 Sagadin in 2006 | |
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1 November 1952 Celje, PR Slovenia, FPR Yugoslavia |
| Nationality | Slovenian |
| Listed height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
| Listed weight | 195 lb (88 kg) |
| Career information | |
| Playing career | 1974–present |
| Career history | |
| 1974–1981 | Libela Celje |
| 1981–1985 | Maribor |
| 1985–1994 | Smelt Olimpija |
| 1995–1996 | KK Split (Croatia Osiguranje) |
| 1996–2002 | Union Olimpija |
| 2002–2004 | Crvena zvezda |
| 2005–2006 | Union Olimpija |
| 2006–2007 | Lietuvos rytas |
| 2008 | Anwil Włocławek |
| 2009–2010 | Zadar |
| 2011–2014 | Helios Domžale |
| 2014 | MZT Skopje |
Zmago Sagadin (/sɑːˈɡɑːdɪn/; born 1 November 1952 in Celje) is widely considered as the most successful Slovenian and top European basketball coach with 25 championship titles both on a national and international level,[1] recognized 9 times as Slovenian Top Coach of the Year[2] and recipient of many other honorary awards.
Zmago is known for his outstanding work with young players, which resulted in 11 of his players to move on to compete in NBA – developing more NBA players than any other coach in Europe – and helped numerous others to achieve the highest European level.
Zmago last worked as head coach of MZT Skopje in 2014/2015 season, but has been active as a sports commentator, basketball strategy consultant and mentor. From 2011 to 2014, Sagadin was head of staff at KK Helios Domžale, where he formed a center for development of young basketball talents, including Klemen Prepelič, Gregor Hrovat, Blaž Mahkovic and Matic Rebec.
Sagadin is known for his development of players who compete internationally and in NBA.[3] Success of Union Olimpija Ljubljana (formerly Smelt Olimpija), during his time coaching the team, contributed to establishing basketball as part of Slovenian sport culture and recognition of Union Olimpija as a reputable European club.
Zmago is also the founder of Slovenia's first national basketball team and co-founder of the Adriatic Basketball League,[4] author of basketball-related articles,[5] served eight years as a President of Slovenian Basketball Coaches Association, and lectures for KZS, FIBA and ULEB-organized seminars and clinics.
