KB Trepça

Basketball team in Mitrovicë, Kosovo
   PresidentVullnet SefajaHead coachAdis BećiragićTeam captainValdrin HaxhiuChampionships4 National Leagues
7 National Cups
2 National Supercups
1 Liga UnikeWebsiteOfficial website
Home jersey
Team colours
Team colours
Home
Away jersey
Team colours
Team colours
Away

Klubi i Basketbollit Trepça is a professional basketball club based in Mitrovicë, Kosovo. The club competes domestically in the Kosovo Basketball Superleague and Kosovo Cup and internationally in the Fiba Europe Cup. Trepça is one of the most successful clubs in Kosovo, Trepça has won 4 National Championships, 7 Kosovo Basketball Cups, 2 Kosovo Supercups, 1 Liga Unike and 1 Liga Unike Supercup.

History

Early years and successes in Yugoslavia (1940–1992)

The origins of Trepça can be traced back to the 1940s when basketball started gaining popularity in Mitrovica. However, it wasn't until 1947 that the club was officially established. Initially, KB Trepça competed in local leagues and tournaments, gradually developing its reputation as a competitive team.

In the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, Trepça experienced its golden era. The club achieved numerous successes. Trepça won several regional titles and made their debut in the First B Federal Basketball League, the country's second-tier basketball competition, in the 1980's.[1][2] The team consistently performed well and became known for its strong roster of talented players like Ferit Zekolli, Blerim Vuniqi, Vesko Pajović, Naim Hajrizi, Nusret Qubreli or George Dikeoulakos, and skilled coaching staff. In 1982–83, Trepça reached the eightfinals of the Yugoslav Basketball Cup but lost against Borac Çaçak 85–91. In 1988–1989, Trepça once again reached the eightfinals but lost against Red Star Belgrade.[3]

Following the dissolution of Yugoslavia in the early 1990s and the subsequent conflicts in the Balkans, Kosovo went through a turbulent period. KB Trepça, like many other institutions in the region, faced significant challenges and disruptions. The club's activities were severely impacted, and it took several years for basketball to regain stability in Kosovo.

Establishment of the Kosovo Basketball Federation (1992–1999)

With the establishment of the Kosovo Basketball Federation in 1992, KB Trepça started competing in the Kosovo Basketball Superleague. KB Trepça won their first league title in the 1992/1993 season against KB Peja.[4] The following year, Trepça reached the final once again but lost against Peja.

Years of dominance (1999–2002)

Trepça won the Kosovo Basketball Superleague in 2000 and 2001.[5] Furthermore, Trepça won the Kosovo Cup in 1999. The coach was Ahmet Behrami and notable players during this period were Ilir Selmani, Naim Hajrizi, Brahim Veseli, Artan Mehmeti, Eroll Pepiqi, Besim Braha, Fikret Hanxhiq, Edmond Raqa and many others.[6] In the 2002 season Trepça lost the final against KB Prishtina.

New successes and rivalries (2002–2012)

Trepça continued to be one of the dominant forces in Kosovan basketball by always reaching the play-offs and by winning the Kosovo Cup in 2004 with notable players like Igor Miličić, Haashim Simmons, Ylber Jusufi, Besim Braha, Fikret Hanxhiq, Ilir Selmani, Naim Haxha, Brahim Veseli etc. Trepça lost the finals in 2007 and 2010 against KB Prishtina. The 2010–11 season was a special season for Trepça where they played two local derbies against KB Mitrovica and KB Bambi who both were from Mitrovica.[7] The following season Trepça won the Superleague 3-2 against Prishtina in the finals. In addition to that Trepça won the Kosovo Cup the same year. The roster was made by players like Jaleel Nelson, Drilon Hajrizi, Gazmend Asllani, Besnik Azemi, Fikret Hanxhiq, Arian Tahiri, Valdrin Haxhiu, Imer Tahiri, Emir Zimic and Luard Halili.[8] Drilon Hajrizi became the MVP of 2011–12 Superleague season.[9] During this period and especially after the 2012 finals the rivalry with Prishtina intensified.

