Final 4 NEXE League's constant with premier appearance on Final tournament

Final 4 NEXE Konstanta lige i premijerni nastup na završnom turniru

celebi

Same time same place like year before. NEXE have once again proved to be an important part of the League positioned right after the best. Once again sixth after the regular part of the season with fifth place from season 2011./12. remaining their best position so far. However, this season for the first time that was enough to reach League's Final tournament.

NEXE's main problem are roster changes ahead of the season. This season was no different with Šime Ivić, Igor Vujić and Franjo Lelić, three of NEXE's best and most important players parting company with the club. Kordi's team has in previous two seasons bought amazing 14 players! Still, they are doing great and have as it was already said proved to be respective part of the League trying to create their own playing style and players. Another new thing for the team from Našice this season was playing on two tough levels - by SEHA League they have also competed in EHF Cup's group stage.

This season some players have shown quality and potential such as Can Celebi, Turkish right back and club's best scorer, right winger Josip Božić-Pavletić, pivot Marin Sakić, back Luka Sokolić (especially in 5-1 defence) as well as trio for 6-0 Sakić, Mrđenović, Vegar. Unfortunately, during the match against Vardar left winger Albin Eter got injured but great news are that he will be ready for Final tournament. During his absence club's leaders have decided to give chance to Karlo Oroz - left winger from Croatian Spačva Vinkovci also bringing back Saša Barišić-Jaman who has spent two and a half years playing in Austria.

Interesting is that NEXE are champions of the 'second part' of League's table - from sixth to tenth place. During the season they were not able to reach points in clashes aginst TOP 5 teams with some matches (like the one against Meshkov, their opponent in Veszprem) showing that they will not necessary be only a guest in Hungary.

Another important thing for the club is their return to Našice. After almost year and a half spent in Osijek they are again playing in their sports hall 'King Tomislav'. People from Našice have made it clear they like high level sport amazingly supporting NEXE in their home encounters.

 

BEST MATCH OF THE SEASON: NEXE - Metalurg 25:19

Amazing atmosphere, great match and NEXE's remarkable defence. It was a match which has decided which of two opponents will travel to Veszprem.

WORST MATCH OF THE SEASON: NEXE - PPD Zagreb 19:35

Rough beginning of the season for NEXE with first points being reached after 5 matches. Really bad way to open the season in Osijek against PPD Zagreb finish Croatian derby without any thriller. However, NEXE were rising during the season proving that in their second encounter against Zagreb allowing hosts to reach only +3.