The death of Duško Vujošević has shaken the basketball world far beyond the borders of the region. One of Serbia’s most successful basketball coaches died at the age of 68 after a long and difficult battle with serious health problems.
He underwent a kidney transplant in Belarus during 2025 and in recent months had also been dealing with heart and lung issues. He was admitted to hospital in March after his condition worsened and died on Wednesday in Belgrade.
The Coach Who Left a Lasting Mark on Partizan and Regional Basketball
Vujošević was born in Podgorica and began his coaching journey in 1976 in Partizan’s youth system. His first independent role came at OKK Beograd, where he led the junior team to the Yugoslav title. 
He later worked at Mladost Zemun, returned to Partizan as an assistant coach, and then took over as head coach of the black-and-whites, winning the Radivoj Korać Cup and the Yugoslav Cup. Over the course of his career, he also coached Granada, Crvena zvezda, several Italian clubs, Radnički, CSKA Moscow, Limoges, and Romanian side Cluj.
He also served as head coach of Serbia and Montenegro, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, leaving a strong mark in national-team basketball as well.
His Greatest Legacy Was Built at Partizan
Vujošević made his deepest mark at Partizan, especially from 2001 to 2010 and again after his return between 2012 and 2015. During those years, he shaped some of the most important chapters in the club’s history and became one of the most recognizable coaching figures in European basketball.
Over the course of his career, he won five ABA League titles, two Yugoslav championships, three Serbia and Montenegro league titles, six Serbian league titles, two Yugoslav Cups, and two Radivoj Korać Cups. He also won the domestic double with Cluj in Romania.
On the European stage, he led Partizan to third place in the 1987/88 season and then to the Final Four in 2010, when the Belgrade club finished fourth. He was named EuroLeague Coach of the Year in 2008/09 and received the Aleksander Gomelsky Award.
The Legacy Dule Leaves Behind
With the passing of Duško Vujošević, Serbian and regional basketball has lost one of its defining figures. Behind him remain trophies, major European nights, strong authority, and generations of players shaped under his guidance.
His name will remain permanently tied to the history of Partizan and to a coaching identity that left a deep imprint on basketball in this part of Europe.
Photo: Printscreen/YouTube/RTS
