Svetislav Pesic, a legendary figure in basketball, is stepping away from his coaching career. His illustrious journey includes an impressive list of accolades: a Euroleague victory as a player with Bosna Sarajevo in 1979 and as a coach with FC Barcelona in 2003. He also led Germany to a European Championship in 1993 and Serbia and Montenegro to the title in 2001, followed by a World Championship in 2002. Most recently, he guided Serbia to a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics in 2024.
“He has won a medal at every major basketball competition, both at the youth and senior levels,” stated his son, Marko. “He is a role model of dedication, commitment, and the will to never give up and to always learn! I am so proud!”
Pesic, who holds both Serbian and German nationalities, shared his perspective in his autobiography: “It’s the great advantage of being a coach: I don’t have dinner with people my age who constantly talk about heart attacks, prostate problems, or back pain. A coach one day, a coach forever…”
It was with this enduring passion for the game that Pesic accepted a final challenge just before Christmas last year, following the departure of World Champion Gordon Herbert from Bayern Munich. However, he has now decided to step down from the intense pressure of the sidelines.
“Before a Euroleague game in early January, I was lying in my hotel bed and suddenly asked myself: ‘What are you doing here? Are you crazy? You’re almost 77 years old and still a coach. You’ll reach 90, so another 13 years.’ That’s when I told myself: ‘Enough with basketball, I’m stopping everything!'” he revealed in an interview with Zeit in late March.
Despite retiring from coaching, Pesic is not closing the book on his involvement with basketball or his life’s passion.
“I can very well imagine staying with Bayern Munich, but in a different role. I’ll stay in Munich anyway, so why not with Bayern too?” Pesic stated in an interview with Sport1. “Bayern Munich is particularly close to my heart.”
English Translation:
Svetislav Pesic, a name synonymous with basketball excellence, is marking the end of his coaching tenure. His career is adorned with remarkable achievements, including winning the Euroleague as a player with Bosna Sarajevo in 1979 and later as a coach with FC Barcelona in 2003. His coaching prowess also led Germany to a European Championship title in 1993 and Serbia and Montenegro to the championship in 2001, followed by a World Championship in 2002. His recent success includes guiding Serbia to a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“He has secured a medal at every major basketball competition, for both youth and senior teams,” commented his son, Marko. “He embodies dedication, commitment, and an unwavering spirit to never surrender and to continuously learn! I am immensely proud!”
Pesic, who holds dual Serbian and German citizenship, reflected in his autobiography: “The significant benefit of being a coach is that I don’t share dinners with peers who incessantly discuss their health issues like heart conditions, prostate troubles, or back pain. Once a coach, always a coach…”
Driven by this enduring love for the sport, Pesic took on one final challenge shortly before last Christmas, stepping in after Gordon Herbert, the World Champion coach, departed from Bayern Munich. However, he has now decided to step away from the intense stress of the sidelines.
“Prior to a Euroleague game in early January, I found myself in my hotel room, and a sudden thought struck me: ‘What am I doing here? Am I out of my mind? I’m nearly 77 and still coaching. I could potentially coach for another 13 years, reaching the age of 90.’ It was at that moment I realized: ‘This is it for basketball, I’m done!'” he shared in a late March interview with Zeit.
However, this does not signify a complete departure from the world of basketball or an end to his involvement. He remains open to contributing in a different capacity.
“I can easily see myself continuing with Bayern Munich, albeit in a different role. I plan to remain in Munich regardless, so it makes sense to also be involved with Bayern,” Pesic disclosed in a conversation with Sport1. “My connection to Bayern Munich is particularly strong.”
