By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Dallas Mavericks guard Dante Exum stated that if his career leads him back to Europe one day, then his former team Partizan Belgrade will likely be the only club that he’ll consider signing with.
Let me say right now, if I ever return to Europe, Partizan is the first option, and probably the only one,” Exum said to Mozzart Sport.
After spending his debut season in Europe with EuroLeague powerhouse Barcelona, Exum joined Partizan for 2022-23 and his game reached new heights. The Australian player averaged 13.2 points, 2.7 assists and 2.3 rebounds, thriving at the point guard position under Zeljko Obradovic and being a pivotal member of a team that came one game away from making the Final Four, falling 2-3 to powerhouse Real Madrid in a dramatic series.
“[Obradovic] wanted me to be a playmaker, which of course I immediately liked,” Exum said. “I wanted that challenge, that responsibility. I knew I could help with the ball in my hands. However, my wishes are one thing, the coach decides and he saw me in that position and showed his trust in me. I have to thank him for that. During the season, we talked a lot about responsibilities and the details that are needed for a playmaker. He wanted to hear my opinion and what I would do in a certain situation. It would be an exchange of opinions that helped me a lot, and ultimately helped the team as well.”
Before returning to the NBA by signing with the Mavericks, Exum helped Partizan win the ABA League championship title. It was the club’s first since 2014.
“I still occasionally remember some scenes during the season that I experienced with Partizan,” Exum mentioned.” It was a period that won’t be forgotten. I already talked to my teammates in Dallas, I told them that it’s an experience that every basketball payer must experience. The atmosphere created by Partizan fans is unimaginable. That passion in Europe, the fight on the court, the camaraderie that was created, the overall incredible connection with the club. It was like a dream.”