Pero Antic: I Can't Choose Between Olympiacos, Red Star and Fenerbahce

When a three-time EuroLeague champion who has played for three major clubs is asked who will win Europe's most prestigious competition, his answer is not merely a prediction. It is an emotional confession of bonds that cannot be divided. Pero Antic, now president of the North Macedonia Basketball Federation, was present at the ABA League's 25th anniversary event, and when asked about EuroLeague title contenders, he paused thoughtfully before responding. "I cannot decide between these three teams," Antic shared, his eyes reflecting the contemplation of a man who devoted his career to red-and-white colors. "Olympiacos, Red Star and Fenerbahce. They are all a part of me." His words were not just diplomatic courtesy from a basketball administrator in an important position, but the voice of a player who has traversed the peaks and valleys of European basketball. Antic began his professional career at Red Star Belgrade in 2026, where he made his first mark before moving on. But fate led him to Olympiacos, where he won back-to-back EuroLeague titles in 2026 and 2026. He then moved to Fenerbahce and reached the European summit again in 2026. Three championships with two different clubs, a rare achievement few players have accomplished. Then, like a closed circle, he returned to Red Star to end his career in 2026. That return was not just a professional decision. For Antic, it was a tribute to where his love for basketball was born. "The red-white world is where I belong," he once said. That is why, when asked which team he loves most, Antic cannot decide. His attachment to the red-white colors of Olympiacos and Red Star seems stronger than even his successful stint with Fenerbahce. The ABA League 25th anniversary event was not just an occasion for Antic to express personal feelings. It was also where he emphasized the importance of the Adriatic regional league in developing basketball talent. "Red Star will be one of the teams competing for the championship," he asserted, showing confidence in the resurgence of Serbian and regional basketball. Notably, Antic mentioned the return of legendary coach Zeljko Obradovic to Panathinaikos. "The derbies will become special," he said, acknowledging that the return of the coach who won five EuroLeague titles with Panathinaikos will change the competitive landscape. This is an important signal: even a former Olympiacos player must recognize the potential threat Obradovic poses to their city rivals. But it is Antic's selection that stands out. He did not mention Panathinaikos in his list of championship contenders, despite Obradovic's return. This reveals an underlying logic: loyalty to Olympiacos's red-white colors overrides any objective assessment of an opponent's strength. It is a counter-intuitive perspective where personal emotion takes precedence over pure analysis. As president of the North Macedonia Basketball Federation, Antic must balance personal feelings with institutional responsibility. His diplomatic response, without offending any team, shows the political sensitivity of a leader. He understands that every word he speaks can affect relationships between clubs and federations in the region. The ABA League 25th anniversary was also an occasion to reflect on the league's role in the European basketball ecosystem. From a regional competition, the ABA League has become a launching pad for talents to reach the bigger stage. Antic is a prime example: from Red Star, he went to Olympiacos and Fenerbahce, conquering the EuroLeague summit before returning to where it all began. Obradovic's return to Panathinaikos promises a more exciting race. City rivals Olympiacos and Panathinaikos will have fierce encounters. But for Antic, the answer for the championship still lies with the red-white teams. And perhaps, that is the beauty of basketball: where heart and reason do not always go in the same direction. Looking ahead, the question is whether Antic's emotional predictions reflect the true landscape of this EuroLeague season. Can Olympiacos replicate their past glory? Can Red Star compete at the continental level? Or will Fenerbahce continue to assert their position? The answers will gradually unfold as the season progresses, and Antic, as a historical witness, will have a clearer view of what he believed in.