Young players from across Europe gather for the Sagadin & Mian Basketball Camp in Tolmin.
Two Legends, One Unforgettable Basketball Experience
The Sagadin & Mian International Basketball Camp represents a unique convergence of basketball excellence in one of Europe's most stunning natural settings. Now entering its 15th edition, this premier youth basketball camp brings together two living legends of the game: Zmago Sagadin, the most successful coach in Slovenian basketball history, and Michele Mian, the celebrated Italian international who earned Olympic silver and European gold during a distinguished playing career.
Hosted in the picturesque Alpine town of Tolmin, nestled in the emerald-green Soča Valley, the camp offers young players aged 9 to 18 an extraordinary opportunity to learn from the very best while experiencing one of Slovenia's most breathtaking regions. The 2026 edition will feature two sessions: Session 1 from June 28 to July 4, and Session 2 from July 5 to 11, each limited to 120 participants to ensure personalized coaching attention.
200+
Players from around the world
30
Professional coaches
7
Countries represented
Meet the Legends: Zmago Sagadin
Zmago Sagadin, the most decorated coach in Slovenian basketball history.
Born on November 1, 1952, in Celje, Zmagoslav "Zmago" Sagadin stands as the single most influential figure in Slovenian basketball history. His playing career was cut short at age 21 due to knee injuries, but this setback launched one of the most remarkable coaching careers Europe has ever seen. Starting as a player-coach at KK Celje in 1974, Sagadin quickly demonstrated an extraordinary gift for developing young talent and building winning teams.
His tenure at BC Olimpija Ljubljana from 1985 to 1995 and beyond transformed the club into a dominant force, securing eight Slovenian National Championships and ten Slovenian National Cups. On the European stage, he led Olimpija to the 1994 FIBA European Cup (Saporta Cup) title and a historic third-place finish at the 1996–97 EuroLeague Final Four in Rome. He also co-founded the Adriatic ABA League in 2001 and guided Olimpija to its inaugural championship in 2002.
Sagadin's international coaching journey spans across the Balkans and beyond — from KK Split in Croatia to Crvena Zvezda Belgrade (where he won the 2004 Serbia & Montenegro Cup), from Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius in Lithuania to KK Zadar in Croatia. He served as the first head coach of the independent Slovenian national team following the country's independence in 1991, leading Slovenia at EuroBasket 1995 and laying the foundation for the nation's future basketball success.
What truly distinguishes Sagadin is his extraordinary record in developing elite talent. He has coached and mentored 11 NBA players — more than any other European coach — including stars like Šarūnas Jasikevičius, who credited Sagadin with discovering his potential, Rasho Nesterović, Primož Brežec, and Beno Udrih, who spent 13 seasons in the NBA and won two championships with the San Antonio Spurs. In total, Sagadin has developed more than 50 top-tier EuroLeague players. As Beno Udrih himself said: "Coach Sagadin gave me the much-needed knowledge to accomplish everything I did in my career. He taught me how to always go at 100%."
His contributions have earned him nine Slovenian Coach of the Year awards, the prestigious Bloudkova plaketa from the Slovenian Ministry of Sport, and in January 2025, he was named an honorary member of the Slovenian Basketball Association — the organization's highest accolade. Often called the "European Bobby Knight" for his demanding coaching style and emphasis on fundamentals, Sagadin brings over five decades of basketball wisdom to every camp session.
Meet the Legends: Michele Mian
Michele Mian, Italian Olympic silver medalist and EuroBasket champion.
Michele Mian joined the camp team as a co-director, bringing a wealth of international playing experience and a passion for youth basketball development. Born in Aquileia, Italy, Mian began playing basketball at age 11 and was already training with the first team of Gorizia by age 16 — a club just across the border from the camp's location in Tolmin, reflecting the deep cross-border basketball connections in this region.
Mian's professional career in Italy's top division, Serie A (LBA), spanned from 1994 to 2011, during which he established himself as one of the league's most respected players. Known primarily as a tenacious defender and an exceptional long-range shooter, he played for several distinguished Italian clubs including Pallacanestro Gorizia, Snaidero Cucine Udine, Scavolini Pesaro, Vertical Vision Cantù, and NPC Rieti. Over 11 seasons, he appeared in 365 games, averaging 8.1 points per game with impressive shooting percentages of 47.5% from the field and 42.6% from three-point range.
