By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Fenerbahce Beko is on an 11-game winning streak which propelled them to a 14-1 record at the top of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and Jan Vesely was without a doubt one of the leaders. That was especially true in December as Vesely posted 16.6 points on 68.9% shooting plus 7.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.2 steals per game on his way to the MVP of the Month honor.
In his interview with EuroLeague.net, Vesely showed gratitude to coach Zeljko Obradovic for his development as a player and person: “He is passionate and understands basketball like no-one else. He really knows every position in a game. For instance, I cannot remember what I did or how I scored and he knows exactly every player’s move and what he did in a game. That is the gift he has. I always had a special relationship with him and after the NBA, he gave me the chance, the opportunity to play here, to play my basketball. He understands what I can and can’t do and is not forcing me to do something that I cannot do. He has allowed me to play my game and we know what to expect from each other.”
One of the more obvious aspects that he improved in his game is the free throw shooting but he believes the opponents are still treating him the same nonetheless: “I am still getting fouled a lot, so I don’t think defenses have changed, so I don’t agree with that. Defenses are the same as before and are stopping me from getting easy baskets by sending me to the free throw line. I got fouled 10 times in a game this season [against CSKA]. I still get fouled a lot, but now I try to stay focused on the game for 40 minutes. I am focused on where to step and don’t change the routine or the technique. It is working until now, so I cannot complain.”
However, the team comes first and this team has been together for a while hence the great chemistry they developed: “For sure, it is the reason we are playing good basketball right now. We have been together for a long time. We replaced a couple of players, but the changes were good. This is a good group of guys and we like to spend time with each other. It is a very cool, friendly atmosphere in the locker room, and that also helps on the court. I am really enjoying it.”
Of course, Vesely didn’t forget about the fans who always give Fenerbahce the necessary energy in order to push forward and they always look to return the favor: “Our fans really make a great atmosphere, yes. They are pushing us forward. Everybody enjoys playing at home, especially in these kinds of games. Both games, CSKA and Madrid, were sold out and the atmosphere was amazing and winning the game in the last few seconds, with Gigi scoring like that, was great. This gives us more energy for work. We know that nothing is easy and you have to work for 40 minutes, until the end. That is what Gigi did and the Fenerbahce fans were happy about it and everybody enjoyed that game.”