Defeats to Albania and Slovakia raise alarm in Kosovo basketball, changes needed • KosovaPress

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Defeats to Albania and Slovakia raise alarm in Kosovo basketball, changes needed

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Kosovo’s national basketball team has concluded the pre-qualifying phase for the FIBA EuroBasket 2029 with two defeats against Albania (82:89) and Slovakia (86:83), results that have raised concerns about the team’s form, organization and the development of domestic basketball.

Speaking on SportCast, President of the Kosovo Basketball Federation, Arben Fetahu, said that these results should serve as a signal for a process of rebuilding the national team.

“These last two defeats have, in reality, opened the door for us and served as a wake-up call, showing that we cannot continue with players who are truly established and quality players, but who cannot be counted on for much longer. So, what awaits us immediately—and this was also one of the decisions made yesterday, as well as discussions I have had with the coach, the director of the national teams, and the captain—we have talked in recent days about the need for a rebuilding process. As painful as it is, because it has truly been painful, we are fortunate that we do not have any national team activity for another year, until July 2027. So, we have enough time to monitor these boys and girls we have who are 16, 17 and 18 years old and carry out the rebuilding process with the greatest possible urgency,” Fetahu said.

Former basketball player and former Trepca coach Naim Hajrizi believes that the recent problems are the result of a misguided approach to the development of domestic basketball, criticizing the insufficient playing time given to young Kosovo players at local clubs.

According to him, Kosovo’s clubs have highly qualified coaches, but their potential should be utilized more to develop young talent.

The former Trepca coach warned that if this model continues, the consequences could be felt not only by the national team but also by Kosovo’s clubs.

The defeats against Albania and Slovakia have once again highlighted the need for a longer-term strategy in Kosovo basketball, with a focus on developing local talent and creating a more sustainable foundation for the national team.

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