Boza Maljkovic was central to the transformation of Unicaja, elevating the club to a new dimension in European basketball. His demanding approach and vision, during his tenure between 1999 and 2003, laid the foundations for the subsequent growth of the Málaga institution. The recent recognition at the Palacio de Deportes José María Martín Carpena, during halftime of the game against Valencia, was filled with emotion, with tears from the coach himself and several of his former players.

Before arriving in Málaga, Maljkovic was already a legend, having won four EuroLeague titles with teams like Jugoplastika, Limoges, and Panathinaikos. His ability to adapt to different rosters and playing styles, from teams full of young talent to more resilient squads, allowed him to achieve success in various European leagues. Unicaja signed him at 47, at the peak of his career, seeking to replicate those triumphs.

During the tribute, Maljkovic received the club's Gold Shield and a unanimous ovation from the Carpena crowd, an arena he saw inaugurated. Under his leadership, Unicaja not only won the Korac Cup at the Palacio but also solidified its presence in the EuroLeague, reaching the Top 16 in his final seasons. His influence extended beyond the court, advocating for better conditions for club employees and demanding a level of professionalism that propelled the entire organization.

Although the Korac Cup was his only title with Unicaja, Maljkovic's impact is also measured by the competitiveness he instilled in the team. He came close to reaching the Copa del Rey final in 2003 and played in an ACB final in 2002. His legacy endures in the memory of the club and the Málaga fans, who recognize him as the architect of a golden era of basketball in the city, a spirit that the current president, Antonio Jesús López Nieto, has strived to keep alive.