Red Star has embarked on a fresh start for the 2026–2027 season, aiming to return to the top of the Adriatic League and make a strong push for a spot in the EuroLeague playoffs!
The Serbian club’s management decided to change course, handing the reins of the coaching staff to Spaniard Ibón Navarro, appointed the legendary Milos Teodosic as General Manager, and added Nikola Kalinic to the coaching staff.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Although Cody Miller-McIntyre has left for Olympiacos, the Reds are by no means weakened. The “puzzle” of team reinforcement was completed with top-tier players such as Jonathan Motley and Chris Jones, while retaining Jared Butler on a multi-year contract was a huge success.
New arrivals: Jonathan Motley (Hapoel Tel Aviv), Chris Jones (Hapoel Tel Aviv), Nick Weiler-Babb (Anadolu Efes), David Kremer (Real Madrid), Patrick Baldwin Jr. (Stockton Kings), Vojin Medarević (Spartak Subotica), Andrei Bjelic (Real Madrid Youth), Nikola Jurisic (College Park Skyhawks).
Departures: Cody Miller-McIntyre (Olympiacos), Joel Bolomboy (Villeurbanne), Yago dos Santos (Flamengo), Devonte Graham, Nikola Kalinić (retired / assistant coach), Isaiah Canaan (Trabzonspor), Donatas Motiejūnas, Hachiel Rivero (Valencia), Uroš Plavšić (Cluj).
Major strength: Energy and athleticism at the forward positions. With Moneke, Ozelay, and Nwora, Red Star boasts one of the toughest and most versatile forward lines in Europe, capable of running the court, play defensive rotations, and dominate the boards.
Weakness: A lack of on-court cohesion early on, as the arrival of Ibón Navarro brings a completely new, Spanish philosophy based on fast-paced basketball, transition play, and high intensity.
Barometer: Chima Moneke’s performance will be a reflection of the team’s play on the court. The Nigerian forward brings a rare blend of energy, passion, and skill to the transition game, and when he’s on, he carries the entire Red Star team.
Key Player: Jared Butler is the player the club is banking on. He’s a capable scorer, a good playmaker, but above all, he’s the player who wants the ball in his hands when the game is on the line.
Question mark: Managing expectations and the pressure to win. The crowd in Belgrade is particularly demanding, and Imbon Navarro will need to quickly put together an attractive and winning lineup, even as the team is still trying to find its footing on the court.
Prediction: If Motley and the perimeter players find immediate chemistry, Red Star can aim high. The roster is built to compete at the top, so making the play-ins is considered the minimum goal, with the possibility of direct qualification for the playoffs (seeds 1–6) within reach.
The Roster
Chris Jones – 1.88 m – G – 33 years old
Stefan Miljenović – 1.90 m – G – 25 years old
Nick Weiler-Babb – 1.96 m – G – 30 years old
Jared Battlel – 1.90 m – G – 26 years old.
Tyson Carter – 1.93 m – G – 28 years old.
Nikola Jurisić – 2.03 m – G/F – 22 years old.
Andrej Bielic – 1.94 m – G – 18 years old.
David Kremer – 1.96 m – G/F – 29 years old.
Aleksey Nedelikovich – 2.03 m – F – 21 years old.
Dejan Davidovac – 2.02 m – F – 31 years old.
Ognen Dobric – 2.00 m – F – 31 years old.
Jordan Nwora – 2.03 m – F – 28 years old.
Semi Ojelai – 1.98 m – F – 31 years old.
Chima Moneke – 1.98 m – F – 30 years old.
Jonathan Motley – 2.06 m – C – 31 years old.
Embuqa Izundu – 2.08 m – C – 30 years old.
Patrick Baldwin – 2.06 m – C/F – 23 years old.
Voin Medarevic – 2.08 m – C – 24 years old.
Head Coach: Ibón Navarro
