By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
MANILA, Philippines – On the way to the Semifinals of the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Nikola Milutinov revealed getting support from current players of Olympiacos and also a former player in the form of Sasha Vezenkov.
“I was talking with them [Olympiacos teammates], of course. I got a message from one of my ex-teammates from Olympiacos, who is in the NBA. He is watching us and supporting us also,” he mentioned hinting toward the new stretch power forward of the Sacramento Kings during team practice Thursday.
Vezenkov, 28, played alongside the Serbian center from 2015 to 2018. Leaving the Reds to join CSKA, Milutinov reunited with the Greek powerhouse this summer, but Vezenkov moved his talents to the NBA.
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Averaging 13.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.8 blocks, and 0.7 steals per game over six appearances, the solid showings helped Serbia extend the World Cup run into the Semifinals. The team coached by Svetislav Pesic will face Canada tomorrow (10.40 CET) in the semifinal.
“One of them, for sure,” Milutinov replied to a question about this being the biggest game of his career, “I have never won a medal with the senior national team. This is my big dream. I will give all my power and everything to achieve the goal.”
Photo Credit: FIBA.BASKETBALL