As a player, the best coach you’ve ever worked with?
“I worked with many different and many very good coaches. So, I can not choose just one but let’s say if I say choose one who was more influence my career? I would say Bogdan Tanjevic. Turkish fans knows him very well from Fenerbahce. And also Pepu Hernandez, who was Spanish National Team and Estudiantes. Duda Ivkovic, which brings me to the national team – Senior National Team of Yugoslavia- when I was 23 years old. From all these people who learn a lot. But Tanjevic, influenced me the most about work ethic about thinking basketball. Our approach to the game in work which is most important.”
As a coach, the hardworking player you’ve ever worked with?
There was one Greek player who I always liked. Because of everything of he was doing, he was national team great player and now he is coach. Giannis Kalambokis. Great character, very hardworking who came from second division and then he played big club like Olympiacos in EuroLeague. He played Panionios when I was coach. Very humble, modest and hardworking guy ,who achieved top of his career. Dusan Sakota, Dwight Hardy… All these players, let’s say be there because we can not they are most talented guys. But they dedication and approach to every game and every practice was superior.”
Izmir or Gaziantep?
“Total different think, you know. Of course, Izmir is a great city. When you go to Izmir, you forget everything. You try to enjoy the life. Different mentality. But now, I live in Gaziantep. I like Gaziantep also. I like the way that people are. They take me like wanted a family. Same happened to me in Izmir and Trabzon. City is a city. Some cities, you have more restaurants, more different things. Some cities not. Weather there is is better in some cities. Some cities not so good. Generally as a person, try to be happy in every place you go. Because for me the most important people around me. If the environment around me is healthy and good. If I have good friends for daily work and dinners and spend time, the city is not important for me. Of course I love Izmir. Great city. I could live in Izmir until end of my life. But also I can not say that I don’t like cities.”
Drama or Athens?
“Athens. But I like Drama also very much. It’s a small city but with the heart.”
Coaching with clubs or coaching with national teams?
“I believe, ı like more coaching the clubs. Because I like daily work. I like to see team from the point one preseason until the end. These reactions, players are growing, the team is growing, learning to win, learning to lose, learning to handle different situations during the season. This is kind of always challenged for the coach. In every one year as a coach, no matter how experienced you are. You always learn, you see different things. Also you can build. Your reputation your view to the game, you’re allowed to handle different kind of people and how to handle different kind of situation.”
The most unforgettable moment in your career?
“I have many unforgettable moments. If i start talk about unforgettable moments, probably I could talk one day. But as a player, I could not forget this game, Bosnia against Croatia. The first official after the war in Sarajevo. It was incredible. For sure, as the coach the most unforgettable, and stresfull, day and the game for me, it turns out to be great. I believe this final that we lose in Trabzon against Nanterre on EuroChallenge. It was incredible. The way we lost the game it was happens one time. It was European title. You miss European title just for one rebound. Last year, the last game was also very emotional against Darussafaka. All this what happened, all season comes to one game. And I remember we was in the same hotel that we are today. When we always come to this hotel we remember, every moment from the morning until the end of the game. How we survive and celebrate after. It was very great.”