KK Split (Croatian: Košarkaški klub Split) is a professional men’s basketball club based in Split, Croatia. Founded in 1945 as the basketball section of the sports society Jadran, the club has undergone several name changes, most notably competing as Jugoplastika from 1970 to 1990 and as POP 84 from 1990 to 1995 due to sponsorship agreements. It currently operates under the historic name KK Split.
History
- 1945–1970: Established as part of Jadran, the team participated in regional competitions of the former Yugoslavia.
- 1970–1990: Adopted the name Jugoplastika after securing sponsorship from the local plastic manufacturing company Jugoplastika. During this period, the club rose to prominence in Yugoslav basketball.
- 1990–1995: Renamed POP 84 following a new sponsorship; this era coincided with the club’s most successful international phase.
- 1995–present: Reverted to the original KK Split designation after the dissolution of Yugoslavia and the end of major sponsorship deals. The club continues to compete in the Croatian League and various regional competitions.
Major Achievements
- European Champions Cup (EuroLeague): Winners in 1989, 1990, and 1991, becoming the first club to achieve a three‑peat in the modern era of the competition.
- Yugoslav League: Champions in 1977, 1979, 1988, 1989, 1990, and 1991.
- Croatian League: Multiple titles since the league’s formation in 1992, including championships in 1993, 1994, 1997, 2002, and 2004.
- Domestic Cups: Winners of the Yugoslav Cup (1975, 1977, 1988) and the Croatian Cup (1993, 1995, 1997, 2004).
Notable Players and Personnel
KK Split has been a development ground for several internationally recognized players, such as:
- Toni Kukoč – later inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
- Dino Rađa – NBA veteran and EuroLeague champion.
- Žarko Paspalj, Predrag Danilović, and Žan Tabak, among others.
Prominent coaches include Božidar Maljković, who led the team during its EuroLeague triumphs, and later Željko Obradović, who also achieved significant success with the club.
Home Venue
The team’s home games are primarily hosted at the Poljud Sports Hall (Poljud dvorana) in Split, which has a seating capacity of approximately 3,500 spectators for basketball events.
Recent Developments
Following financial difficulties in the early 2000s, KK Split experienced relegation to lower divisions but subsequently returned to the top tier of Croatian basketball. The club maintains a youth academy focused on developing local talent and participates in the Adriatic Basketball Association (ABA) League’s second division.
Club Identity
- Colors: White and blue.
- Logo: Features the stylized letters “KK” combined with the silhouette of the city’s historic Roman palace, Diocletian’s Palace.
- Supporters: The club enjoys a dedicated local fan base, often referred to as “Split fans” or “Plavi” (The Blues).
References
- Official club website (kk-split.hr) – historical overview and current team roster.
- EuroLeague archives – records of championship victories (1989–1991).
- Croatian Basketball Federation publications – domestic league and cup results.