On the international stage, Mian represented Italy with great distinction. His crowning achievement came at EuroBasket 1999 in Paris, where he helped Italy capture the gold medal — one of the greatest accomplishments in Italian basketball history. He followed that with a bronze medal at EuroBasket 2003 in Stockholm. Mian also competed in two Olympic Games: Sydney 2000 (finishing 5th) and Athens 2004, where Italy won the silver medal — a historic achievement for Italian basketball. His international medal collection also includes silver at the 1997 Mediterranean Games in Bari and silver at the 1994 Under-22 World Championships, which were held in Slovenia.
Today, Mian channels his passion for basketball into youth development through the A.S.D. Miky Mian Basketball School, which he founded and continues to lead. His joining the camp represents a perfect synergy — combining Sagadin's legendary coaching methodology with Mian's firsthand experience as an elite European player and youth instructor. Together, they embody the camp's mission: "to share knowledge and to increase the quality of basketball all around the globe."
The Camp Experience: Training, Development & Fun
High-energy evening matches and showcase moments are a camp tradition.
The Sagadin & Mian camp follows a carefully structured daily program designed to maximize both skill development and enjoyment. Each day includes two intensive training sessions led by Sagadin, Mian, and a team of 30 professional coaches from Slovenia, Italy, and Croatia. The coaching staff also includes former professional players like Miloš Paravinja, who played at EuroLeague and ABA League levels and served as president of BC Slovan Ljubljana.
Daily Schedule
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 07:00 | Breakfast |
| 09:00 – 12:00 | Morning practice with Coach Sagadin and team |
| 12:00 – 13:00 | Lunch |
| 13:00 – 14:30 | Mandatory rest period |
| 14:30 – 16:00 | Free time for relaxation or optional activities |
| 16:00 – 18:00 | Afternoon practice session |
| 18:15 | Dinner |
| 19:00 – 22:00 | Evening matches and competitive games |
| 22:00 | Snack and wind-down |
| 22:30 | Bedtime |
Individual Player Assessment
One of the camp's standout features is its individual player evaluation system. Drawing on Coach Sagadin's decades of experience in identifying and developing professional talent, the coaching team conducts one-on-one interviews with each participant. These sessions provide valuable insights into the player's current performance level and deliver a personalized development plan that they can take back to their school or club. The camp takes a holistic approach, emphasizing not just basketball skills but also the importance of education, nutrition, respect, honesty, and hard work.
Age Groups & Skill Levels
- 9 – 11 years (Beginner): Foundational skills, basic techniques, introduction to teamwork
- 12 – 14 years (Intermediate): Skill refinement, tactical understanding, competitive play
- 15 – 18 years (Advanced): Elite-level training, advanced concepts, preparation for competitive basketball
Special Events & Entertainment
Beyond the rigorous training schedule, the camp offers memorable experiences including a 3-on-3 tournament held on Tolmin's main square, an All-Star Game on the final day, cinema nights for participants to bond with new friends, and an annual visit from a famous basketball player who spends a full day with the campers — a tradition that has brought some of Europe's biggest stars to Tolmin.
World-Class Facilities in a Stunning Setting
Tolmin and the Soča Valley provide a spectacular backdrop for the camp.
The camp takes full advantage of Tolmin's outstanding sports infrastructure. Participants train on three indoor air-conditioned courts and have access to five outdoor courts, all located within walking distance of the accommodation. The facilities meet professional standards, ensuring optimal training conditions regardless of weather.
Accommodation is provided at the renovated Soča CŠOD student dormitory, offering comfortable rooms and full-board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, plus afternoon snack). The package includes camp equipment: a basketball, double-sided jersey and shorts, camp T-shirt, hoodie, and a water bottle. The registration fee for 2026 is €495 per person, with payment available in three installments.
What's Included
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Training | Two daily sessions with training demonstrations, evening matches, 3-on-3 tournament |
| Meals | Six full-board days (three meals plus afternoon snack), refreshments during workouts |
| Equipment | Basketball, double-sided jersey & shorts, camp T-shirt, hoodie, drink container |
| Supervision | 24-hour supervision by professional staff |
| Medical | On-site medical team including physiotherapist and doctor |
| Assessment | Individual player evaluation with personalized development plan |
Tolmin & the Soča Valley: An Adventure Destination
The Tolmin Gorges, the lowest entry point into Triglav National Park.
The camp's location in Tolmin, named the Alpine Town of the Year 2016, adds an extraordinary dimension to the basketball experience. Situated at the confluence of the Soča and Tolminka rivers, Tolmin is the largest town in the stunning Soča Valley — Slovenia's first European Destination of Excellence (EDEN) and a region of outstanding natural beauty.
