Branko Kovačević (basketball)


Branko Kovačević is a retired Yugoslav professional basketball player.

Playing career

Kovačević started his career in Valjevo, playing for a struggling Second Division side Metalac. He became a key player for Metalac, guiding them to promotion in First Federal Basketball League in 1973. With Kovačević as their best player and one of the best scorers in the entire First Division, Metalac spent memorable years in the top flight.
In 1979 Kovačević signed for Crvena zvezda. He helped his team reach the 1984 Korać Cup final, after scoring 34 points in the semi-final first leg against Zaragoza.
After five years with Crvena zvezda, Kovačević went to Smelt Olimpija. Once again, Kovačević managed to help his team gain promotion from 1. B Federal Basketball League.

National team career

Kovačević was a member of the Yugoslavia national junior team that competed at the 1970 FIBA Europe Championship for Juniors.