Ivan Simić will continue as head coach of ŽKK Orlovi for the upcoming season. The Serbian coach has reached an agreement with the management of the Banja Luka-based club and is already working on assembling the team that will once again compete in both the WABA League and the Bosnia and Herzegovina League.
Preparations are set to begin on August 18, with the squad expected to undergo some roster changes.
Safiya Lee, Sierra Carter, and Danijela Mitrović will no longer wear the Orlovi jersey.
“We’ve agreed to continue our cooperation and signed a new contract. Right now, we’re focused on forming the team. Two American players from last season have left, as well as Danijela Mitrović. She expressed her desire to continue her career elsewhere after four seasons with Orlovi, which I fully understand. I wish her all the best. It was an honor to work with her—she gave her last ounce of strength for this club, even playing while injured,” Simić told Glas Srpske.
The reigning BiH champions and winners of the BiH and Republika Srpska Cups have added Ivona Krakić, Taylor Edwards, Tanja Gordon, and Amna Isaković to their squad.
“We’ve retained the core from last season and are building the new team around them. We’ve brought in four reinforcements that I believe will bring energy and stability to our game. Young talent Amna joined us from Čelik, and we expect a bright future for her. We also signed Edwards from Kraljevo. When we heard she was available, we reacted quickly—she was our top choice. We’re also looking to bring in one more center, but we’re not rushing and are monitoring the market,” Simić added.
Orlovi went undefeated in both the past and the previous domestic seasons and aim to continue their streak.
“It won’t be easy, because now every club wants to beat us and end our winning run. Other teams have strengthened as well, and the league will be more competitive. It’s easier to reach the top than to stay there. Our task is to prepare as best we can and believe we’re the best. At the same time, we must respect every team—but respect ourselves more—without becoming arrogant. I hope we can win the title once again without a single loss and achieve a historic success rarely seen in the basketball world,” Simić concluded.
WABA League
The WABA League will feature eight clubs next season. Orlovi have twice reached the Final Four but missed out last season.
“The competition format will remain the same. Seven participants are already confirmed, while the eighth will be announced on September 1. Rilski has replaced Beroe, who will play in the EuroCup, and Trešnjevka is no longer in the league,” Simić explained.
Source: Glas Srpske
