Partizan Belgrade has confirmed the hiring of Spanish coach Joan Penarroya, marking a new era for the club following Zeljko Obradovic’s resignation, Telesport reported on Sunday, December 21. Penarroya, 56, is set to sign a fixed contract for the remainder of this season and the next, reportedly earning €1 million over the period.
The move comes after a turbulent stretch in the EuroLeague, including a recent 41-point loss to Zalgiris Kaunas, which left Partizan 17th in the standings with a 6-11 record. Interim coach Mirko Ocokoljic stabilized the team briefly, but two heavy defeats highlighted the need for a long-term solution.
Penarroya will make his debut in Belgrade when the team returns from Slovenia for training on Tuesday. The former Barcelona coach has experience with several Spanish clubs, including Olesa, Andorra, Manresa, Burgos, Valencia, and Baskonia. His tenure at Burgos included three trophies: two FIBA Champions League titles and one FIBA Intercontinental Cup.
Partizan’s roster features Carlik Jones, Duane Washington, and Sterling Brown as key contributors. Jones leads the team with 11.4 points and 5.2 assists per game, while Washington averages 14.8 points with 2.5 rebounds per contest. Sterling Brown adds 13.8 points on 58.3% shooting, providing interior and perimeter balance.
The club’s leadership reshuffle also included the appointment of Zarko Paspalj as sporting director, completing a broader restructuring of the organization. Penarroya’s hiring is seen as a strategic decision to stabilize Partizan and implement a new approach following a period of inconsistent results in domestic and European competitions.
This marks the first time Penarroya will coach outside Spain, and he arrives with endorsements from former players like Vanja Marinkovic and Jabari Parker, as well as recommendations from previous clubs. His challenge will be to integrate quickly with a team that has struggled to find cohesion and reverse its downward trajectory in the EuroLeague.
Partizan will hope that Penarroya can immediately influence results and establish a foundation for long-term success, aiming to climb the standings and regain competitiveness in the continental competition.
