Stefan Stojacic is taking his act to the Philippines
The last time Stojacic was around, he helped Serbia rule the Fiba 3×3 World Cup for the third straight time last year when the Philippines hosted the tournament.
This time, the 30-year-old player performed a different role when returned to the country this week.
He did not play against any local team. Instead the 6’4” Stojacic held a training for players who will see action in the 2020 FIBA 3×3 Olympic Qualifying Tournament this March in Delhi, India.
“Now, I’m helping as a coach. Because, last year, I was injured for 70 percent of the season,” said Stojacic after a session of the camp, which was organized by Chooks-to-Go Philippines.
Top 3×3 players from the Philippines, Joshua Munzon and Alvin Pasaol were in the training camp held at the Ronac Basketball center in Kalentong, Mandaluyong.
Stojacic is best remembered when Serbia edged Netherlands, 16-13, in the men’s final last year at Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.
The top-ranked Serbians, made up of Dejan Majstorovic, Marko Savic, Dusan Bulut and Stojacic, went undefeated in the tournament as they swept their way to the championship.
Now that Stojacic has recovered from his injury, he is glad to be part of the Philippine 3×3 camp.
He will be back for another session of the camps this January.
“I was injured back then. But, still they called me to share my experience. To help them for the Olympic qualifiers,” added Stojacic.
Stojacic was born February 20, 1989.
His younger brother, Strahinja is also a basketball player. They played together in 2010–11 with RadniÄki Kragujevac.
Stojacic played for youth teams of Partizan. Stojacic was then moved to Mega Aqua Monta and signed his first professional contract in 2007.
Stojacic won three gold medals with the Serbian junior national teams. He also played at the Stanković Cup in 2008.