Zufer Avdija


Zufer Avdija is a Serbian–Israeli professional basketball coach and former player. He represented the Yugoslavia basketball team internationally.

Playing career

Avdija spent most of his playing career in Crvena zvezda in Yugoslav Basketball League, where he played during the 1980s. He was a team captain.
In the 1990s, he played for Israeli clubs: Ramat HaSharon, Rishon LeZion, Hapoel Tel Aviv, and Elitzur Bat Yam.

National team career

Avdija played 50 games for Yugoslavian national basketball team. He represented Yugoslavia at the 1982 FIBA World Championship in Colombia where he won bronze medal alongside teammates from Crvena zvezda Rajko Žižić and Zoran Radović. Also, he won a gold medal at 1983 Mediterranean Games in Morocco.

Personal life

Avdija was born in Pristina, SAP Kosovo, FPR Yugoslavia. He is of ethnic Gorani descent and is a Muslim. When he was 15 he briefly played football as a goalkeeper for Ramiz Sadiku youth team in Pristina.
His son, Deni Avdija, is also a professional basketball player. Deni represents Israel national team internationally.