The returnees attract thousands of fans to each of their matches and in terms of attendance, the club is the first in the Euroleague.

In Belgrade's Stark Arena, where oil and white spills, the colours of Partizan, matches are often sold out.

"On average, we have 17,012 fans at Stark Arena games," according to Basket News.

Partizan Belgrade player James Nunnely (center) makes a dunk during the Euroleague basketball game against Olympiacos on March 24, 2023 in Belgrade © OLIVER BUNIC / AFP

The "Grobari" or gravediggers, as they are called, are known for their total devotion to their club.

With a passion that is expected of football fans, the ultras galvanize the crowds by shouting at the top of their lungs songs of encouragement to their heroes, while waving flags and scarves in the colors of the team.

"There is no picture, we have the best home ground in Europe. I don't think anyone can dispute that," French international and pivot Mathias Lessort told AFP. "You don't have to think much to understand how much they help us at home."

Partizan Belgrade's French player Mathias Lessort (center) during a Euroleague basketball match against Olympiacos in Belgrade, March 24, 2023 © OLIVER BUNIC / AFP

After a difficult start, Partizan Belgrade turned things around mid-season, earning an invitation to the Euroleague under coach Zeljko Obradovic, who had given the team its last European title in 1992.

"To the last square"

After successful years abroad, Obradovic returned home to Serbia to take care of Partizan in 2021, injecting new energy into both players and fans.

Partizan Belgrade coach Zeljko Obradovic, during a match against Zalgiris in Belgrade, October 27, 2022 © OLIVER BUNIC / AFP

"We have this connection with the huge support of the stands," Obradovic told the media ahead of the playoffs. "Partizan fans have always been like that."

Serbia is known for its sometimes very turbulent football landscape but basketball is a national obsession.

The sport was first introduced to Serbia by an American Red Cross envoy a century ago.

After World War II, the socialist government of the former Yugoslavia put the package on sports, especially basketball, building courts in almost every neighborhood.

French player Mathias Lessort (center) during the Euroleague basketball game against Valencia on December 1, 2022 © OLIVER BUNIC / AFP

During the bloody wars that rocked the Balkans in the 1990s, sport served as an escape for many people.

Despite their small populations, Serbia and other countries in southeastern Europe are a hotbed of talent for the NBA and other professional leagues abroad.

Two-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic is from Serbia and made his NHL debut before joining the Denver Nuggets.

Partizan Belgrade fans during a Euroleague basketball match against Maccabi in Belgrade, November 18, 2022 © OLIVER BUNIC / AFP

Serbian fans are looking forward to witnessing their country's sporting prowess in Europe.

"We have waited too long. Partizan's place is in the Euroleague," Marko Pena, a 27-year-old supporter, said after the team's win over Panathinaikos Athens earlier this month. "We will go to the last square."

© 2023 AFP