Aner Levron grew up in a kibbutz in the Upper Galilee, a world shaped by nature, community, and simplicity. This environment forged his values: solidarity, effort, belonging—and a love for basketball. Now 41, he is assistant coach at Fribourg Olympic, after spending 19 years travelling through Europe as a professional player, mainly in Germany but also in Austria and Italy. His journey was made possible partly thanks to his German roots: his grandparents were born in Germany before fleeing the country, allowing him to obtain a German passport and explore Europe.

Levron’s career unfolded across seventeen cities. Not a star, but a hardworking, selfless player, he built balance on the court and uplifted teammates. A standout game in Germany, where he scored 27 points and was named MVP, symbolized a personal reconciliation with a complex past marked by Jewish history.

Since settling in Switzerland, he has become a central figure at Fribourg Olympic. Known for his “tough love” philosophy, he acts as a bridge between players and coaches—strict, supportive, available at any hour. He has lived intense moments with the club, including a memorable Europe Cup quarter‑final in Thessaloniki.

The war in Israel deeply affected him, especially the attacks on kibbutzim. Yet he holds on to the hope of peace. Today, in Fribourg, he continues to grow, teach, and help others evolve, his journey still unfolding.

By David Glaser

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From the small gyms of Monthey and Vevey to the electric atmosphere of an Olympic 3×3 final in Paris, Sebastiano De Martis has lived basketball from every angle—player, referee, and coach. What began as a childhood passion in Wallis became a lifelong compass, guiding him through the Swiss leagues and beyond.

He played for Vevey Basket and Blonay Basket until age nineteen, before discovering officiating at twelve, climbing all the way to the national level in 5×5 and later becoming a leading Swiss referee in the fast‑paced world of 3×3. Coaching followed naturally: after working with youth teams—including a young Jonathan Dubas—he took charge of Romanel-sur-Lausanne’s second team in the 3rd League, bringing intensity, analysis, and a distinctly Italian tactical culture inherited from his Sardinian and Pugliese roots.

For De Martis, tactics are intelligence: understanding opponents, reading defenses, and teaching players to see the game’s hidden details. As he observes Swiss basketball’s growth—boosted by names like Sefolosha and Capela—he believes the next step is investing again in 5×5 while nurturing the booming 3×3 scene.

His career is filled with vivid memories: the EuroLeague Final Four in Belgrade, a thunderous Crvena Zvezda game, an encounter with Joakim Noah in Orlando, and that unforgettable Olympic final where he calmly watched a Dutch friend sink the winning shot.

With the poise of a referee, the intensity of a player, and the vision of a coach, Sebastiano De Martis remains anchored by a simple conviction: on the court or on the bench, the team always comes first.

By David Glaser

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In its very first interview, The Free League introduces Julija Matic, a 19-year-old basketball talent whose journey bridges Switzerland and Serbia. Born and raised in Switzerland to Serbian parents, Julija discovered basketball at age ten thanks to her older brother Geo, who first brought her to the playground. What started as sibling support quickly became a lifelong passion shared by the entire family.

After early years playing with boys in Ticino, Julija’s career took a decisive turn through summer camps with Red Star Belgrade, her father’s beloved club. Her shooting skills—earning her the nickname “the Swiss Sniper”—and her all-around game helped her rise through Serbia’s youth system, from U16 to U18 and eventually to the first team. Serbia also shaped her mentality: competitive, emotional, and resilient.

Now back in Switzerland with Elfic Fribourg, Julija has established herself as a versatile, vocal player who contributes far beyond scoring—through defense, rebounds, assists, and key moments in EuroCup competition. She proudly represents the Swiss national team while remaining aware of the contrasts between Swiss and Serbian basketball, particularly in intensity and fan support.

Grounded by strong family ties, lasting friendships from her Red Star years, and a clear love for the game, Julija keeps her ambitions open but focused. For now, Fribourg feels like home, and her goal is simple: finish the season strong and keep pushing toward the highest level possible.

By David Glaser

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