Breogan and the Endesa League await Aleksa Ilić: I have always been attracted to Spain

Aleksa Ilić has the best season of his career behind him, and his first international engagement is ahead of him - the Montenegrin basketball player is continuing his career in the Spanish team Breogan.

Ilić returned to SC Derbi from Buducnost Voli last summer, which turned out to be a complete success. The Nikšić native was the leader of the “students”, averaging 15,2 points and eight rebounds in the AdmiralBet ABA League, with 1,7 blocks and an average index of 23, which was the second highest average index in the regional competition last season.

In the Montenegrin league, he missed the final against Buducnost due to injury, and now it's time to go abroad. The destination is the strongest European national basketball championship - the Endesa League.

"I've always wanted to try my hand at the ACB league, I've always been attracted to the style of play they promote. The club showed interest and in the first communications I liked the idea of ​​coming there. I've followed them a lot this year, I liked how they play and how much that environment lives basketball," Ilić told "Vijesti".

Breogan introduced Ilic, saying, among other things, that the Montenegrin basketball player is a good defender, extremely mobile, and that he stands out for his rebounds and scoring, and that he is particularly effective in positions close to the basket.

"I will try to contribute to the team with my offensive and defensive qualities around the hoop, as the club announced. I hope the adaptation period to the league will be short. In theory, I know how everything works, the style of play is quite similar to mine. Lots of running, intensity, a large number of possessions in attack, everything that works in my favor. I know it will be demanding and challenging, but also a great opportunity for me," Ilić emphasized.

Ilić reflected on the season with SC Derby. “Students” secured survival in the ABA League in the last round.

"The Derby season was turbulent. I'm glad we did a good job in the end and managed to survive in the ABA League without the play-offs."

Ilić had a fantastic season, he was given a big role and was the absolute leader of the "students".

"As for me, I'm happy with my game. I set a rhythm from the beginning of the year and kept it until the end of the season. This season meant a lot to me on a personal level and I'm grateful to coach Petar Mijović, who primarily showed the initiative for me to come to him. I thank him for the opportunity that he wouldn't give to any player who comes from a season without minutes and a role."

The Montenegrin national basketball team will be finishing the first phase of the World Basketball Championship qualifiers in July. Zvezdan Mitrović will take over the team, and two matches will follow - away against Portugal (July 2) and at home against Romania (July 5). Montenegro, like Portugal, is tied at 2-2, Greece is tied at 3-1, and Romania has one win.

"I think we still have a great chance, with a great away win against Greece we overturned that defeat in Podgorica against Portugal. It will be demanding, because it is still unknown what the composition of the national team will be, but I know that whoever is present will do their job as seriously as possible, as always," concluded Ilić.

Three teams from Group B advance to the second phase, where they will face Spain, Georgia and possibly Ukraine. The second phase begins in August, and the three teams from the group will qualify for the World Cup, which will be held in Qatar next year.