Pogačar Square is the living room of a refined Balkan palace: Ljubljana. Watching over it from above is the bell tower of St. Nicholas Cathedral. Encircling it is the karstic flow of the Ljubljanica, concealed beneath the Triple Bridge, witness to everything that passes through this majestic corner of Slovenia. The legacy of ‘His Airness’ found within the noble textures of this European capital, and within its vibrant basketball culture, a precious stage for young interpreters of the one-on-one game. All sharing a single objective: becoming ‘The One.’ To overcome, body after body, whoever stands between the dream and the rim.

Packed stone steps. Magnetic battles for rebounds. Dragon statues and mascots becoming secondary, almost vanishing before the energy generated by the only pure art that defines this magical place: the Game. And before the fascination, along with the doctrine, of its ultimate ambassador at these latitudes, Luka Dončić. With every buzzer, the bracket gradually dismantles itself, only to reassemble once again. Names crossed out. Names advancing. Creative effort. One on Anyone. A succession of intuitions and counter-intuitions stretching toward the unpredictable. Toward the summer downpour that finally calms an overflowing, roaring crowd, ready for the grand finale.

The ascending climax of košarka, basketball, understood in this format through its most individual and electrifying design, reaches its apex the following morning. Shafts of light cut across the gleaming wooden walls of Športni Center Ilirija, evoking the magnificent natural regions that unfold concentrically beyond Ljubljana. Luka Dončić arrives at this intimate theatre, one intimately connected to his own family tradition. The young players following in his footsteps complete the most significant chapter of basketball journeys still in their infancy, yet already clearly defined in their respective forms of expression, beneath the gaze of a national monument: n. 77.

Edini or Edina. Izbranec or Izbranka. Gal Krajnčič and Valerija Gradišar climb their way to the summit of the pyramid. And prepare themselves for another ascent: the London one, where the continental finals await.

Through their lenses, RiseUp Duo and Nik Erik Neubauer transform these impressions into images and chronicle alike. This feature is part of a special editorial series through which we will tell the story of every European chapter of ‘The One,’ beginning with Madrid, whose story you can revisit here.

What made you fall in love with basketball, and what does the game mean to you today?

Gal Krajnčič: “I fell in love with basketball at a very young age. At first, I played football, but when all of my friends started playing basketball, I joined them… And I never looked back. In Slovenia, basketball is the national sport. Everyone plays it. All my friends play, we meet at the park, and we’re on the court almost every day. It’s more than a game here; it’s part of the culture. Today, basketball means everything to me. Honestly, I can’t imagine my life without it. It has shaped who I am and given me a purpose from a very young age.”

Valerija Gradišar: “I started playing basketball when I was six or seven years old, but I began training seriously when I was thirteen. Today, basketball means everything to me. It’s where I feel happiest. I love chasing the ball, competing, and taking shots. It’s my favorite sport, and honestly, I can’t imagine my life without it.”

MJ honed his game on the backyard hoop with his brother. What was your first hoop or playground, who was your first rival, and what did those early battles teach you?

Gal Krajnčič: “I actually have a twin brother, and he was my first real rival. We have a hoop outside our house, and for the last ten years we’ve played there almost every day. That’s where I developed my game, where I learned to compete, and where I improved the most, especially in one-on-one battles. Basketball has always been something that brings us together. We do almost everything together, and the game became part of that bond. At the same time, we’re both extremely competitive. We used to argue so much over the results that we eventually stopped keeping score altogether. Those battles taught me how to compete, how to handle pressure, and how to keep pushing myself every day.”

Valerija Gradišar: “I used to play in front of my house and on the court near the kindergarten. At first, I played with my father, but later I spent most of my time competing against my cousin and my uncle, especially during the summer holidays. My cousin is a very good player, and he helped me develop my skills. I always listened to his advice, and because of that I kept improving. Those games were intense and exciting. We played so many times that I can’t even remember all of them, but they taught me a lot. Eventually, I managed to beat him, and that felt like a huge achievement.”

What are the keys to dominating a one-on-one game? What kind of mindset and energy do you need to succeed?

Gal Krajnčič: “In a format like this, where you play a few intense minutes without stopping, conditioning is incredibly important. For me, defense is the foundation. I play very aggressively on that end of the floor, and I think that’s one of the biggest reasons I’m able to win games. Of course, offense matters too, you have to make shots, but everything starts with defense. Mentally, you always have to believe you can win, no matter the score. In the latest stages, I was down 9-1 and ended up going on a huge 22-0 run to come back and win. That’s what one-on-one basketball teaches you: momentum can change instantly. You have to stay locked in, whether you’re behind or ahead. One hot streak can completely change a game.”

Valerija Gradišar: “You have to play every possession with confidence. Boxing out and rebounding are important, and you need great conditioning. You also have to be creative, quick, and a reliable shooter, especially from mid-range. Mentally, you need to believe in yourself. You have to step onto the court thinking you can beat anyone. Give your best effort every time, stay confident, and see where that takes you.”

