By Bilal Baran Yardımcı / info@eurohoops.net
Nikola Kalinic has lived memorable seasons on the yellow-and-blue side of Istanbul, contributing to Fenerbahce‘s successes back in the day. That’s why playing there is always special for him.
Representing Crvena Zvezda in the 2024-25 EuroLeague season, returning for the second time to the red-and-white side of Belgrade, the Serbian forward has now helped his team get to the top of the standings, unbeaten with a 3-0 record.
The third straight victory occurred against Fenerbahce on the road, and after the game, he spoke to Eurohoops to sum up his feelings for such a special encounter. “I can’t describe the feeling I have every time I come back here. I spent five amazing years here”, he first said.
“I have made incredible memories, of all the great battles we went through. I feel the fans still love us. I love the fans, I love Fenerbahce truly from my heart. Of course, I love Crvena Zvezda and Barcelona fans. But I spent five years of my career here. So it was amazing”, the Serbian forward also commented.
Sticking with Fenerbahce, he gave his thoughts on this year’s roster. “I think they are a really tough team. They probably need somebody on the ball after Scottie Wilbekin’s injury. They will probably make an addition in the guard position and I think they will be very tough. They have a great coach and great fans. I am sure they will make it to the playoffs”, Nikola Kalinic shared.
“We used the chances they gave us early in the game. We had a couple of struggling moments, but we managed to survive them and find players who were in better shape and focused. Everybody contributed, and we kept on going. In three days Barcelona is coming to Belgrade, so we want to create a crazy atmosphere and win that game as well, playing as best as we can”, he also said.
Nikola Kalinic also touched on his desire to play a different role throughout the years. “I like it when somebody gives me a good role and responsibility. I like responsibility. I managed to do something in my career with some side role on the court, I want to try being more involved”, he said.
“I got bored doing the same thing. I’m not saying it’s bad, I won EuroLeague and medals with the national team. But I wanted to be involved more. In Crvena Zvezda, they gave me trust. I will give [coach Sfairopoulos] 130% of my everything. I also have to learn how to control my shape”, Kalinic added.
Full interview with Nikola Kalinic:
PHOTO CREDIT: Turkish Airlines EuroLeague