Petar Bozic joins Kawasaki Brave Thunders: Serbian coach returns to B.League

Petar Bozic named Kawasaki Brave Thunders head coach

Petar Bozic is set to return to the B.League as the new head coach of Kawasaki Brave Thunders for the 2024-25 season. The 46-year-old Serbian coach leaves London Lions after two seasons, where he guided the team to the EuroCup semifinals in 2023-24 before falling to Paris Basketball, the eventual champions. In Britain, Bozic led London Lions to the BBL Championship title last season and topped the Super League Basketball regular season, though they were eliminated in the semifinals.

Coaching journey and achievements

Before London, Bozic served as head coach of the Austin Spurs in the G League from 2021-23 after joining as an assistant in 2017. Earlier in his career, he had a brief stint as head coach of Partizan Belgrade in 2013 under legendary Serbian coach Dusko Vujosevic. Bozic began his coaching career there after retiring as a player.

Japan’s growing European coaching presence

Bozic joins a growing list of European head coaches making their mark in Japan’s B.League. Among them are Lassi Tuovi (Yokohama B-Corsairs), Dainius Adomaitis (Tokyo Alvark), and Ronen Ginzburg (Kawasaki Brave Thunders). Bozic’s move marks his return to the Japanese league after two seasons in Britain.

Leadership and legacy

Bozic’s leadership has earned praise from former teammates. Jan Vesely, an all-time great EuroLeague center who played with Bozic at Fenerbahce, once said: “In my years in Fenerbahce, we had a lot of great players and good leaders. But honestly, in my career, I always turn back to my captain, who was in Partizan. It's Petar Bozic. Honestly, this is the best example of leadership and professionalism. At that time, he didn't play much, but he still was the captain. Whatever he said, that was it. We never questioned his words. Even if you talk about something on the court that's not good for the team, he comes to you and tells you straight up to shut up, and it's not the way to talk.”

What’s next for Kawasaki

Kawasaki Brave Thunders finished fifth in the B.League regular season last year and reached the semifinals of the playoffs. With Bozic at the helm, the team will look to build on that momentum in 2024-25.