Jaka Blažič

Professional career

Blažič began his professional run in 2007 with Triglav Kranj, then moved to Geoplin Slovan from 2009 to 2011. In July 2011 he committed to Union Olimpija on a three-year contract. On 18 June 2013 he signed a three-year deal with Serbian club Crvena zvezda, but left on 14 September 2015. The very next day, 15 September 2015, he agreed to a three-year contract with Spanish team Baskonia, departing on 3 July 2017.

He then played the 2017–18 season with MoraBanc Andorra after signing on 16 July 2017. On 9 August 2018 he inked a one-year deal with FC Barcelona Lassa. A two-year contract with Cedevita Olimpija started on 20 July 2019. On 2 June 2022 he signed with Bahçeşehir Koleji of the Turkish Basketball Super League.

Personal life

In the early hours of Saturday, 4 October 2014, Blažič caused a traffic accident while driving under the influence. He rear-ended a taxi with his Volkswagen Golf while changing lanes at the corner of Nemanjina and Resavska streets in central Belgrade. No injuries were reported. A breathalyzer test revealed his blood alcohol level exceeded Serbia's 0.5‰ legal limit.

Just hours earlier, on Friday evening 3 October 2014, he had played in Crvena zvezda's opening game of the 2014–15 Adriatic League season, an 85-55 win over Levski Sofia where he scored 8 points including a dunk. After paying a RSD16,000 (about €135) fine to the misdemeanor judge, Blažič publicly apologized to the taxi driver, his club, and its fans. Crvena zvezda also fined him under its disciplinary code, reportedly docking two monthly salaries from his pay.

Did You Know?

• Blažič was born in the town of Jesenice into a family of athletes—his father Dušan was a skiing coach and his mother Ksenija played volleyball.
• His younger sister Pia became a professional volleyball player.
• At the 2017 EuroBasket, Slovenia took gold with Blažič on the roster.
• He competed at the 2020 Summer Olympics, where Slovenia finished fourth.