Mike Tobey, new player of Crvena Zvezda, spoke to Basketball Sphere about his new club, and what two of his teammates told him about the team.
Mike Tobey is an American who plays for the Slovenian national team. He joined the red and white team this summer after playing in the FIBA World Cup. He made quite an impression at the World Cup, and at the beginning of the conversation, he reflected on that experience.
“I arrived a little bit later due to the World Cup, but I’m slowly getting used to the system and I’m learning the plays. I’m getting to know the guys slowly. These things take time, and I’m excited about it.” – Tobey began the conversation with our website.
Similarities and differences with Barcelona
Then he reflected on his experience from last year. The Slovenian player moved to Barcelona’s ranks, but he didn’t have a prominent role there. Coach Sarunas Jasikevicius didn’t see him as an option, but Mike Tobey speaks positively about that period of his career. He also compared that team to the current Crvena Zvezda team.
“Last year and now, there are many similarities. Many players are here who have EuroLeague experience, and there are those who have won the EuroLeague. It’s the same now. Many guys have that kind of experience,” emphasized the former “Blaugrana” player.
As we’ve already mentioned and as is well-known, the New York native plays for Slovenia. An integral part of the conversation is undoubtedly Luka Doncic, who is a big fan of Crvena Zvezda. The Dallas Mavericks superstar had said something to the towering center before his arrival to Belgrade, and Tobey commented on it with a smile.
“I told him that I’m coming to Crvena Zvezda, and he told me that I made a much better choice of team this year than last year.” – Tobey said with a wide smile.
Advice from Nikola Kalinic
Nikola Kalinic is one of the players who has won the hearts of the fans on the red and white side of Belgrade. Tobey spent some time with the Serbian player last year. Before coming to the Serbian capital, he sought advice from his former teammate.
“I talked to him throughout last year about his experience here. He said the club is good, the city is great, and they have big aspirations. A lot has been invested in the club, and most importantly, it has ambitions to be a top team in Europe.”
The naturalized Slovenian is known as a pick-and-roll player. He has played with excellent playmakers throughout his career, and this was no exception at the World Cup, where Doncic often found him alone under the basket. Now, he will be playing with Milos Teodosic, who will aim to do the same. Tobey spoke highly of the Serbian point guard and added that the World Cup helped him prepare for the new EuroLeague season.
“I think any kind of top-level competition helps you prepare in a certain way. I love playing with Luka; he’s an incredible player and playmaker. Fortunately, this year I’m playing with Milos Teodosic, who is on the same level as a playmaker. In my opinion, he’s an original and brilliant passer,” said the Monroe native.
In the end, we discussed the goals and ambitions of the Serbian champions for the upcoming season. Tobey didn’t hide that Crvena Zvezda has the highest possible ambitions for the season ahead.
“First and foremost, I expect us to compete. Our goal is to reach the EuroLeague playoffs, go to the Final Four, and ultimately win this competition.” concluded Mike Tobey for Basketball Sphere.