December 12, 2020 – KK Split brings back Jugoplastika to their famous yellow jerseys this season in place of a team sponsor.
KK Split announced on Friday evening that their jerseys would once again display the Jugoplastika name, after the general sponsor, the company Tommy, did not extend the contract with the club. Until further notice, the yellow jersey of the Split club will bear the name of the famous Jugoplastika, which was the European champion for three consecutive years and became the European basketball dynasty of the last century.
‘Jugoplastika’ is placed on the new jerseys under the Split club name. Because the club used to be called Jugoplastika Split, the positions on the jersey were arranged differently. Former Croatia national team goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa was among the first to pose with the jersey.
“Given that the contract with Tommy, which has been our general sponsor for several seasons and which we thank for their cooperation, has expired, KK Split has decided that until further notice, in honor of the club’s 75 years and three European titles, the name Jugoplastika returns to the jerseys. As a sign of respect for the most glorious days in the history of our club, we are returning that name to the jersey, to the place that is reserved for the general sponsor of the club,” the club announced.
In the last decade, some unhappy locals have tried to eradicate the Jugoplastika name for political purposes, reports Index.hr.
The cult Jugoplastika mural was even overwritten in Split, the release of the club’s anthem from the ’70s was banned at Gripe, and almost none of the legendary line-up attended the celebrations for anniversaries, ceremonies, or gatherings after being named the official best European basketball team of 20th century.
Not long ago, Dino Rađa and Božo Maljković came to Split to present the book about Jugoplastica. Although they had invitations, most of the others did not show up, and some of them even confirmed their arrival. After the mural was taken down in Split, Rađa said: “Unfulfilled poor people, you disgust me.”
Jugoplastika was the European champion in 1989, 1990, 1991, and then played under the name POP 84.
The club was officially named KK Split in 1997 and has been repeatedly saved from bankruptcy by various maneuvers and hybrid combinations, classic for clubs in Croatia. After the termination of cooperation with Tommy, the club will face new challenges, and until then, it will bear the name of the club from which they originated.
KK Split has entered the new season solidly and is holding on to ninth place out of 14 clubs after playing nine regional ABA league games.
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