When it became clear that the NBA league would not start due to the lockout, it was known that after the performance at the University of Southern California, he would play in Europe. The famous Duda Ivković was looking for him, but he wanted to return home. And he chose the Future.
Already after seven official matches, Montenegrin basketball fans know what kind of pearl has been polished in distant America for the last four years. And they have a new idol - Nikola Vucevic showed with phenomenal performances in a blue jersey that Doug Collins did not cry in vain and asked for Philadelphia to spend the 16th pick in the draft on him.
The only question is how much the audience in "Morača", but also in other halls around ex-YU and Europe, will have the opportunity to enjoy the games of one of the most talented Europeans. Everything depends on the already famous lock-out...
Because Bubućnost with him and without him will not be the same team. This was best seen against Krka - the 21-year-old center scored 21 points and 20 rebounds and deserved to be the MVP of the 6th round of the ABA League.
"I am satisfied with the games so far, both team and personal. I am still getting used to European basketball, because the style in both defense and attack is different compared to what I have played in the last four years. It is a good thing that I know Dejan Radonjić's way of working, with with whom I collaborated in the young national team. I think I need a little more time to fully adapt," says the Montenegrin national team player, who turned 24 on October 21.
What is the difference between centers in Europe and the NCAA league? Who is harder to play against?
"They are different here, technically much more educated. They can hit from a distance, they play with both left and right hands. In the NCAA, they are strong, they jump very well, but I was used to them, I used more feints. It doesn't go so easily here, because the centers also know how to defend it. They have more experience, but over time I will find a way to solve it".
You will also have to get used to the NBA league, because it is very different from both European and NCAA basketball.
"The NBA is completely different from everything, because it's much more one-on-one. The stars have a lot of freedom in the game. NCAA and European basketball are much more similar, especially in defense."
Was it a problem for you to get used to the 24-second offense, because in NCAA basketball it can last 35 seconds?
"It's not really, because a lot of teams don't use that maximum 35 seconds. My team didn't do that either, we mostly had faster attacks. The attack lasts a long time, mostly at the end of games, when someone wants to "steal" time. And when it lasts 35 seconds , it is very hard to defend yourself, because it is not easy to maintain complete concentration for such a long time".
If the lockout ended now, would you be ready to play in the NBA?
"If the lock-out ended tomorrow, I would go to America and try to impose myself on the coach. And I think I would be ready for that. But I wouldn't mind staying here until the end of the season either, because playing in Buducnosti can be only useful. The coach knows me, he gives me freedom in the game and whatever happens I will be satisfied".
How satisfied are you with the results of Buducnosti in the season so far?
"It can always be better, but we could hardly have done more than a score of 4-2. We visited Cedevita, one of the strongest teams in the league, and against Zagreb, which has an excellent team, but bad results, we played a little weaker. This is, after all, , a new team, in which not everyone has found their role yet. But we are on the right path, we are playing better and better".
I wanted to go back home
Why did you decide to come to Buducnost, when Olympiakos was looking for you?
"There were some stories that the Greeks wanted me, but there was nothing concrete. The future showed that it really wants me, I talked a lot about it with Radonjić. We had a great cooperation before, I knew that I would benefit if I came to Podgorica. After all , I wanted to come to Montenegro, to play in my country as well, because everything I did in my career so far was in America. By the way, Buducnost plays in an excellent league and I can improve".
Sorry for March Madness
As the best player of the University of Southern California, Nikola Vucevic participated in the famous March Madness this year. The "Trojans" met Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in the first round and were favorites to enter the top 64 teams in the USA. However, VCU won that match (59:46) and then defeated Georgetown, Purdue, Florida State and Kansas on the way to a sensational participation in the final four. The "Cinderella story" (Cinderella story), as they call outsiders who make a miracle in the USA, ended with a loss to Butler, a sensation from this year and last year. And instead of VCU, USC could have been in that spot...
"The success is that we made it to March Madness, but I thought we could at least get one win. Of course, we were disappointed to lose, because we put in a lot of effort during the season. But we had no chance in that game, VCU was much better. Later he showed how good the team is".
There is no surrender to Maccabi either
Bućnost welcomes Maccabi, the biggest favorite to win the ABA league, on Saturday. In "Morača", however, no one can count on points in advance, especially if they are not fully motivated, which can be a problem for the Israelis in this competition.
"Maccabi has been one of the best teams in Europe for years and now has an excellent team. But we will never give up, we all have a great motivation to play the best we can. I am sure that fighting spirit and motivation will not be lacking, we will see if there will be results." says Vucevic.
A ticket for the game with the Pride of Israel costs four, while a seat in the ground floor costs 10 euros.
Gallery
Bonus video:
