Partizan Belgrad defeated U-BT Cluj-Napoca in the ABA League, and after the game head coach Joan Penarroya spoke at the press conference, according to Basketball Sphere.
Dylan Osetkowski led Partizan Belgrad in the win over U-BT Cluj, with the key moment coming in an excellent second quarter in which Partizan built a strong lead and created a solid cushion for the second half.
The black-and-whites never allowed U-BT Cluj to get close, and after the game Joan Peñarroya shared his thoughts:
“We are happy with the win. This was not an easy game, Cluj-Napoca are a big team. It was especially difficult after playing in Milan just 44 hours ago.
We played a good game and controlled it for almost the entire time, except maybe the last five minutes of the first quarter. They had control then and scored 19 points in that span. In the end, I think we played a consistent and tough game and we are happy,” the Spanish coach began.
Aleksa Radanov made his debut, scoring four points along with strong defense and one fantastic block, and Penarroya commented on him: “It was his first game, he didn’t even have a training session with the team. I think he is an excellent player and today he showed that he can help us in the coming weeks. He is an important player and can play at one, two, or three positions. He played well, especially considering that he hadn’t trained or played before.”
Regarding the injured players and their availability next week, he added: “At this moment, I don’t know,” concluded Joan Penarroya.
Osetkowski finished the game with 20 points, followed by Sterling Brown with 16 points, while for Cluj one player recorded 19 points and 6 assists.
This was Partizan’s 14th win in the ABA League, where they have only one loss, while Cluj remain in third place with a 9–6 record.
The current season will forever be remembered for the seismic event that occurred on November 29, 2025. After a heavy EuroLeague defeat against Panathinaikos, the legendary Željko Obradović—the most decorated coach in European history—officially stepped down. His resignation, described as “irrevocable,” closed a historic second chapter that had turned the Belgrade Arena into a global basketball pilgrimage site.
After a brief interim period, the club turned to Spanish tactician Joan Peñarroya, who took the helm on December 23, 2025. Peñarroya inherited a squad built for Obradović’s complex systems, tasking him with the monumental challenge of maintaining the club’s elite status while implementing a more modern, fast-paced offensive philosophy.
The 2025-26 Campaign: A Tale of Two Leagues
As of February 1, 2026, Partizan Belgrad’s season is a stark study in contrasts. While the team remains a dominant force domestically, the European stage has proven much more unforgiving.
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ABA League Dominance: Partizan Belgrad is currently engaged in a thrilling neck-and-neck race with Dubai Basketball for the top spot in Group A. The team recently extended a nine-game winning run after a hard-fought 90-84 victory over Igokea, showcasing their depth and resilience.
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EuroLeague Struggles: The transition in leadership has seen the club slip to the bottom tier of the EuroLeague standings. With a record of 8 wins and 17 losses, the Black-Whites are struggling to find consistency, currently sitting in 17th place. However, the Belgrade Arena remains a fortress, and the hope for a late-season “miracle run” never truly dies among the Grobari.
The Stars of the “New” Partizan
Despite the turbulent season, several players have emerged as the backbone of Joan Peñarroya’s project. The roster is a blend of NBA-experienced talent and European stalwarts:
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Sterling Brown & Duane Washington Jr.: These two have become the primary scoring engines. Washington leads the team in points per game, while Brown has provided the clutch shooting necessary in tight ABA League contests.
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Bruno Fernando: The Angolan center has become a fan favourite, dominating the paint and leading the team in rebounding. His recent “Man of the Match” performance against Igokea highlighted his importance as a defensive anchor.
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The Playmakers: The backcourt is managed by the veteran experience of Nick Calathes and the explosive Carlik Jones, though balancing their minutes in Joan Peñarroya’s system remains a work in progress.
| Key Statistics (Feb 2026) | EuroLeague Performance | ABA League Performance |
| Win Percentage | ~33% | >93% |
| Top Scorer | Duane Washington Jr. | Sterling Brown |
| Leading Rebounder | Bruno Fernando | Bruno Fernando |
| Leading Assists | Nick Calathes | Carlik Jones |
Global Expansion: Beyond Belgrade
Off the court, President Ostoja Mijailović has launched an ambitious “global expansion” project. Due to stadium conflicts and a desire to reach the Serbian diaspora, Partizan has begun playing selected EuroLeague home games in neutral international cities. This move, combined with a record-breaking €27 million budget for the 2025-26 season, signals Partizan Belgrad’s intent to remain a financial and cultural powerhouse regardless of short-term results.
