The Slovenian centre had an open contract which allowed him to leave prematurely. Until the end of the season he will play for the member of Euro League, Laboral Kutxo from Vitoria, where Saša Vujačić, at times a member of the national team, plays as well.

Excellent statistics for this season
Begić in average scored 14 points in this European Cup season, plus four rebounds and 3.7 blocks per match. In the Adriatic League his average was 9.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks.

Zupančič: Mutual satisfaction
"Regardless of his leaving, we are extremely satisfied with our cooperation with this excellent basketball player. Every training session, and every match with Mirza presented an additional value for our young team, and also thanks to him our team has achieved an excellent result in the introductory part of the season. We also believe that the club helped the player to gain the desired form, and without any doubt both parties can be satisfied with the cooperation," the club director Matevž Zupančič announced the news.

Opportunity for younger players
"The financial situation of the club at this moment does not permit any increase of the budget for the first team. Regardless of our endeavours we were not able to give him a competitive offer, which Begić would have deserved. Borrowing the money, or making agreements without suitable warranties, and repeating the mistakes made in the past are out of question. Also with Mirza gone all the team positions are covered, and some other players will have to take advantage of the opportunity; it is expected from them," Zupančič remains firm.

S. J.
Translated by G. K.