KK Zadar Bolsters Youth Program with Two Young National Team Players
KK Zadar's youth program has been strengthened with two talented forwards, Emanuel Butković from Pula and Jure Bijelić from Dubrovnik, who have represented Croatia at youth levels.
KK Zadar's youth program has been strengthened with two talented forwards, Emanuel Butković from Pula and Jure Bijelić from Dubrovnik, who have represented Croatia at youth levels.
The KK Zadar youth academy is richer by two new players. Emanuel Butković (2011) and Jure Bijelić (2010) have decided to continue their careers in the jersey of the club from Krešin grad, as announced on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
Youth academy director Ivan Beram welcomed the arrival of the two young national team players and highlighted what the Zadar club can offer them.
"I am glad that Emanuel and Jure have chosen KK Zadar to continue their basketball journey, which can provide them with optimal conditions for development. Joining KK Zadar is a step forward for any young talent that obliges them to work uncompromisingly," said Beram.
The arrival of the two young national team players is part of the club's new direction following last season's loss of the championship title. In Zadar, they have announced a shift towards younger players, and as part of that, a new coaching structure has been introduced in the youth academy. The goal is for talents like Butković and Bijelić to continue their development under the watchful eye of the coaching staff and become part of the senior team in a few years.
Jure Bijelić was born on May 1, 2010, and comes from KK Dubrovnik. He is a wing player who has stood out in younger categories, especially with a gold medal with the Croatian U-14 national team at the Jr. NBA tournament, where he was also named MVP of the final.
This summer, he was on the wider list of the Croatian cadet national team and went through preparations for the EuroBasket B Division. In Zadar, he will play for the juniors.
Emanuel Butković is a 15-year-old from Pula, born on January 16, 2011. He took his first basketball steps at KK Stoja in Pula, and also occasionally played for Cedevita Junior.
He is also a wing player who has successfully played for the Croatian U-14 national team. Unlike Bijelić, Butković will play for both the cadets and the juniors at his new club.
