the table. Drijencic, who already coaches the team from 2015 to 2022, has his hands full after the separation of Pedro Calles. "It was exhausting days with a lot of work," he admits while trying to reconcile his ideas and the game system of his predecessor. "As a team of coaches, we rated what things we want to take with us and change," he explains.

a new approach for the baskets

Drijencic relies on flexibility and freedom for his players. "I want to show them that everyone can score," he says, emphasizing that he wants to give the players freedom in many situations. This strategy is intended to make Baskets more unpredictable and help them to break away from the rigid tactics under calles. "If the system opened, the Baskets were dangerous. But if not, Plan B was missing," said Drijencic. Now he wants every player to be a scoring option and can make his own decisions.

The tension will increase on Sunday when the jumping ball opened the game. Drijencic is certain: "The adrenaline and the old reflexes come up again." Chemnitz recently won four games in a row and is third with a record of 4: 2. A victory would not only be an optimal start for Drijencic, but also a way to pay an old bill. The fans can be excited to see whether they experience the passionate drijecic on the sidelines or whether it shows himself a little more reserved. "I believe that my condition has decreased," he laughs, "but the emotions will already compensate."