The Stars

IGOR RAKOČEVIĆ

'I came back to win trophies,' Igor Rakočević said last year returning to Red Star after one year of fighting NBA battles. He played for Minnessota Timberwolves and showed worthy of competing with the gratest masters of the game on the planet. He was not given a chance he deserves, but hopes for another one. He got his trophy last december in Novi Sad lifting Radivoj Korač Cup as a team captain.

Rakočević became a star player as a tennager, following the steps of his father Goran, an important part of the famous generation of Red Star led by Zoran Moka Slavnić and Dragan Kapičić. During the first 6 years at Red Star (1994-2000) Rakočević worked with nevertheless 11 coaches. Because of the club chaos he decided to leave for Budućnost of Podgorica where he played for two years and won titles becoming a true leader and a playmayker. 'I was looking for stability so I could improve my game. Got a lot of help from Željko Obradović during the preperations for the Olimpic Games in Sydney 2000.'

Going to NBA was a boy`s dream come true. He is a true Red Star leader now. Recently, »Slobodna Dalmacija« from Split awarded him the Goodyear league MVP title. He believes that Red Star can do great things in Zagreb at the final-four.

GORAN JERETIN

Strong Montenegrian is like a Dr. Jackill and Mister Hyde guy sometimes, showing his quiet side outside the court. He actually never signed a contract for Red Star. His manager did it for him because he was with the national team at the time, playing against Yao Ming in China in summer 2002.

Alongside Jovan Koprivica Jeretin is considered as the biggest »fighter« in the club from Mali Kalemegdan. He proved it at the Radivoj Korač Cup final tournament last december. Although injured, he decided to play the final game after Igor Rakočević had a worse injury in the semi-final. Jeretin became a hero with a brilliantly played game that will always be remembered. 'I wanted to cut my own hand of after missing first couple of shots. But, I made all the big plays later on. Just had to make them.'

His wining personality and courage will certanly be of great use for coach Zmago Sagadin at the Goodyear league final four. Jeretin is a big motivator for younger guys on the team, and a protector if necesseary. Jeretin was alongside Koprivica and Dozet the only player form last year`s roster that stayed with Red Star.

LUKA BOGDANOVIČ

He drew the lights on him at the European Cadet Championship in Latvia 2001. Yugoslavia won gold, Luka Bogdanović`s medal shone in the brightest light of all.

Being born a few blocks from Mali Kalemegdan Luka was always drawn by Red Star magnet. Still, before oficially joining red&whites he had to win his administrative battle with former clubs Radnićki and Beovuk.

One year suspension and a possible departure for Italy were almost certain but at the last moment he decided to stay and play for his favourite club. He is an all-round player, able to cover all the positions from 1 up to 4. Bogdanović is playing his second senior season with Red Star and has shown great improvement which has not been unnoticed, especially by the all-seeing eye of the NBA scouts. Recently he was invited to play for the Young team of the World at the NCAA final-four in San Antonio.

Coach Sagadin is satisfied with Luka`s progress. Bogdanović has all the time in the world. His role model is Sacramento Kings sharpshooter Predrag Stojaković, and ultimate goal to win the Olympics with the national team.