Quick Facts
Biography
Josip Gjergja (alternatively Đerđa, Djerdja or Giergia; born 24 November 1937), also credited as Giuseppe Giergia, is a retired Croatian basketball player of Albanian descent. He was nominated for the Euroleague's 50 greatest contributors list in 2008.
Born in Zadar to an Arbanasi family, hence the variously transcribed name, this 1.76 m tall point guard wore KK Zadar's jersey for 18 consecutive seasons, thus becoming one of the club's legends alongside Krešimir Ćosić. A three times Yugoslav Basketball League title winner from 1965 to 1968 and another two back to back ones in 1974 and 1975, he also lifted the national cup in 1970.
Pino (as he is commonly referred to) was also a member of the Yugoslav national team, winning two World Championship silver medals in 1963 and 1967 as well as a Eurobasket silver medal in 1965. He also participated in two Olympic games in 1960 and 1964.
Following a coaching career after his retirement, he led the Croatian national team to the World Championship bronze medal in 1994. In 2003 coached Pristina in Kosovo.