Cedevita brings back Ziga Daneu

The third-generation basketball player returns to Ljubljana

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana brought a familiar face back to the Slovenian capital by signing Ziga Daneu, the club announced Tuesday. Daneu (2.01 meters, 21 years old) arrives from Helios Suns Domzale, where he averaged 6.7 points and 5.1 rebounds in 32 Slovenian League games last season, helping his team reach the final. He grew up with Cedevita Olimpija and also played for another Slovenian team, Nutrispoint Ilirija Ljubljana. Daneu has also been a member of the Slovenian U20 and U19 national teams.

The Daneu family has been essential to Olimpija's success in the past. His grandfather Ivo Daneu was one of the greatest guards in European basketball history. Ivo helped the former Yugoslavia win the 1970 World Cup and a silver medal at the 1968 Olympics as highlights of a legendary career that helped him become one of FIBA's 50 Greatest Players in 1991. His father Jaka Daneu helped Olimpija reach the 1997 EuroLeague Final Four and win eight consecutive Slovenian League championships.

"When I look back, I feel a bit old, because I have been part of the club for a long time in my young career, but wearing the Cedevita Olimpija jersey is the best part of my career so far. I’m glad to be back in the Dragon family," Daneu said after the agreement. "There is a bit of nervousness, but everyone always told me that nervousness is just preparation, and that’s how you know you’re where you need to be. I believe that next season we will do more to do our best and that we will be more successful."