The story of basketball in Slovenia is not merely a sequence of sporting achievements and won medals. It is a living heritage that has been passed down from generation to generation for decades. Its rhythm is defined by the bounce of the ball and the squeak of sneakers, while its essence is written through the many stories of players, coaches, fans, and families who helped shape this community. Today, Slovenian basketball proudly stands on the shoulders of the giants of the past, while new generations – from young talents in school gyms to stars in international leagues – confirm that the heritage under the hoop is far from a finished story; with every shot taken, it continues to be written.

In 2025, the Sports Museum prepared a panel exhibition titled “Heritage Under the Hoop.” Since no museum exhibition is ever a finished story, but rather a beginning that opens new questions, we decided to take a step further. We wanted to present the rich history of Slovenian basketball in an even more tangible way, so we expanded the original panel exhibition and enriched it with an exceptional object-based exhibition.

A Story That Began with Peach Baskets

Modern basketball was born during the winter months between 1891 and 1892 as the result of the ingenuity and reflection of the Canadian-American physical education professor Dr. James Naismith, who sought suitable recreation for his students and young people in general during the cold season. The original game, modestly named basket ball, was simple: two teams competed to score points by getting the ball into a basket – initially actual peach baskets. Even the first written rules laid the foundations for the game as we know it today. Over time, the game evolved, adapted, and spread across the world.

From Local Courts to Global Heights

An important part of this global story is also the heritage of basketball in Slovenia. The saying “Great things grow from small beginnings” is confirmed beneath our hoops at every step, as dedicated youth work and organizational perseverance developed into a sporting story that reaches far beyond our borders.

After the Second World War, Slovenian basketball did not merely grow within the Yugoslav space; through the pioneering visions of coaches and players, it also provided key developmental directions. With Slovenia’s independence in 1991, the national framework changed, but the knowledge, tradition, and passion remained intact. The new country inherited generations accustomed to major competitions and high ambitions.

When Objects Speak

Through a thoughtful interplay of photographs, documents, and precious objects, the enriched exhibition brings to life the journey of our basketball players. The outdoor panels guide visitors through decades of basketball development in Slovenia, while the central section within the museum focuses on Slovenian basketball heritage through the prism of major competitions – from national, European, and world championships to Olympic highlights.

The objects displayed in the exhibition are carriers of memory. They speak not only of victories, but also of the road leading to them: of training, organization, courage, and belonging. The heritage of basketball is not a finished story – it is a process that continues with every new generation.

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Exhibition Author: Maja Hakl Saje

Professional Associates: dr. Tadej Curk, Petra Juvan, Daša Ozimek, Andreja Potočnik, dr. Aleš Šafarič

Exhibition Design: Anamarija Ludvik

Pop Art Portraits: Danica Guberinič – Nana

Proofreading and Translation: Alenka Ropret

Production of Equipment and Replicas, Technical Installation: Artalt, Anže Bizjak, s. p.

Video Production: Muzej športa 2025, 2026

Photographic Material Provided by: Marjana Bremec Homar, Ivo Daneu, Tomaž Kamenarič, KK Šentjur, Košarkarska zveza Slovenije, Muzej športa, Nataša Šiško, Meta Štoka Debevec, Jure Zdovc, ŽKK Cinkarna Celje

Special Thanks

Tomaž Alauf, Marjana Bremec Homar, Grega Brezovec, Ivo Daneu, Dassašport, d. o. o., Danica Guberinič, Tomaž Kamenarič, KK Šentjur, Košarkarska zveza Slovenije, Lojze Šiško, Nataša Šiško, Meta Štoka Debevec, Peter Vilfan, Jure Zdovc, ŽKK Cinkarna Celje

Exhibition Made Possible By

Ministry of the Economy, Tourism and Sport