The Soča River, famous for its mesmerizing emerald-green waters, is considered one of the most beautiful rivers in Europe. The valley stretches through the heart of the Julian Alps, offering a spectacular backdrop of towering peaks, lush forests, and crystal-clear waters. For camp participants and their families, the Soča Valley provides countless opportunities for outdoor adventure and exploration.
Must-See Attractions Near Tolmin
- Tolmin Gorges — The lowest entry point into Triglav National Park, featuring the stunning Tolminka and Zadlaščica river canyons with walkways carved into the rock
- Soča River — World-renowned for rafting, kayaking, and swimming in its emerald waters
- Kozjak Waterfall — A spectacular 15-meter waterfall near Kobarid, accessible via a scenic trail
- Javorca Memorial Church — A beautiful wooden church dedicated to WWI soldiers, recognized with the European Cultural Heritage label
- Tolmin Castle — Historic ruins offering panoramic views over the town and valley
- Kobarid Museum — An award-winning museum about the Isonzo Front of World War I
The emerald Soča River is one of Europe's most celebrated natural wonders.
The Soča Valley is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Activities include white-water rafting, kayaking, canyoning, paragliding, rock climbing, zip-lining, hiking on world-class trails, and cycling through some of Europe's most spectacular mountain scenery. The region's festivals — including the Soča Outdoor Festival, Punk Rock Holiday, and Sajeta — draw visitors from across Europe, making Tolmin a vibrant cultural hub.
For families who accompany camp participants, the Soča Valley offers an ideal summer holiday destination. Whether you prefer adrenaline-fueled adventures like rafting the emerald rapids or peaceful explorations of the valley's rich heritage — from WWI historic sites to traditional alpine cheese-making — there is something for everyone in this remarkable corner of Slovenia.
Slovenia: A Rising Basketball Nation
The Sagadin & Mian camp reflects Slovenia's remarkable basketball culture. Despite being a nation of just 2 million people, Slovenia has produced an extraordinary number of world-class basketball players. The national team, which Sagadin himself helped establish following independence in 1991, won the EuroBasket 2017 championship — one of the greatest achievements in international basketball history for such a small nation.
Slovenia's basketball success is no accident. It is the result of a deeply rooted basketball infrastructure, world-class coaching, and a culture that values player development — precisely the philosophy that Coach Sagadin has championed throughout his career. The camp represents a continuation of this legacy, passing knowledge from one of Europe's greatest coaches to the next generation of aspiring players.
The camp also benefits from its location at the crossroads of three basketball cultures — Slovenian, Italian, and Croatian — with coaches from all three nations contributing to the program. This international approach gives participants exposure to different basketball philosophies and playing styles, enriching their understanding of the game.
Camp Values: Building Champions On and Off the Court
The Sagadin & Mian camp is built on a foundation of six core values that guide every aspect of the program:
Hard Work
Learn self-discipline and the value of dedication
Team Spirit
Together we can achieve more
Ambition
Reach for the stars
Perseverance
Never give up
Passion
Love what you do and do what you love
Honesty
Be honest with yourself first
Registration & Contact
The Sagadin & Mian International Basketball Camp 2026 is organized by the Women's Basketball Association Tolmin in cooperation with KK Tolmin and the KŠM Institute. The camp is limited to 120 participants per session, and spots fill quickly due to high demand.
2026 Camp Dates
| Session | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Session 1 | June 28 – July 4, 2026 | Registration open |
| Session 2 | July 5 – 11, 2026 | Registration open |
Payment Options (Installments)
- Until April 4: Pre-registration — €100
- Until May 10: First installment — €200
- Until June 15: Second installment — €195
- Total: €495 per person
Boris Velikonja (Technical Camp Manager)
Phone: +386 31 711 049
Email: boris.velikonja1@siol.net
Website: basketball-camp-tolmin.com
Why Choose the Sagadin & Mian Camp?
Fifteen years of excellence have established this camp as one of Europe's premier youth basketball experiences. The combination of legendary coaching expertise, a proven development methodology that has produced NBA and EuroLeague stars, world-class facilities, and an extraordinary natural setting makes this an unmissable opportunity for any young player serious about improving their game.
Whether you dream of playing professionally or simply want to take your skills to the next level while making lifelong friends from across Europe, the Sagadin & Mian International Basketball Camp in Tolmin delivers an experience that extends far beyond the basketball court. As the camp's motto declares: it is about sharing knowledge, increasing the quality of basketball worldwide, and being an elite provider of knowledge of this beautiful game.
— Sagadin & Mian Camp Team