In our travel to Strumica (Macedonia) last summer for the U16 Division "B" European Championship we saw him. His name is Emir Sulejmanovic ('95), born in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but in that event playing for Finland. Due to the war his family left its home country going to the north of Europe, and some years later the little kid has become a prospect to follow. In that tournament 6'9'' center averaged 10.2 points, 9.0 rebounds and 1.1 steals, making his best performance last day in the victory over Estonia to finish eleventh (20+11). And in that summer he decided to leave Kaarinan Ura Basket, changing the direction of his career and signing for Union Olimpija Ljubljana, in Slovenia. His name appeared some days ago again after the big contest he made against Cedevita in the opener of the Luka Stancic tournament, in Valjevo (Serbia). Slovenians won (69-78), with the finnish prospect ending with 34 points (12/20 twos, 1/1 threes and 7/11 free throws), 10 rebounds, 4 steals and 8 fouls drawn. He finished the event with great stats (21.7 points, 8.0 rebounds and 2.0 steals), being selected in the All-Tournament Team. Important detail: has both passports (Finland and Bosnia and Herzegovina). Eurohopes contacted him. 

 

He landed in Slovenia because he had his own thoughts: "Olimpija has better training system than my past team, and coaches are better". The prospect adds that "in Valjevo had great first two games, but in last one I injured my ankle. But everything else was good". Sulejmanovic also talks about his future. "My goals are to become a professional basketball player. For next season I expect lot of success with my team and also to improve more as a player", explains the player. And United States? "I have not thought about college at the moment".

 

Photo: FIBA Europe / Denis Dukovski