Marko Barac has stamped his identity on Bahçeşehir Koleji this season. The club’s 2023-24 Basketbol Süper Ligi run to the semi-finals was built on a second-half surge that Barac calls his signature move.
How Bahçeşehir Koleji flipped the switch in the second half
Barac credits the club’s late-season lift to relentless effort from players and staff. “As the season wound down, our team started to play better in the second half than the first. That took huge effort from everyone—not just me.” The quarter-final series against Beşiktaş was rated one of the league’s best playoff battles.
Why Serbian coaches are thriving in Turkey
Barac points to Serbia’s coaching culture as the foundation. “Being born there gave us an early edge. But it also carries the weight of representing that tradition.” The Serbian coaching footprint in Turkey extends beyond Barac and Dušan Alimpijević; Igor Kokoškov and Oliver Kostić also led top sides last season.
How the Serbian blueprint leaves its mark
Barac insists the success is a team effort, not one name. “A coach is only as good as the players you have. This year we coached competitive teams and left our stamp through them.” The rise of Serbian coaches in Turkey is also clearing a path for the next generation.
What’s next for Bahçeşehir Koleji
Instead of a long break, Barac chose to attend the EuroLeague Coaches Association Congress in Athens. “We met experts from across Europe. It opened new horizons for us.” Bahçeşehir Koleji enters the off-season with ambitious plans.