MEGA SUPERBET ANNOUNCES COACHING STAFF CHANGES: AVDALOVIC TAKES OVER FROM BARAC, RASIC REPLACES VELICKOVIC AS TEAM MANAGER

Mega Superbet is entering the new season with a refreshed coaching staff. After three successful seasons, Marko Barać is stepping down as head coach, and Vule Avdalović is taking over the helm.

At the contract signing held at the Dejan Milojević Training Center, the event was attended not only by Mega’s new head coach but also by outgoing coach Marko Barać, who symbolically passed the coaching clipboard to Avdalović and wished him the best of luck — a gesture that once again reflects Mega’s unique culture and values.

Born on November 24, 1981, in Gacko, Vule Avdalović had a distinguished playing career, featuring for Partizan, Valencia, Alicante, Cholet, Donetsk, and Alba Berlin. He began his coaching journey in 2015, initially as an assistant at Partizan. From there, he spent five years in Mega’s coaching staff, before taking over OKK Beograd in 2022. Upon signing his contract, Avdalović shared his excitement:

– I’m extremely happy. I’ve waited for this opportunity and I believe the timing is perfect. I can’t wait for the new season to begin. I’m currently with the national team preparing for the World Cup, but my thoughts are already on Mega and what’s to come. I spent five years here as an assistant, then three more as the head coach of OKK Beograd — part of the same system — so in a way, I never really left. I know many of the players who will be with us next season, so adaptation will be minimal. This isn’t a new environment for me,

said Avdalović.

Under Marko Barać, Mega reached the ABA League playoffs for three consecutive seasons. The highlight came in 2023/24, finishing fourth in the regular season and reaching the semifinals, with memorable wins over both Crvena zvezda and Partizan. During his tenure, Barać also joined the coaching staff of the Serbian national team.

– Three wonderful years. When I arrived, the club was already in excellent shape, both structurally and technically. My goal was to raise the bar even further — and I believe we did, judging by the results and the development of our players. None of this would’ve been possible without the club’s fantastic organization. I’m grateful to the entire staff, to Goran Ćakić for his exceptional support, to Novica for his constant help, and of course, to the players — the heart of everything we do,

said Barać.

General Manager of the club Goran Ćakić expressed his satisfaction with Avdalović’s promotion and extended his gratitude to Barać for three stellar seasons.

– This is a great day for Mega. We’re saying goodbye to coach Marko Barać and team manager Novica Veličković, and welcoming Vule Avdalović and Aleksandar Rašić. All are respected names, and what makes us proud is that they all come from within the Mega system. This smooth handover is rare in sports and something we cherish. Marko gave us three fantastic years, developing countless players and helping the club reach new heights — and I believe the club helped him grow as well. As for Vule, he’s been part of our system for eight years and has always been impeccable. His work in our development program has been vital, and now is the right time for him to lead our first team. He’s currently coaching the Serbian U19 national team at the World Cup in Switzerland, and after a short break, we’ll begin preseason preparations together in Puerto Rico from August 5 to 12. A big challenge awaits, but we believe in what’s ahead.

After three years, Novica Veličković is also leaving his role as team manager. His place will be taken by Aleksandar Rašić, who returns to Mega in a new role. Born on March 16, 1984, in Šabac, Rašić had a long and successful playing career, representing clubs like Borac, FMP, Partizan, Efes, Dynamo Moscow, Alba Berlin, Montepaschi Siena, Lietuvos Rytas, Turk Telekom — and Mega, whose jersey he wore at the end of the 2015/16 season. Now, he returns to help guide the next generation of talent off the court.

At the introduction ceremony, Veličković personally wished Rašić luck in his new position.

General Manager Goran Ćakić also took the opportunity to thank Veličković and welcome Rašić:

– Novica has completed his third stint with the club — two as a player, and now as team manager. I’m sure we’ll see him return again in some capacity. We wish him all the best in his next chapter. I sincerely hope he stays involved in basketball, because there’s no one better to mentor young big men. I wish Aleksandar Rašić all the luck in his new role — and I’m confident he’ll help us keep pushing forward.

Photo: Mega Superbet