Credit: Imago Sport – Scanpix
Credit Imago Sport – Scanpix

The new head coach of Partizan Belgrade, Zeljko Obradovic, gave an interview to Bhbasket, where he talked about his coaching return to Serbia, offers from other national teams and the NBA.

Obradovic said he was thankful to Partizan for the opportunity to start his coaching career back in 1991 and his desire to give back to the club.

"Things were different back then because, in 1991, I became a coach overnight. I sat down, thought about it, and concluded that there is no better motivation than going back to the club I love the most. It was my turn to go back and do something for Partizan, who gave me so much."

The chance to work in his native Serbia also played a major role in his return to the team: "I have been living abroad for 28 years. Going home and being surrounded by close people made something click inside me. Certainly, the most crucial thing is the love I have for Partizan."

Nine-time EuroLeague champion doesn't feel like his return to Partizan could tarnish his winning record. "I don't see the risk when you work out of love and with a firm desire. The risk is when someone thinks that the team and I are not able to give their maximum. I will always insist on that. I don’t see anything risky with this move. I don’t look to the past, and this is a new beginning for me."

"The EuroLeague must recognize the quality that comes from the Adriatic League. Belgrade has the potential for two representatives, Crvena Zvezda and Partizan," firmly believes Obradovic when talking about Balkan representatives in Europe's top club competition. "Of course, other teams from the ABA league, of course, have the right to do so. I would be happy for more clubs from these regions to play in the EuroLeague.

When we talk about the EuroLeague, we are talking about 11 clubs that decide everything - who should be awarded a license and other activities. I hope that will change as well. It is clear that the sports and economic aspects are the most important. The EuroLeague wants to maintain continuity of clubs and not have them disappear after a year or two."

Zeljko gave his thoughts about the possibilities of coaching another national team and, also, situations when players refuse to represent their country.

"I had offers to lead many national teams. I told everyone not to see myself on the bench of other national teams other than my own country. That story ended for me in 2005," Obradovic sounded content on his NT career. "When it comes to players, it is individual and should not be generalized. However, this summer, we had great examples, like three American players who played in the NBA finals. After finishing, they boarded the plane and put themselves at the disposal of the national team. Pau Gasol returned to Barcelona to be ready for the national team. I just know that playing for the national team is the greatest honor for any man."

The legendary European coach also discussed offers he received from the NBA and the league's general outlook towards European coaches: " There were never any serious offers. One year I was invited to an interview. I don't accept such interviews because everything is known about me. I followed Detroit's training sessions with Itoudis in 2012. We went at the invitation of Dumars. It was a huge experience for me from a great organization. We learned from them, and they took some things from us too. The NBA doesn't like coaches from Europe. We didn't have a chance to see a coach leave a European club and lead an NBA team."

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