[2] He then began his professional career as coach for Yugoslavian Basketball Federation (KSJ – "Kosarkaski Savez Jugoslavije") in charge of NT cadet and junior selections programs.

Players Halilovic coached in Yugoslavian cadet and junior selections include Dražen Petrović, Vlade Divac, Toni Kukoč, Dino Rađa, Žarko Paspalj, Jure Zdovc, Stojko Vranković, Danko Cvjetićanin, Velimir Perasović, Miloš Babić, Franjo Arapović, Miroslav Pecarski, Luka Pavićević, Teoman Alibegović, Dragan Tarlać, Dalibor Bagarić, Bruno Šundov as well as other international players.

Halilovic worked for Croatian Basketball Federation (HKS – "Hrvatski Košarkaški Savez") as a junior NT coach.

During that time he coached future NBA and Euroleague players Bagaric, Sundov, Skelin, Grgat, Prkacin, Rimac, and Mulaomerovic.

After closing up his basketball academy for young players RIN Sarajevo which launched future international stars and Bosnia and Herzegovina NT members such as Goran Suton and Nihad Dedovic,[5] along with Turkey NT member and 2014 FIBA EC MVP Cedi Osman.