The event began with warm-ups; Gogi started his sports journey with football, and the participants of Goran Dragić’s farewell game commenced this final act of their host’s career dressed in suits and ties.

On Friday, August 23, the day before Goran’s basketball friends—who are stars of both Slovenian and international basketball—took to the court in front of the Stožice stands, they stretched their legs on the red carpet. As befits a ceremonial occasion marking the farewell of one of the greatest sports icons from the game under the hoop, the event started with a festive atmosphere.

In Ljubljana, at the venue where Goran’s final basketball performance would take place the following day, a charity gala event occurred the night before the farewell match. Amid a rich entertainment program, two highlights stood out: the selection of players for the teams and the charity auction.

Following the model of the NBA, where Gogi spent the majority of his illustrious career, the players for the teams competing on Saturday, August 24, were drafted on Friday. The selection was not easy, as Dragić’s farewell game, organized by Spontanzo under the leadership of Matej Avanz, and the Goran Dragić Foundation, attracted numerous elite active and retired basketball players, coaches, and basketball personnel who had shaped Gogi’s career. Check out the full list of participants to see for yourself.