Interview conducted by Mathew Maurer NBADraft.net 1/9/03 NBADraft.net and all it’s fans would like to thank you for doing this interview! Not a problem. How did you first start playing basketball? Can you remember the first time you dunked? I was really young I just wanted to play. At first all I did was run up and down the court. The first time I dunked was 4 years ago before a junior game while I was warming up. Your mom played basketball, how did she help develop your understanding and love for basketball? My father is the one who pushed me the most to play basketball. Is it better to be loved or feared? It is better to be loved! But I feel that I am kind of a mix of both. Who is the greatest European basketball player of all time? I would have to say Vlade Divac. If you could play for the Kings or Mavs who would you choose? I would have to say the Sacramento Kings. Will you challenge the NBA’s interpretation of the rule of being 18 before the draft? It is a tough process. The agency representing me will be handling all the legal issues. Hopefully we will have the players association backing us up. When do you expect to know whether you will be eligible for the 2003 draft? Hopefully I should find out in two weeks. Why are Yugoslavians so passionate about basketball? Don't they realize that European football is the greatest sport on Earth? (joking) I think the main reason is that basketball has been a tradition in Yugoslavia for the last thirty years. I think that a little of the passion comes from the wars that we have been through over the years. Is Michael Jordan responsible for the great popularity of basketball there? No I don’t think Jordan is responsible. But of course everyone knows of him. What is a bigger goal for you? Winning an NBA Championship, or winning a gold medal for Yugoslavia against the US in the Olympics? I would have to say winning a gold medal for Yugoslavia is a bigger goal for me. What will be the toughest adjustment going into the NBA? I think language will be the hardest adjustment. Which is the main reason why I just hired an english teacher to give me lessons 3 times a week. But on the game side I don’t think there is gonna be a huge adjustment. Can you see yourself being the #1 pick in the 2003 draft? I believe in myself but with all the hype surrounding Lebron James and the fact that he lives in the US. I just don’t think that will happen. I would like to see Lebron play against the competition I face. Who would you rather have lunch with Magic Johnson or Larry Bird? Magic! If you could choose a player to play your NBA career with, would you choose Yao Ming or Lebron James and why? I think I would have to go with Lebron James as I think me and his game would be more complimentary than Ming who is a little bit too similar to me in ability. Who is the most popular player in Yugoslavia? And is it true that Vlade Divac could run for president and win? Vlade Divac is very, very popular. Who knows if he did go for the presidency he could stand a very good chance to win. Is there a player in the NBA who your game most resembles? Kevin Garnett of the Minnesota Timberwolves. How does your game compare to Kevin Garnett’s ? What can you do better, and what is he better at than you? To start with Kevin Garnett is an All-Star, he's stronger and just more experienced as a player than I am. But I think I have better passing ability. Within time I feel that I can improve on many of those aspects. Hypothetically, If you went to the USA and played college ball, which University would you pick? Honestly I don’t follow the NCAA. But I do know that many consider Duke to be the best college in the USA. With overseas improving like it has I feel that you have the best chance to make it to the NBA from overseas. For one you have more practice time. How can you get better as a player if you don’t play? Some have said you can handle all five positions. Which position do you think would maximize your talents best in the NBA? I would have to say the four. Who is the toughest player you have faced? Pat Burke of the Orlando Magic. Do you ever have nightmares about Shaquille O’Neal? (Laughing) That’s something I never want to talk about. You have had the chance to play Sofoklis Shortsianitis, what are your thoughts of his game, and how will he fare in the NBA? Is he really over 2 meters tall?(joke) I saw him play once two years ago for one he’s very strong and physical as a player. But he should continue to work on his skills. I definitely think he will be a good player. I would say he’s about 6-9. When you practice are there any particular things you concentrate on when you work out? Often we will have one portion of practice just working on dribbling and shooting. I mean every kid in Yugoslavia learns how to shoot from the perimeter at a very young age. It’s not like if you're 6-8 they put you in the post. First they teach guard skills then when you get older, post moves are learned. Some have called you the Lebron James of Europe. Do you think that is a fair comparison and have you seen Lebron James play? I think it’s difficult to compare us. It’s like apples to pears. Lebron plays the 2-3. I play the 3-4, so it’s different. Again I would like to see us both playing on a more equal playing field. I’m playing top international competition. I for one would like to see myself play at the high school level. And No, I haven’t seen Lebron James play. Many feel that what separates you from most European players is the aggressiveness you play with. Is that just in your nature, or something that had to be taught? I think as a kid I was a little timid. I soon learned that if you're not aggressive, people will beat you up. So when I’m out on the court I’m like a different person. You must gain the respect when you play. Besides yourself, who is the hottest young prospect of Yugoslavian basketball? Aleksander Pavlovic, Zarko Cabarkapa, Kosta Perovic, and Blagota Sekulic to name a few. NBADraft.net would like to thank Simee who was the translator and Darko Milicic who was kind enough to stay up late to complete the interview. Best of luck with your bright future in basketball!
