Just Hours Left Until the "I Feel Slovenia Night of the Dragon" Basketball Spectacle: Goran Dragić’s Grand Farewell to His Professional Career!

Published: 23.8.2024

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Just Hours Left Until the "I Feel Slovenia Night of the Dragon" Basketball Spectacle: Goran Dragić’s Grand Farewell to His Professional Career!

This weekend, Ljubljana will host the spectacular "I Feel Slovenia Night of the Dragon," a grand farewell to the legendary Slovenian basketball star Goran Dragić. The event promises to be a highlight of the summer, as the STB seizes this opportunity to spotlight the "I Feel Slovenia" brand and showcase Slovenia as a top boutique destination for both tourism and sports.

Just Hours Left Until the "I Feel Slovenia Night of the Dragon" Basketball Spectacle: Goran Dragić’s Grand Farewell to His Professional Career!

Everything is set for the event of the year as we celebrate Goran Dragić’s extraordinary career with two unforgettable occasions. The charity event will unite fans, friends and basketball legends for an evening of meaningful giving, while Saturday’s basketball spectacle will deliver thrilling performances, nostalgic highlights, and an impressive display of the sport’s elite talent. 

The highly anticipated farewell event for Goran Dragić, "I Feel Slovenia Night of the Dragon," is just hours away, featuring an all-star lineup. The event will officially open with the Night of the Dragon Business Talk, a dynamic event bridging the worlds of elite sports and business. This will be followed by a glamorous charity gala dinner, complete with a diverse programme that includes team drafts and a grand charity auction. 

On Saturday, August 24, the spotlight shifts to an exciting basketball spectacle. The event will draw numerous basketball celebrities, honouring Dragić’s impressive career. With the Slovenian Tourist Board (STB) as the main partner, this extraordinary event promises to be a memorable tribute to Dragić’s remarkable achievements.

Matej Avanzo, the organizer, emphasizes that Goran Dragić deeply loves his home country. Despite being based in Miami primarily for his children's schooling, Goran treasures his returns to Slovenia, enjoying time in his hometown of Koseze, reconnecting with friends, and enjoying the beauty of places like Mostec, Rožnik, Šmarna Gora and Bled. This profound connection to his roots is why his final game is being celebrated in Slovenia, showcasing the country he holds dear.

Goran Dragić and Luka Dončić in an interview. Photo by: Goran Dragić Foundation

A Stellar Lineup: Basketball Legends Gather to Honour Goran Dragić at the I Feel Slovenia Night of the Dragon

The "I Feel Slovenia Night of the Dragon" will feature an exceptional roster of basketball legends and stars. Steve Nash, the two-time NBA MVP, will be in attendance, alongside Luka Dončić, the young Slovenian sensation making waves in the NBA. Dirk Nowitzki, the iconic power forward and former MVP, will join Nikola Jokić, the reigning NBA MVP. Also present will be Vladimir Radmanović, Robin Lopez, Josh Richardson, Chris Bosh, a key player in the Miami Heat's championship victories, and Boban Marjanović, the towering centre. Veteran players like Beno Udrih and Luis Scola will be joined by Bogdan Bogdanović, Marko Simonović and Dejan Bodiroga, a legendary figure in European basketball. Predrag Danilović, another celebrated European icon, will also be in attendance. Marko Gudurić, Saša Zagorac and Nebojša Joksimović will be there, along with Leandro Barbosa, the Brazilian guard known for his speed. Zoran Dragić, Goran Dragić’s brother, will share the spotlight with Jaka Lakovič, Miroslav Berić and Jaka Blažič.

The event will also feature stars like Edo Murić, Erazem Lorbek, Domen Lorbek, as well as Žiga Dimec, Nikola Vučević, Aleksej Nikolić, Matic Rebec, Gašper Vidmar and Aleksandar Ćapin, alongside Vlatko Čančar and Uroš Slokar. Completing the impressive lineup are Rašo Nesterović, Saša Pavlović, Sani Bečirović, Boštjan Nachbar, Matjaž Smodiš, Primož Brezec, Klemen Prepelič and Miha Zupan.

The event will capture the attention of international media. The Slovenian Tourist Board (STB) and SPIRIT Slovenia are partners of the event, as this high-profile event is a great opportunity to promote Slovenia on a global scale. The game will be broadcast in ten countries, including the USA, through the NBA app. Maja Pak Olaj, Director of the STB, shared with RTV SLO that the event provides a unique opportunity for Slovenia to showcase its unique qualities to a global audience. With sports fans and international media focused on this spectacle, Slovenia can highlight its stunning natural landscapes, vibrant culture, appealing business prospects, and exceptional sporting spirit. "I am confident that this evening will deliver unforgettable experiences, encouraging sports enthusiasts to explore and visit our beautiful country, and will also attract event organizers and athletes to discover Slovenia's rich offerings," she remarked.

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