By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Back from a trip to the United States and closely monitoring the progress of his son with the Washington Wizards, Dusan Vukcevic talked about what he noticed from Tristan Vukcevic.
“He feels great. He found his spot. He joined their program, games, trips,” he told Serbian outlet Meridian Sport, describing the current situation for the 21-year-old forward/center, “Everything is made easier for the players. That is how the NBA works. That is why it is the best.”
Midway through his sophomore NBA campaign, his oldest son earned increased playing time, boosting his season averages to 5.5 points and 2.4 rebounds per game.
“He has started playing over the last two months. He had some minor injuries; his knee was bothering him, but he is completely recovered. In America, unlike Europe, where when something hurts they simply say, ‘Just take Voltaren and get on the court,’ or ‘did you break your arm. You are fine!’. You must be 100% recovered from an injury. Otherwise, they will not let you play. Here, all the players push through pain, back, hands, legs. I know this very well for 30 years. It becomes a habit,” Dusan compared the medical approach of NBA organizations to European clubs.
“Hopefully, he will be offered a new contract,” he continued projecting the next potential step for his son, “They play every other day. So, you mostly practice individually. They gym is open until three in the morning. They have everything available for the players.”
Working with Spanoulis
The most recent coaching assignment for 49-year-old Vukcevic was with Peristeri. After working with several legendary tacticians over the years, his list expanded to Vassilis Spanoulis looking to match a brilliant playing career from the sidelines.
“Every thought he has is about basketball, all day long. No matter how much you try, he is already thinking about what you are thinking. He was like that on the court as well. Working with him was an incredible experience,” he recalled the job under the current head coach of AS Monaco and the senior national team of Greece, “We were all constantly learning.”
Resuming his coaching career can emerge as an option but is shy of current priorities listed by Vukcevic.
“I wanted to be with the kids more,” he explained, “I stopped coaching because of other important things in life. We will see what the next step is. I am still young.”