Dusan Miletic, the starting center of U-BT Cluj-Napoca, spoke to the media after his team’s road game against Partizan in the ABA League, says Basketball Sphere.
Dusan Miletic finished the match against his former team, Partizan Belgrad, in the ABA League with eight points and seven rebounds, but he was not satisfied with his performance as U-BT Cluj-Napoca fell behind early against Partizan Belgrad and simply could not recover to get back into the game.
He also spoke about the situation linking him to the club for next season, with many speculating he will be part of Partizan Belgrad’s roster: “I’m not satisfied, but I want to draw lessons from this loss and play better in the next game. As far Partizan is concerned, I can’t control the stories. I’m a Cluj/Napoca player. My focus is on finishing the season healthy, and then in the summer I’ll see what’s best for me.”
He also spoke about the situation in Partizan Belgrad at the moment, considering that they have been dealing with a number of issues this season but have not allowed the problems to affect the results in the ABA League: “They went through big changes. Now they have a different system both on offense and defense. However, the club handled it well. They suffered a big blow, but I believe that Partizan will come out stronger from all of this.“
U-BT Cluj-Napoca had great support from its fans in Belgrade, who arrived in large numbers to support their team. When asked by a journalist if any opponent has ever had more support against Partizan Belgrad, he answered: “Not that I know of. I thank them. The support they give us is phenomenal. Not only here, but also at home, on other visits, in the EuroCup. It’s a healthy basketball environment, they understand even when we play badly.“
U-BT Cluj-Napoca will have a big contest ahead of them on the road in the EuroCup, against first placed Hapoel Jerusalem, in Israel.
Dušan Miletić, the 2.14-meter Serbian center, has become the defensive heartbeat of the Transylvanian champions in the 2025-26 season, proving to be the missing piece in Mihai Silvășan’s high-octane tactical puzzle.
A Modern Center for an Elite Project
When Dusan Miletić arrived in Cluj, he brought with him the pedigree of the Adriatic League and the tactical discipline typical of the Serbian school of basketball. In 2026, he has evolved into the quintessential modern “five”—a player who combines rim protection with an unexpected mobility that allows U-BT to switch effectively on the perimeter.
His presence has allowed U-BT Cluj to implement one of the most suffocating defensive schemes in the EuroCup. Dusan Miletić doesn’t just block shots; he alters the entire offensive geometry of the opposition.
Dominance in the Paint: By the Numbers
Dusan Miletić’s impact is best viewed through the lens of efficiency. In both the Romanian Liga Națională and the EuroCup, his statistics reflect a player at the peak of his physical and mental powers.
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The Rim Protector: Averaging over 1.5 blocks per game, he ranks among the elite defenders in European competitions this season.
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Efficient Finishing: His synergy with playmakers like Zavier Simpson has led to a high field goal percentage, primarily through devastating pick-and-roll finishes and put-back dunks.
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Rebounding Authority: Miletić has stabilized U-BT’s defensive boards, preventing second-chance points which were a vulnerability for the team in previous campaigns.
| Key Metric (2025-26) | Performance Level | Impact on U-BT |
| Field Goal % | ~65% | High-reliability interior scoring |
| Blocks Per Game | 1.8 | Top 5 in EuroCup rankings |
| Player Efficiency (PIR) | 18.5 | Consistent All-Star level impact |
The Silvășan Connection
Coach Mihai Silvășan has been vocal about Miletić’s role in the team’s evolution. Unlike traditional “heavy” centers, Dušan Miletic possesses the stamina to run the floor, a trait that aligns perfectly with Cluj’s fast-break philosophy.
Karolina Pliskova received a wildcard to play at the Transylvania Open 2026
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