Trepça's debut in a European competition and struggle for the play-offs in the Superleague (2012–2019)

From 2012 to 2019 Trepça constantly placed 4th or 5th fighting for the play-offs in the Superleague. In 2014, 2016 and 2017 they reached the semi-finals but did not manage to go further. In 2016, Trepça made their debut in the Balkan International Basketball League where they won against Karpoš Sokoli, Feni Industries and Sutjeska.[10] Nevertheless, they finished 5th not making into the play-offs.

Downfall and revival (2019–2022)

In the 2019-20 Superleague season Trepça almost relegated after finishing 7th for the first time in their history.[11] Trepça won against AS Prishtina in the play-out. The following season Trepça once again placed 7th. This time they faced KB Istogu in the play-out winning 193-155 in aggregate.[12] Notable players were Drilon Hajrizi, Burim Zekiqi, Dino Butorac, Valdrin Haxhiu and Stavros Toutziarakis. Trepça started a reorganization in 2021 by signing several players like Andrew Gordon, Samir Zekiqi and Amin Hot. The new coach was Lumbomir Minchev.[13] Trepça won the Kosovo Cup in 2022 after one decade by beating KB Bashkimi 76-62 in the final.[14] On 3 March 2022 they signed former NBA-player Rodney Purvis who later became a key player. Trepça reached the final in the 2021-22 Superleague season but failed to win against Ylli.

Supporters & Rivalries

The main supporters of Trepça are Torcida Mitrovicë. Founded in 1984, they are the oldest ethnic Albanian ultras.[15]

Sigal Prishtina

One of the most notable rivalries for Trepça is with Sigal Prishtina, another basketball club from Kosovo. Matches between Trepça and Sigal Prishtina often generate a lot of excitement and anticipation among fans. These two teams have a long-standing rivalry, and their matches are highly competitive and intense. The rivalry was the reason for several incidents between Trepça's supporters' group Torcida 1984 and Prishtina's supporters' group Plisat including violence and hooliganism.[16][17]

KB Peja

Another significant rivalry for Trepça is with KB Peja, another prominent basketball club from Kosovo. Matches between Trepça and Peja have historically been fierce and have attracted a lot of attention from fans. Both teams have had successful seasons and have often been in direct competition for titles and championships.

Arena

KB Trepça vs. KB Peja, Kosovo Basketball Superleague regular season game.
KB Trepça kampione e kupës Mbarëkombëtare. 2022 Mitrovicë

The club plays in the sport center Salla e sporteve Minatori, in the center of Mitrovica, with a capacity for around 3,500 spectators.[18] The average attendance was 3,400 during the playoff of the 2022–23 Kosovo Basketball Superleague being the highest average attendance in the Kosovo Basketball Superleague.[19]

European record

Season Competition Round Club Home Away
2022-2023 FIBA Europe Cup Germany BG Göttingen 62–76
2023-24 FIBA Europe Cup Qualifying round Iceland Tindastóll 77–69
Estonia Pärnu Sadam 77–67
Regular season Netherlands Leiden 54–84 76–80
France Gravelines-Dunkerque 76–68 49–83

European Cups

Season Group Competion Stage Position
2016-2017
B
 BIBL
5th

1.^ KB Trepça lost the game on forfeit (against KB Peja) after the game was abandoned in the third period due to riots from the home fans, which injured one of the referees and one of KB Peja's players.[20]

