By Nikos Varlas/ varlas@eurohoops.net
On Thursday night in Madrid, in the world of European basketball – already happy for the return of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague to its everyday life – all eyes will be on Sergio Rodriguez! An encounter between two giants like Real Madrid and CSKA Moscow is always exciting.
But in this case we are counting down to a historic return! Sergio, one of the favorite players of the club from Madrid and its fans, is coming home for the first time as a EuroLeague opponent, playing in the colors of CSKA, a traditional rival! On a court where he has been glorified and has won titles. In an environment where he will only come across friends, fans and memories… A lot of memories!
From the summer of 2010 until 2016 – for six seasons – he graced the jersey of the Whites and won every possible title that he played for! His biggest moments in Madrid were the EuroLeague title in 2015, won on same the court where he will return on Thursday, and the EuroLeague MVP award he won in the 2013-14 season. All told, he and Madrid journeyed together for 149 games in the EuroLeague, with four appearances in the Final Four.
Many will comment on El Chacho’s historic return in a game that will be a benchmark in his career. Of course, his own feelings and words about the unique evening that is approaching are the most important!
“Something that I will always remember!”
“It will be very special for me to play against Madrid, on their home court! I spent some of my best years playing basketball in that team. But it’s not just basketball. I feel that Madrid is my home. To return to the Palacio de Deportes (WiZink Center) is something amazing for me! It will definitely be somewhat strange! I’ve faced CSKA and other big teams so many times as a player of Madrid. I’m looking forward to playing there, in front of Madrid’s fans. I believe it will be something that, after, I will remember forever! I will play on the court where I won all the titles that I played for. I’ve won the EuroLeague, the ACB League there, I have great memories with the Spanish national team.”
Rodriguez is the first Spanish player in the history of CSKA Moscow!
How did he come to this decision and how does he feel about his new situation?
“I was a free agent in the NBA in the summer and I was looking for a situation in which I would be able to compete and play for titles. CSKA gave me the biggest opportunity out of everyone and waited for me until mid-July. I’m very happy to be working with coach Dimitris Itoudis and playing alongside great players. We will work very hard to achieve our goals.”
“An opportunity to evolve as a player and as a person!”
Does he think his role in his new team has many similarities with the one he had in Madrid?
“I believe so. My role is to provide the team with energy and to make my teammates feel comfortable on the court. The season is very tough, there is a big game every week. I want to give my team confidence and I will work hard for this. This season is a big challenge for me and for the whole team. I’ve never played in Europe outside of Spain before! It’s an opportunity to develop my game and my personality, a long way away from where I felt comfortable and was accustomed to being. I really want to succeed in CSKA!”
An artiste of basketball, a charismatic floor manager and a fun-to-watch player, passed on the torch to the next one… From Milos Teodosic to Rodriguez! Can you think of anything better?
“Teodosic is a great player and a unique talent! He has proven it throughout his career. CSKA always had top players, some of the best in the history of European basketball. Every time an important player leaves, the team has to fill his void. I’m here so that we can accomplish our goals. We have put the pressure on ourselves to be the best and we aim to be fully prepared for the time when titles are decided. I didn’t have the chance to speak with Milos at all, because when I signed he had already left CSKA. But I got in touch with guys like Nando De Colo and Kyle Hines!”
“I want my daughter to remember life in Moscow!”
Madrid and Moscow are both among the most fascinating cities in Europe. But they are very different in so many ways, something that the Rodriguez family likes!
“Moscow and Madrid are different. But, they are both big and important cities. I’ve been here with my family for three weeks and we’ve been impressed with how beautiful the city is. You can do everything. In the area where we live, which is close to the arena and the training center, we are very comfortable. It’s five minutes away and my family is very happy! We are used to living abroad. Last season we lived in Philadelphia. It’s a big change for my family, but we’re all excited. Once again, basketball gives us the opportunity to experience a different culture as a family. We can’t wait to experience life in Moscow!”
The hero of our story this week was born and raised in a place where the sun… dominates! Perhaps this was a factor in him becoming a man who is kind, simple and very approachable, who always has a wide, genuine smile on his face. In the same way he learned to enjoy the sun, he’s now eager to take in the experience of family life in Moscow alongside his loved ones and, with them, to keep this new adventure in his mind and his heart forever!
“I come from the Canary Islands and the weather there is always great. Here, it’s going to be freezing cold for most of the season! We always think positively as people and we will enjoy the different weather, too. Living in Moscow is exciting for me and my wife and it will be an experience I want our daughter to remember when she grows up!”