By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
In the last two summers, Carlik Jones captured everybody’s attention while dominating with South Sudan. First, he made a surprising appearance at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup and then confirmed his status at the Olympic Games in Paris 2024.
Now, embracing the overseas journey for the second straight season after trying his value in China, he will play in the EuroLeague for the first time in his career. The 26-year-old guard officially signed for Partizan and has already reached his new teammates in Belgrade to prepare for the upcoming season.
Interviewed by Mozzart Sport once touching the Serbian soil, he revealed what Zeljko Obradovic told him. “We had two conversations, he told me to be who I am, a true playmaker and leader. To lead the team on both sides of the floor, and to make my teammates better. Nothing less, nothing more. He assured me that he had no intention of changing anything in my game. Just to be myself”, he opened.
Following an exciting Olympic campaign, where he averaged 18.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game for Royal Ivey’s national team, he attracted interest from the NBA, where he once had the opportunity to live the dream with the Chicago Bulls.
However, he decided to move to Europe regardless. “There were a few offers from the NBA, but not as many as reported. Many people were worried and nervous, but you shouldn’t believe everything that is written. It’s true that I received some offers, but I knew from the beginning that Partizan was the ideal club for me. It seemed like the best decision”, he said.
He also came back to how he was reached by the black-and-white side. “They told me how much they respect my game, I had several conversations about my role, what I should expect from the team, but also what they expect from me”, the South Sudanese national team’s leader first revealed.
“For me, it came out of nowhere, I did not expect Partizan’s invitation, I was a free agent, and that’s when you don’t know what kind of offers you’ll get. It’s up to you to work your way up and hope that an invitation like this comes. And I’m glad it did”, Carlik Jones followed.
PHOTO CREDIT: FIBA Basketball