Players

Current roster

KB Trepça roster
Players Coaches
Pos. No. Nat. Name Ht. Wt. Age
G/F 0 United States Bracy-Davis, Kevin 2.01 m (6 ft 7 in) 95 kg (209 lb) 29 – (1995-01-23)23 January 1995
C 1 Kosovo Haliti, Venis 1.98 m (6 ft 6 in) 80 kg (176 lb) 15 – (2008-07-15)15 July 2008
G 3 United States Edge, Darnell 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in) 84 kg (185 lb) 26 – (1997-08-12)12 August 1997
SG 6 Kosovo Haxhiu, Valdrin (C) 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in) 100 kg (220 lb) 35 – (1988-10-10)10 October 1988
G/F 7 Kosovo Montenegro Tmušić, Mikaile 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in) 90 kg (198 lb) 31 – (1993-01-06)6 January 1993
PF/C 9 United States Upson, Devonte 2.06 m (6 ft 9 in) 93 kg (205 lb) 31 – (1993-03-23)23 March 1993
G/F 12 Kosovo Hajrizi, Drilon 2.01 m (6 ft 7 in) 108 kg (238 lb) 33 – (1991-01-17)17 January 1991
G 13 United States Capers, Kevin 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in) 77 kg (170 lb) 30 – (1993-05-02)2 May 1993
G 18 Kosovo Montenegro Hot, Amin 1.92 m (6 ft 4 in) 88 kg (194 lb) 31 – (1993-03-27)27 March 1993
SF 28 Kosovo Kastrati, Erjon 1.98 m (6 ft 6 in) 91 kg (201 lb) 29 – (1994-12-30)30 December 1994
C 32 Canada Tshimanga, Jordy 2.13 m (7 ft 0 in) 122 kg (269 lb) 27 – (1996-11-04)4 November 1996
PF 33 United States Edwards, Brandon 1.98 m (6 ft 6 in) 102 kg (225 lb) 30 – (1993-09-13)13 September 1993
C 35 Kosovo Kapiti, Dardan 2.08 m (6 ft 10 in) 95 kg (209 lb) 24 – (2000-03-22)22 March 2000
Head coach
Assistant coach(es)
  • Kosovo Petrit Zeqiri
  • Kosovo Brahim Veseli
Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • Injured Injured

Depth chart

Pos. Starting 5 Bench 1 Bench 2
C Jordy Tshimanga Dardan Kapiti Venis Haliti
PF Devonte Upson Brandon Edwards
SF Drilon Hajrizi Kevin Bracy-Davis
SG Mikaile Tmušić Erjon Kastrati Valdrin Haxhiu
PG Darnell Edge Kevin Capers Amin Hot

Honors and titles

Domestic

Kosovo Superleague

  • Winners (4): 1992-1993, 1999-2000, 2000-2001, 2011-2012
  • Runners-up (6): 1993-1994, 2001-2002, 2006-2007, 2009-2010, 2021-2022, 2022-2023

Kosovo Cup

  • Winners (7): 1993, 2000, 2004, 2012, 2022, 2023, 2024
  • Runners-up (2): 2005, 2010

Kosovo Supercup

  • Winners (2): 2002, 2023
  • Runners-up (2): 2021, 2022

Regional

Liga Unike

Liga Unike Supercup

  • Winners (1): 2022

Season by Season

KB Trepça (2015–2024)

Seasons Division Pos. Play Offs Kosovo Cup Liga Unike Kosovo Supercup European competitions
2015-16 1 4th Semifinals Quarterfinals — — —
2016-17 1 4th Semifinals Semifinals Balkan League
2017-18 1 5th — Quarterfinals —
2018-19 1 5th Quarterfinals Quarterfinals
2019-20 1 7th Postponed —
2020-21 1 7th Relegation Quarterfinals
2021-22 1 2nd Runner-Up Champion - Runner-Up
2022–23 1 4th Runner-up Champion Postponed Runner-up FIBA Europe Cup QF
2023–24 1 1st TBD Champion Champion Champion FIBA Europe Cup RS

Notable players

Note: Flags indicate national team eligibility at FIBA-sanctioned events. Players may hold other non-FIBA nationality not displayed.

Criteria

To appear in this section a player must have either:

  • Set a club record or won an individual award while at the club
  • Played at least one official international match for their national team at any time
  • Played at least one official NBA match at any time.

