Meet the SIGAL-UNIQA Balkan League coaches: Aleksandar Todorov
We are pleased to announce our new rubric "Meet the SIGAL-UNIQA Balkan League coaches". Head coach of KB Peja, Aleksandar Todorov, is the first to shed light on locker room talks, his "golden rules" of coaching, and so much more.
- What do you say to your players before and after each practice?
I am not a coach that makes long speeches before or after the practice, or even a game. I try to make a small chat before every practice with the players in "four eyes", especially to those that I think it′s necessary to point to some mistakes during last game or practice. I believe that players, as all people, accept criticism much better when told in direct communication, rather than criticism in front of the group or through media. I want to know if they have any problems, and what I can do to help them solve that problem, and I believe that proper communication with the players is a key to a successful season. After practice, especially here in Peja in winter, there is no big space for long conversations, since we all try to get on some warmer place then our gym. :-)
- What would you give up on in order to win?
I am ready to do everything possible to win a certain game, as long as that is according to my principles and understanding not only of basketball, but of the life as well. During my 20-years career, I have built certain lines and bridges that I can cross in order to achieve a victory, but also lines that I will never cross, even if that can guarantee to me an easy victory. I have lost many games, lot of times because of my mistakes, but I never ever let someone win because of some unsportsmanlike reasons. And I am proud that I managed to keep my integrity throughout my whole coaching career.
- Are you superstitious? Do you have any pregame rituals and superstitions?
No, I am not. I don′t believe in such a rituals and habits. A win is a product of what have you done throughout the summer with the selection of the players, throughout the pre-season, and during the week before the game. I have my goals and I know that nothing and no one will help me reach those goals unless I do it by myself, of course with the help of my players.
- How many times did you raise your voice to your players during the last game?
Zero times, I don′t believe that screaming and getting hysterical on the sideline can help a team to obtain a victory. I think that style of coaching is slowly disappearing. I can raise my voice at practice sometimes, but also I try to avoid that as much as possible. I met some people in the past 5-6 years that helped me shape my view on this issue and who explained to me how to control my temper. It is difficult to establish that self-control, and everytime I lost it, I am so angry at myself.
- And how many times did you acknowledge them?
Zero again, it was a terrible game against Prishtina at home. We played awful since the first second and simply there was not a situation that I could salute my team for their actions on the court.
- Have you ever been late for a game?
No, I am never late, and I hate when the people around me are late. When I first arrived in Bulgaria to coach Rilski, I know that insisting everyone to be always on time, was really difficult to the players. I even know players who kept their watches few minutes ahead, so they can never be late. I have left several times for a road trip without a player that was late, I even left for a road game without my team GM for the same reason. Being on time means respect and I always show that respect to my team and also I insist that they show me the same respect.
- How does the participation in SIGAL-UNIQA Balkan League help your team to improve?
After we finished our games in FIBA Europe Cup, BIBL became important part of our season, since, as you all know, the league in Kosovo is not that strong, and there is huge gap between the first 4 and second 4 teams in the League. So having a competitive game almost every Wednesday is crucial part of our season.
- How high do you set your goals in the competition?
My goal is always to win in every possible competition. However, having a winning team requires a excellent connection among three factors: players - coaching staff - management. If you have two out of these three factors, but the third one is on a lower level, then the season will be failure. And, there is, of course, one more important factor - support from the fans during the game. A team that has all these 4 factors is a blessed team. I worked in teams like that in the past, and every season was a successful season, a true enjoyment to work in those teams.
ABOUT HIM:
Born: July 17, 1973 in Skopje
Head Coach:
2001-2002: KK Kumanovo
2002-2004: Vardar Imperial Skopje
2004-2005: Fon (Superleague)
2005-2006: Toa sum jas (D1)
2006-2007: Cukurova University
2007-2008: MZT Skopje 2000
2008-2011: Rilski Sportist Samokov
2011-2013: KK MZT Skopje Aerodrom
2013-2014: Balkan Botevgrad
2014-2015: CS Energia Rovinari Targu Jiu (Romania-Liga Nationala), in pre-season moved to Balkan Botevgrad
2015-2016: CS Dinamo Bucuresti
2016-2017: KB Peja
And also:
Head Coach: Macedonian Cadet National Team - 1998
Assistant Coach: Macedonian U20 National Team - 2000
Head Coach: Macedonian U20 National Team - 2001
Assistant Coach: Macedonian National Team - 1999-2002
Achievements:
Macedonian Cup Winner - 2001, 2012
Macedonian League Finalist - 2001,2002
Macedonian League Semifinals - 2003, 2005, 2011
Bulgarian Cup Semifinals - 2009, 2014
Balkan League Champion - 2009
Bulgarian League Semifinals - 2009, 2010, 2013, 2014
Bulgarian Cup Finalist - 2010
Balkan League Quarterfinals - 2010
Macedonian League Champion - 2012
Balkan League Semifinals - 2014
Bulgarian League Finalist - 2015
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| No Games Scheduled |
| Delasport Balkan League 2023/2024 Regular Season | |||
| 1 | .jpg){kind=logo} KB Sigal Prishtina |
8 - 2 | 18 |
| 2 |  PAYABL EKA AEL |
6 - 4 | 16 |
| 3 |  KB Peja |
6 - 4 | 16 |
| 4 |  KK Lovcen 1947 |
4 - 6 | 14 |
| 5 |  KK Plevlja |
0 - 8 | 8 |
