Ivan Rudež: "I believe we can make things happen together"

Cibona has reached an agreement with Ivan Rudež, who will take over the first team as head coach. Rudež was born in 1979 in Zagreb, and over nearly two decades of professional coaching, he has led clubs in Croatia, Slovakia, Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands, and Hungary.

He served as head coach of the Slovak senior national team, and most recently held a position with the Swiss Basketball Federation, where he worked as academy director and coordinator of youth coach education. A notable achievement came with Switzerland’s U19 national team, which he led to a top-eight finish at this year’s World Championship.

This is not Rudež’s first stint at Cibona, as he was an assistant coach of the senior team during the 2011/12 season. He now returns as the head coach. He describes his decision to return to the club as personal and deeply considered.

“Returning to Cibona is, above all, a personal and emotional decision for me. I grew up with this club and feel a deep connection to its tradition and the role it has had—and still has—in Croatian and European basketball. The opportunity to take part in creating a new identity for Cibona is a huge challenge, but also a privilege. A key role in my decision was a conversation with Marin Rozić, with whom I share a vision and the belief that Cibona, despite the challenges, can once again become stable, relevant, and proud. I believe in the synergy of people in and around the club, as well as in the support of the city, which still breathes for Cibona. Returning to Zagreb, among family and friends, further strengthens my sense of responsibility and motivation to give my very best”.

The new season brings multiple challenges for the club—competition in the domestic league, the Cup, and the FIBA Europe Cup qualifiers. In a short time frame, it will be necessary to assemble the team, define the training process, and establish a playing system.

“Cibona is in a specific phase—we are practically building a new team in a short period of time. Along with that comes selection and the implementation of a new working system. We are aware that a demanding season lies ahead, but we approach every competition with seriousness and the desire to be competitive. The FIBA Europe Cup qualifiers are something new, and the draw has paired us with Prievidza, a club where I spent three years and helped build during difficult times. I know their environment very well. In any case, we will approach those qualifiers with maximum seriousness and a clear goal of reaching the group stage. A parallel goal is to build the club’s reputation as a place where players come to improve. We must prevent young players from leaving for other programs and offer them a strong, modern development pathway for their careers”.

Regarding playing style and team character, coach Rudež emphasizes a focus on work ethic, unity, and stability—without big words, but with clear standards:

“Our team will be recognizable for its energy, unity, and fighting spirit. We will not make grand promises—the past season taught us all how important it is to stay grounded and focused. We will build the team’s identity through the selection process, where character and daily commitment to work are key. This will result in a team that never gives up, that plays for the badge, and that is connected with the fans. Work ethic and character will be the foundation of everything, and I believe the fans will recognize and support that”.

Sporting director Marin Rozić emphasized that the decision to appoint the new head coach was strongly influenced by both personal and professional ties with Ivan Rudež, as well as the coach’s extensive international experience.

“I have known Ivan for many years, dating back to when he was an assistant coach while I was still a player. His coaching path is diverse—he has worked in Slovakia and Switzerland, with youth selections and senior national teams, bringing valuable international experience. What impressed me the most is his exceptional motivation and willingness to take on this demanding situation. From our very first conversation, it was clear that for him, Cibona is not just another job, but a club that holds a special place in his life”.

Rozić went on to highlight the main goals of the season, including Cibona’s return to European competitions, which he sees as an important step forward for both the club and its fans.

“This season will be one of stabilization—both in sporting and financial terms. We are currently behind schedule due to the overall situation, but I believe we will assemble a competitive team with a clear identity and the ability to contend for trophies in domestic competitions. We are proud to be returning to European competitions, and I believe we have realistic chances of reaching the group stage of the FIBA Europe Cup. That would mean a great deal for both the club and its supporters”.

Ivan Rudež takes over Cibona at a challenging moment, but with clear internal support and a vision that includes stabilization, systematic team building, and the creation of a new sporting identity. A demanding season across multiple competitions lies ahead, and the appointment of the new head coach represents a key step in the club’s planned transformation.