Coaching history

Coach Years active
Kosovo Ahmet Behrami 1999–2001
Bosnia and Herzegovina Senad Spuzanin 2001–2003
Croatia Čedomir Perinčić 2003–2004
Kosovo Ahmet Behrami 2004–2006
Kosovo Naim Hajrizi 2006–2008
Bosnia and Herzegovina Aleksander Sarkanj 2008–2009
North Macedonia Saša Katalinić 2009–2010
Kosovo Ilir Selmani 2011–2012
Croatia Neven Plantak 2012–2013
Finland Mika Turunen 2013
North Macedonia Panče Milevski 2013
Spain Israel Martín 2013–2014
Kosovo Izet Tahiri 2014–2015
Croatia Neven Plantak 2015–2016
Greece Dimitris Papadopoulos 2016–2017
Kosovo Ilir Selmani 2017–2019
Turkey Serhat Sehit 2020–2021
Bulgaria Lyubomir Minchev 2021–2022
North Macedonia Aleksandar Jončevski 2022–2023
Turkey Engin Gençoglu 2023
Bosnia and HerzegovinaTurkey Adis Bećiragić 2023–present

See also

References

  1. ^ "Ekipa e KB Trepçes, që kishte arritur të siguronte ligën e parë,B-në ish-Jugosllavi,në vitin 1984" (in Albanian). Mitrosport. 23 July 2019. Retrieved 23 January 2024.
  2. ^ "Historiku". FBK (in Albanian). Retrieved 24 January 2024.
  3. ^ "Bnl viewer". istorijskenovine.unilib.rs (in Serbian). Retrieved 21 April 2024.
  4. ^ "Trepça-Peja Historia e finaleve 1993, 1994, 2000 dhe sivjet" (in Albanian). asistionline.com. 8 May 2023. Retrieved 23 January 2024.
  5. ^ "Kampionët e Kosovës ndër vite". Kosovo Basketball Federation. 11 May 2021.
  6. ^ "Torcida e Plisat kur festonin bashke! -Basket Trepça - Prishtina (Sezona 1999/2000)". Kosova Arkiv. 22 March 2019.
  7. ^ "Superliga (2010-2011)". Eurobasket.com. 1 September 2023.
  8. ^ "Superliga 2011-2012". 1 September 2023.
  9. ^ "Drilon Hajrizi, basketbollisti i vitit 2012". Telegrafi (in Albanian). May 2012. Retrieved 2 February 2024.
  10. ^ "KB Trepca calendar 2016-2017". balkanleague.net. 9 September 2023.
  11. ^ "PËR HERË TË PARË NË HISTORI TË KLUBIT, TREPÇA I'A BËN SEFTE PLAY OUT-IT". 25 May 2020.
  12. ^ "TREPÇA MBETET NË SUPERLIGË, MPOSHT EDHE NË SFIDËN E DYTË TË "PLAY-OUT"-IT ISTOGUN". 29 April 2021.
  13. ^ "PAK LËVIZJE ZYRTARE NË KLUBET KOSOVARE, TREPÇA E YLLI SKUADRAT MË AKTIVE!". 16 July 2021.
  14. ^ "Pas një dekade, Drilon Hajrizi i sjell Trepçës Kupën e Kosovës". 13 February 2022.
  15. ^ "Torcida kujton sukseset e Trepçës". Bota Sot. 8 May 2020.
  16. ^ "4 policë të lënduar nga incidenti në ndeshjen Prishtina–Trepça". RTV21. 11 December 2022.
  17. ^ "Torcida vs. Plisat-Basketball Fight". YouTube. 26 April 2010.
  18. ^ "Spiel Zusammenfassung Trepça-Peja Finalrunde". flashscore.de. 3 May 2023.
  19. ^ "FBK boton shikueshmërinë nëpër palestra, Trepça më e shikuara!". 30 May 2023.
  20. ^ "The game KB Trepca - KB Peja is suspended, the visitors win it 20-0". Balkan International Basketball League. 11 January 2017.

External links

  • KB Trepça - Profile Eurobasket.com
  • KB Trepça Official Facebook
  • Official website (in Albanian)
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Kosovo Basketball Superleague
Seasons
2023–24 teams