Boris KRISTANCIC

Boris Kristančič competed for the Yugoslav national basketball team from 1951-60, earning 81 caps. He competed at the 1954 World Championships, the 1957 and 1959 European Championships, and the 1960 Olympics. He was the first Slovenian to compete abroad, playing with Stella Azzuro in Italy. Kristančič was also captain of the Yugoslav national squad for six years.

When Slovenia achieved its independence, Kristančič was instrumental in helping them form a national basketball federation and joining FIBA. He was also President of the major men’s league in Slovenia. For his work in sports he was given the Order of Freedom of the Republic of Slovenia, and in 1970 was give the Bloudek Award.