Slovenian Plays for «The Mattress Makers» for 10 Years
Slovenian basketball player, Luka Dončić, has been making waves in the NBA since his debut in 2018. But before he became a household name in the United States, he was already making a name for himself in Europe, playing for the Spanish team, Real Madrid. However, what many may not know is that Dončić’s professional career actually began in Slovenia, where he played for the team known as «The Mattress Makers» for 10 years.
Dončić was born in Ljubljana, Slovenia in 1999. He started playing basketball at a young age and quickly showed promise and talent on the court. At the age of 13, he joined the youth team of Union Olimpija, a professional basketball club in Slovenia. It was here that he caught the attention of scouts from Real Madrid, who signed him to their youth team in 2012.
For the next six years, Dončić played for Real Madrid’s youth and senior teams, winning numerous accolades and championships. He also represented Slovenia in international competitions, including the FIBA Europe Under-16 Championship and the FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship, where he led his team to victory and was named MVP.
In 2018, Dončić declared for the NBA draft and was selected third overall by the Atlanta Hawks. However, he was immediately traded to the Dallas Mavericks, where he has been playing ever since. In his first season, he was named the NBA Rookie of the Year and has continued to impress with his skills and leadership on the court.
But even with all his success in the NBA, Dončić has never forgotten his roots and the team that gave him his start – Union Olimpija, also known as «The Mattress Makers.» The team, which was founded in 1946, is one of the oldest and most successful basketball clubs in Slovenia. They have won numerous national championships and have also competed in European competitions.
Dončić’s connection to the team goes beyond just playing for them. His father, Saša Dončić, was also a professional basketball player and played for Union Olimpija for 11 years. Dončić grew up watching his father play for the team and it was his dream to one day follow in his footsteps.
In an interview with Eurohoops, Dončić said, «I grew up watching my dad play for Union Olimpija and it was always my dream to play for them. When I got the opportunity to join their youth team, I was ecstatic. It was a great feeling to represent my hometown and play for such a prestigious club.»
Dončić’s time with Union Olimpija was crucial in his development as a player. He was able to gain valuable experience and learn from some of the best coaches and players in Europe. He also formed strong bonds with his teammates, many of whom he still keeps in touch with today.
But it wasn’t just his skills on the court that made Dončić stand out. He also had a strong work ethic and a determination to constantly improve. His former coach at Union Olimpija, Gašper Potočnik, recalls, «Luka was always the first one in the gym and the last one to leave. He was always asking questions and trying to learn as much as he could. It was clear from a young age that he had a special talent and a drive to succeed.»
Dončić’s time with Union Olimpija came to an end in 2018 when he left to pursue his NBA career. But he still holds a special place in his heart for the team and the city of Ljubljana. He often returns to Slovenia during the off-season and has even brought his Mavericks teammates to visit his hometown.
His success in the NBA has also brought attention to Union Olimpija and Slovenian basketball as a whole. The team has seen an increase in popularity and has even signed a partnership with the Dallas Mavericks, allowing for player and coach exchanges between the two teams.
Dončić’s journey from playing for «The Mattress Makers» to becoming a star in the NBA is a testament to his hard work, determination, and love for the game. He has never forgotten where he came from and
