When and where did you start playing basketball? Did you try another sports?
I started playing basketball when I was like 6, in a small village Aleksandrovac, home of Adriatic League team Igokea. That was my first team. Back then, we didn’t even have a gym, just a concrete court, but the whole village played at least pick up 3×3. My parents also played basketball on amateur level, so they passed me the love for it. Dad was also showing me games of Michael Jordan, Serbian national team was also great in those years after the war, they gave a lot of joy to people, so it was very easy to fall in love with basketball. As a kid I also tried football and karate, because it was offered to us kids in elementary school.
When did it become obvious that you can play basketball professionaly?
I can’t remember when was it obvious to be honest. But in my mind, there was nothing else I wanted to do. Basketball was my dream and I never thought for a second to go in some other direction. I guess I always knew.
How did you come in touch with Asesoft Ploiești?
I was in a camp with the National team, and my agent called. He said ‘you have offer from Romania’. And I told him: ‘Romania? I’m a national team player, I’m not going to Romania to play basketball.’ But when he said, Asesoft plays Eurocup. I just told him to send the contract. I can be straight forward, for majority of people in Europe, when you mention Romania, it doesn’t have a good sound for them. Same thing is for Serbians. Serbian people don’t have good opinion of Romania, therefore of Romanian basketball. And they couldn’t be more wrong. My family and all my friends that visited, changed their minds very fast. Now all of them see how beautiful Romania is, while being disappointed in our country, because Romania is 20 years ahead of us. Now they also back me up when I explain to people how nice Romania is.
What memories do you have from the first year in Romania? How was to play in EuroCup?
There are so many memories from that year, winning Championship was definitely one of the best. But by far the best thing from that first year, was my relationship with Dado and so many nights spent with him in his favorite restaurant, while he was giving me advices and helping me to adjust to everything. Playing Eurocup was amazing. We played Khimki Moscow, Hapoel Jerusalem, Karsiyaka, against all those great players that you could only see on TV. Eurocup is by far, my favorite competition I played in.
What about the year that you’ve spent in Mureș?
The season in Mureș might be the best year of my life overall. We played two finals, we had great group of guys, Ouszy, Kyndall, the guy who welcomed first, one of the best position 4 players I ever played with Ivo Ivanovic, one of my best friends outside of basketball El Pistolero from Montenegro, Gajo. Also Adi Tudor, Căpușan. We were all together almost all the time, enjoying free time, having fun and that led us to also enjoy the time spent on the court (sorry If I forgot someone). Fans in Mureș are amazing, they were also very friendly off the court, inviting us to their houses for barbecues and drinks. It was trully amazing.
How was to play for Cluj-Napoca and to win one title with them?
Cluj is hands down the best organization in Romania, thanks to Mircea Cristescu, a guy who a lot of people see arrogant, but he really loves basketball and that club. Playing there was great, winning two cups and bringing back the Championship after 7 years, I think, is a great memory. Definitely the most beautiful city in Romania for me, where I met some great people, friends for life. Of course I met my wife in Cluj, so what more to say.
Who were your best teammates/coach here?
Best teammate would be, if I can pick one, Goran Gajovic. If I can pick more, I met some great people through those years, that I still keep in touch with, such as Rasic, Pasalic, Dykes. The best coach, coach with most basketball knowledge who coached me in Romania, Marcel Țenter no doubt.
You played in Bosnia, Belarus, Belgium and Romania. Where was it the best to play as professional player?
I enjoyed my time in Romania the most. But the best national competitions I played are ABA League and VTB League, top 5 competitions in Europe. Also living in Minsk, Belarus, we didn’t play Belarus championship, only played VTB, I enjoyed a lot. People don’t really know, Minsk is one of the nicest cities in Europe in my opinion.
What do you think about the 2019/20 season from your point of view? How was in Belgium?
Belgium was great, very strong physical league. I liked it, especially from the point that longest bus ride to away game is 2 hours. We finished second, one round before they stopped we were first, so we had the chance to dethrone Oostende who is champion for like 8 years in a row. The decision to end the season definitely felt bad for us, because we had a feeling that we could reach the finals and surprise them.
Who is the best opponent you met in Romania/in your career?
As a team in Romania, Oradea, of course. And in my career I can say CSKA, Khimki, Unics, Red Star, Partizan. As for players, in Romania, I can’t really say who is the best, but the most respect I have for Will Franklin, not a typical American, who put team first every single game and I think Oradea wouldn’t be Oradea without him. Overall the best, Sergio Rodriguez.
What do you think about the level of Romania national league compared to anothers that you played in?
I didn’t have time to watch since I left but those four years I loved the level of competitiveness. ABA and VTB are way stronger, but also the level of money is way higher, so it’s normal. If it is to compare it with Belgium, I would say Belgium is a bit better, because you have team like Oostende. Plus in Belgium accent is more on defense, it’s very physical, while in Romania, the accent is on offense.
Would you like to come back in Romania?
I’m coming to Romania every summer. 🙂
How are you coping with this coronavirus pandemic?
Tried to motivate myself to workout and to be on diet in order not to get fat to look like Michelin. 🙂 I spent time with my wife, since we were for two months alone in Belgium. I played a looot of God of War and FIFA. And now we are finally home.