What was it like playing in such a unique setting as Pogačar Square? And how do you keep your focus and competitive edge after a downpour like the one that interrupted the event and pushed it back to the next day?

Gal Krajnčič: “It was an incredible experience. So many people came out to support the event, and the atmosphere was amazing. My teammates, friends, and family were there, which made it even more special. The organisation was outstanding, and the whole event felt like something unique. The rain was definitely unexpected. It arrived before many of us had really settled into the competition, and then we suddenly learned that we would be back on court at seven o’clock the next morning. It was quite a shock, but I tried not to overthink it. That night, I focused on recovering, went to sleep as early as possible, and made sure I was ready to continue what I had started the day before.”

Valerija Gradišar: “It was an amazing experience because I had never played in front of such a large crowd before. It was challenging, but it never distracted me. Hearing people cheer for you is something special. I come from Velike Lašče, right outside Ljubljana, and having my family there watching made it even more meaningful. After the rain and the rescheduling, I knew I needed to recover well. I went to bed early because I didn’t want to be tired the next day. Before sleeping, I focused on what I could do better, especially on defense, so I would be ready when the games resumed.”

You won in front of Luka Dončić. What was that experience like for you?

Gal Krajnčič: “Luka is a national hero in Slovenia, so having the chance to play in front of him was incredibly special. It’s not every day that one of the best players in the world is watching you compete. It was a unique experience that I’ll remember for a long time.”

Valerija Gradišar: “It was incredible. Having one of the best basketball players in the world watching you play is something you never forget. I just tried to do my best and enjoy the moment. It was a great experience.”

If you could steal one aspect of Luka’s game and bring it to London, what would it be and why?

Gal Krajnčič: “Probably his shooting. He can create a shot whenever he wants, against almost any defender. That ability to generate offense under any circumstance is one of the most valuable skills in basketball today.”

Valerija Gradišar: “Probably his step-back. He’s so good at it, and it looks effortless. It’s one of the most exciting moves in basketball.”

In your opinion, what makes Ljubljana The One city of basketball?

Gal Krajnčič: “I’m actually from Domžale, which is about fifteen minutes from Ljubljana. The capital has always been the centre of basketball in Slovenia. It’s the biggest city in the country and home to a large number of basketball clubs. If you want competition, if you want to test yourself, Ljubljana is where you go.”

Valerija Gradišar: “Ljubljana has a great basketball culture. It’s the home city of Luka Dončić, and many talented players have come through here. Basketball is part of the city.”

How does it feel to become a local hero? And how much work behind the scenes did it take to reach this moment?

Gal Krajnčič: “It definitely feels special. A moment like this represents years of work: early mornings, late nights, difficult days, and sessions when you are a little bit frustrated. There’s a lot of effort behind the scenes that people never see. That’s why reaching a moment like this feels so rewarding.”

Valerija Gradišar: “I’m very happy. Winning a tournament like this is an amazing feeling because it reminds you that all the hard work is worth it. In order to achieve these results, you have to train every day, even when others are resting. You have to keep improving your skills. Before this tournament, I trained on a daily basis after learning I would be competing. I’ve spent years working on my game, and moments like this make all that effort meaningful.”

At Athleta Mag, we see sport as a form of art. Do you consider basketball an art form? If so, what makes basketball an art in your eyes?

Gal Krajnčič: “Absolutely. Basketball is almost like dancing. It’s a constant exchange between you and your opponent. You’re reading movements, anticipating reactions, trying to stay one step ahead. Every player has a different style, a different rhythm, and a different way of expressing themselves on the court. That individuality is what makes basketball feel artistic to me.”

Valerija Gradišar: “Yes, I think basketball can be an art form because it requires creativity. I love how quickly the game changes and how impossible it is to predict what will happen next. When you watch great shooters shoot, or see someone dribble through defenders with incredible speed and control, it feels artistic. I’m not sure I always feel like an artist myself, but sometimes, maybe.”

What does it mean to you to be Ljubljana’s ‘The One’?

Gal Krajnčič: “It feels amazing. I’m proud that I’ll have the opportunity to represent Ljubljana and Slovenia in the European qualifiers, and I’m grateful for the chance to compete on this stage.”

Valerija Gradišar: “It makes me very happy. It’s an amazing feeling and an unforgettable experience. I’m excited for what comes next in London.”

What will it take to become The One on Anyone in London, and potentially on the global stage? What’s your mindset as you approach this next chapter of your basketball journey?

Gal Krajnčič: “I’ll have to keep fighting all the way through. For me, it’s about staying focused, not letting anyone get into my head, and trusting the game that brought me here. I know my strengths, I know my style, and I have to stay true to both. Most importantly, I have to believe in myself, no matter who’s standing on the other side of the court.”

Valerija Gradišar: “I need to stay focused on my own game and not worry about what other people say. I have to believe that I can compete with anyone, even if they’re bigger, stronger, or faster than me. My goal is to play hard, defend well, and give everything I have on the court. Then we’ll see what happens.”