From the day he first put on a Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul uniform, Emir Preldzic has been a joy to watch. Blessed with the size of a big man and a point guard's outlook on the game, Preldzic has been a game-changing presence every time he steps on the basketball court. Eight years later, Preldzic is not only a standard-bearer for Fenerbahce, but is knocking on the door of the top 20 assist men in competition history. And at 2.06 meters tall, he would become the second-tallest player in that distinguished group. Long and versatile, Preldzic can be found running fastbreaks or blocking shots with equal ability, forcing opponents into constant adjustments to combat his many skills, which give Fenerbahce a multitude of advantages.

Preldzic's importance to Fenerbahce cannot be understated. No other Fenerbahce player has scored more points or dished more assists in the Euroleague than him. Moreover, he ranks second in career steals and third in rebounds for Fenerbahce in Euroleague play. This season, Preldzic surpassed the career milestones of 1,000 points, 400 rebounds, 400 assists, 100 steals and 100 three-pointers made. Only three other Euroleague greats – Dimitris Diamantidis, Victor Khryapa and Milos Teodosic – have reached those numbers since 2007, when Preldzic debuted. For Preldzic and Fenerbahce, finishing such a milestone season with their first Turkish Airlines Euroleague Final Four appearance is perfect timing.

Preldzic was raised in Bosnia and spent two years as a teenager playing in Slovenia, but made Istanbul his new home when he signed with Fenerbahce. In his eight seasons there, Preldzic has helped Fenerbahce win five Turkish League titles and three Turkish Cups. In the Euroleague, they have gone together to the Top 16 seven times and reached the playoffs twice. He has also suited up for the Turkish national team at the European Championships and World Cup. Now a young veteran at 27 years old, Preldzic hopes that his knack to change games and play at his best in clutch situations will help the club he has called home, Fenerbahce, climb atop the podium in Madrid.