In the annals of European basketball, few names resonate with the intellectual depth and sheer audacity of Bogdan Tanjevic. From his home in Trieste, with the comforting presence of his granddaughter, the man who uniquely coached four national teams reflects on a career defined by bold decisions, a profound understanding of human nature, and an unwavering commitment to team unity. Tanjevic, the last coach to lead Italy to EuroBasket gold in 1999, offers a rare glimpse into the mind of a true maestro, one who consistently defied expectations and reshaped the landscape of Italian basketball.
The Unconventional Path to Gold: EuroBasket 1999
The story of Italy`s 1999 EuroBasket triumph is, by Tanjevic`s own admission, an improbable tale. It began not with universal acclaim, but with a controversial decision that sent ripples of skepticism through the basketball community: the exclusion of Gianmarco Pozzecco. At the time, Pozzecco was the undisputed star of Serie A, having just led Varese to an unexpected league title. His exclusion was, to put it mildly, a scandal in waiting.
“My decision to exclude Poz was a minor scandal,” Tanjevic recalls. “He was the absolute protagonist of Serie A, the star of Varese… He was a player I liked: courageous, fast; his technical diversity captivated me. But he was not the playmaker that team needed to control the flow of things on the court. For him, another type of game was required; I would have had to remake the team in his image. And it wouldn`t have worked.”
This pragmatic, almost brutally honest assessment underscored Tanjevic`s core coaching philosophy: the collective superseded the individual. He wasn`t afraid to make unpopular choices if they served the greater good of the team. This philosophy was perhaps best encapsulated by his insistence on players taking a “discount on their ego” – a crucial negotiation to achieve a symphony of twelve individuals working in harmony. Even a formidable talent like Myers was tasked with defensive duties, a testament to Tanjevic`s demand for complete players.
From Doubt to Dominance: Forging Resilience
The initial phase of the tournament did little to quell the doubts. Italy lost a seemingly won game against Croatia and was later outplayed by a formidable Lithuania. Success, at that point, felt like a distant dream. Yet, it was precisely this crucible of adversity that forged the team`s spirit. “From the quarterfinals against Russia onwards, everything went well for us, the team united,” Tanjevic explains. They defeated powerhouse Yugoslavia and then Spain in the final, playing with a newfound tranquility, unburdened by earlier doubts.
Tanjevic`s legacy from that era wasn`t just a gold medal; it was a psychological shift. His teams learned not to fear the formidable Yugoslavian (and later Serbian) basketball lineage, boasting an impressive eight wins in nine games against them over four years. This instillation of self-belief, often against superior individual talent, became a hallmark of his coaching.
The Intellectual on the Bench: Beyond X`s and O`s
Tanjevic is often described as an “intellectual of the bench,” a label he embraces. His approach extends far beyond mere tactical prowess, drawing heavily from his love for literature and continuous study. He believes this intellectual curiosity is vital when leading a group of individuals on a demanding journey.
“It`s a matter of entering other people`s lives: if you can think like the other, understand their desires, needs, and fears, then you can lighten their load, taking their fears upon your shoulders,” he posits. “Encouragement becomes more natural when you know many lives and many destinies. Everything starts from sincerity.”
This deep empathy allowed him to connect with players on a profoundly human level, fostering trust and encouraging them to take ownership of their performance. His famous directive, “Don`t hide behind me,” perfectly encapsulated this ethos. He disallowed newspapers, shielding his players from external pressures, and empowered them to act decisively on the court: “Shoot. There`s nothing to wait for. Just shoot.”
Giants Coached and Bonds Forged
Over his illustrious career, Tanjevic has encountered a multitude of “great men and great players.” He proudly recounts coaching Dino Meneghin for three years, describing it as an immense honor. His admiration for Meneghin`s character, modesty, and honesty is palpable, even suggesting he`d make a “fantastic President of the Republic.”
Even his initially tumultuous relationship with Gianmarco Pozzecco has evolved into one of mutual respect and affection. Tanjevic was among the first to call Pozzecco when he began coaching, playfully advising him to “do the exact opposite of what you thought.” Their encounters are now filled with “kisses and hugs,” a testament to the passage of time and the wisdom gained.
His early career in Italy, from Caserta to Stefanel Milano and Trieste, was fueled by a lifelong dream to replicate the “miracle” he achieved with Bosna Sarajevo – winning titles with unknown players. He came remarkably close in Italy, lamenting that another year or two with Milano could have led to a Champions Cup victory. He famously called major confrontations “Omaha Beach,” viewing them as vital landings in enemy territory.
Looking to the Future: A New Generation
Even today, Tanjevic keeps a keen eye on the Italian national team. He appreciates the emergence of new faces in important roles. While acknowledging the unfortunate absence of a fully fit Tonut, he sees promise in young talents like Niang, who he believes will become a “special player,” and Diouf, a “good big man” who already demonstrates importance, ensuring the team retains crucial “stature.”
Bogdan Tanjevic`s journey is a compelling narrative of a coach who was never content with the conventional. His willingness to make tough calls, his intellectual curiosity, and his profound understanding of team dynamics continue to inspire. He didn`t just coach basketball; he shaped characters, built resilience, and left an indelible mark on the sport, proving that sometimes, the most effective playbook is one written not on paper, but in the hearts and minds of the players themselves.
Gilbert Pendleton