 Vrbica Stefanov shooting afree throw, at the2007 FIBA EuroBasket qualification. | |
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | (1973-12-19)December 19, 1973 (age 51) Kavadarci,SR Macedonia,SFR Yugoslavia |
| Nationality | Macedonian |
| Listed height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Listed weight | 165 lb (75 kg) |
| Career information | |
| NBA draft | 1995:undrafted |
| Playing career | 1991–2009 |
| Position | Point guard |
| Coaching career | 2014–2016 |
| Career history | |
| As player: | |
| 1991–1992 | Tikveš |
| 1992–1998 | MZT Skopje |
| 1998–1999 | Rabotnički Skopje |
| 1999–2000 | Pınar Karşıyaka |
| 2000–2001 | AEK Athens |
| 2001–2005 | Montepaschi Siena |
| 2005–2006 | Ülkerspor |
| 2006 | Crvena zvezda |
| 2006–2007 | Olympiacos |
| 2007 | Montepaschi Siena |
| 2007–2008 | Mersin BŞB |
| 2008–2009 | ViveMenorca |
| As coach: | |
| 2014 | MZT Skopje |
| 2016 | Kožuv |
| 2017 | Yeşilgiresun Belediye (assistant) |
Vrbica Stefanov (Macedonian:Врбица Стефанов,pronounced[ˈvrbit͡saˈstɛfanɔv]; born December 19, 1973) is a retired Macedonian professionalbasketball player and formerhead coach of the Macedonian clubsKožuv andMZT Skopje.[1] On 23 March 2009, Vrbica Stefanov was awarded the Medal for Service to the Country, by the then-President of the Republic of Macedonia,Branko Crvenkovski, in acknowledgement of his sport achievements, and his contribution to developing and popularizing sports in Macedonia, as well as promoting the country abroad.
After starting his club basketball career withTikveš, Stefanov played six seasons withMZT Aerodrom (1992–1998),[2] then moved on toRabotnički (1998–1999),Karşıyaka (1999–2000, Turkey),AEK Athens (2000–2001, Greece). He then remained spent four years in Italy, playing withMontepaschi Siena (2001–2005),[3] where he reached aEuroLeague Final Four.[4]
He won the 1998–99Macedonian National Championship with Rabotnički, the 2001Greek National Cup with AEK Athens,[5] the2002 edition of theFIBA Saporta Cup with Montepaschi Siena, the 2003–04Italian National Championship with Montepaschi Siena, and the 2005–06Turkish National Championship withÜlkerspor.
After he signed withRed Star Belgrade, he played in only one game with the team, and in October 2006, he said that he would retire from playing pro club basketball.[citation needed] However, in February 2007, he signed with theSpanish ACB League'sViveMenorca, for all of the remaining season and the following one.[6]
Stefanov was also theteam captain of the seniorMacedonia national basketball team. He played at the1999 FIBA EuroBasket and theEuroBasket 2009.
Stefanov was known for his quickness, passing ability, driving and three-point shooting. While he was mainly known for being a scorer, he was also the mainplay-maker of his teams.