By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Here’s Zeljko Obradovic, a nine-time EuroLeague champion and most celebrated coach in the history of European basketball, said in an interview for Blic.
On being asked to coach several national teams:
“I have received calls to coach several national teams. From Europe and other continents. I’ve rejected all of them. I can’t imagine myself on the bench of a different national team. And playing against Serbia. I cannot! When it comes to a club, it’s different.”
On the importance of being a part of a national team:
“I always said that playing or coaching a national team is the greatest achievement and honor in life. And I’ve done both. When they suspended us (Serbia) from the 1992 Olympic Games (due to the war) the players were crying because they wouldn’t play. I always advise all players to respond to the invitation of the national team. I tell every one of them: It’s the greatest honor to play with the jersey of your national team. That’s my attitude. It’s incredible how many cancel their participation. It’s impossible that everyone has a serious reason.”
On Bogdan Bogdanovic signing with the Sacramento Kings
“Bogdan has an incredible ambition. At the end of the season, I had an exceptional conversation with him. I understood what he wanted and, before that, I told him that every decision he makes will have my support. He goes to Sacramento Kings to become a leader. I sincerely believe he will succeed because I know how devoted he is and how much he works. I want him to succeed from my heart.”