Aleksandar Djordjevic on Bahcesehir’s rise and Malachi Flynn’s role
Moving back into club work and the road ahead
Aleksandar Djordjevic recently returned to coaching at club level after several years with national teams, and he’s focused on what comes next with Bahcesehir rather than his past accomplishments. He said the club’s hunger and clear ambitions were a major factor in his decision to join — he wanted a place that wants to compete for trophies and is willing to grow.
Bahcesehir have made the EuroCup semifinals in each of the last two seasons, and Djordjevic believes that progress needs to be built on steadily. He compared the climb to a mountain: the team should concentrate on the next small step and earn the right to move up, rather than rushing toward the top. In his view, the EuroLeague is the next level to aim for, but it must be reached through consistent results and careful planning.
Recovery, team identity and Malachi Flynn’s place
Player health and recovery are central to how Djordjevic wants to structure the season. He stressed that keeping players fresh and managing injuries is essential if a team wants to be at its best during decisive moments. Those moments, he thinks, often separate winners from the rest — when bodies and minds are at their best, talent and desire can shine through.
Malachi Flynn was an important part of why Djordjevic found the Bahcesehir project appealing. Flynn’s presence gives the coach a clear playmaker to build around, and Djordjevic sees him as someone ready to aim higher and compete for big prizes. Rather than loading all responsibility onto one or two stars, the plan is to lift players up so they can perform: coaches give guidance and support while asking the players to accept responsibility.
He admits to being demanding, but that comes with a purpose. Djordjevic wants the whole roster to develop a shared identity — a way of playing that uses individual strengths, solves tough in-game situations and takes advantage of the team’s talent. That process is new for the squad, he says, and it will take work, but it’s the kind of challenge he’s enjoying right now.
