KK Union Olimpija - History

History

In the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana, green and white are the colours of Union Olimpija, a club that has become known as something of a talent farm. Olimpija basketball club, was founded in 1946 as a section of the Svoboda Physical Culture Society. The first basketball game was played the same year against Udarnik and Olimpija came out on top with the score of 37-14. Late in 1946, the club was renamed Enotnost and was known by that name until 1954 when it assumed the name ASK Olimpia.

Since 1997, the club has been called by it current name, Union Olimpija. Olimpija conquered its first YUBA Liga title of then Yugoslavia in 1957. In one of the world's best emerging leagues, Olimpija went on to dominate the next 15 years, winning the Yugoslav title five more times, in 1959, 1961, 1962, 1966 and 1970. A new era for the club began with Slovenia's independence, when dominance took on another meaning, namely 10 consecutive years of winning both the league and cup trophies in Slovenia.

On the international stage, 1993–94 was the club's best season as they took home the European Cup against the Spanish ACB League club Tau Ceramica under the direction of coach Zmago Sagadin. In 2001–02, the Slovenian team won the small triple crown, taking the Slovenian League championship, Slovenian Cup, and the Adriatic League. The club added to its trophy collection in 2002–03, winning the Slovenian Cup.

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