Andre Roberson, former NBA player for the Oklahoma City Thunder and now a member of Zenit, spoke exclusively to Basketball Sphere in an in-depth interview.
Once known as one of the best defenders in the world’s top league—the NBA—he is one of those players who, over the years, adapted to modern basketball principles and continuously expanded his game.
At the same time, after a serious injury that kept him off the court for a long period and ultimately prevented him from reaching even greater heights, Andre Roberson has become a symbol of dedication and love for the game. Despite all the challenges, he never gave up, growing not only as a player but also as a person.
There is a saying that reveals what someone is truly made of—how they respond when tested under pressure. This may well be a story about a man who overcame extraordinary circumstances and came out stronger. His smile on the court today, now wearing a Zenit jersey, says it all.
In this extensive conversation, he did not hold back—neither in his words nor in his honesty—as he shared his thoughts on everything you are about to read.
What can you tell me about your new environment? From the very beginning, from your arrival in Russia to joining a team that is competing for trophies in the VTB League. You had injury problems, but if we have learned anything throughout your career, it is that giving up is never an option. How do you view all of this that is new for you, even though a few months have passed, considering you had never played in the VTB League or in Russia before? And now how to say you are finally ready to play to give your best?
„Yes, for sure. I mean this is my second year since injury of playing postseason. So like you said last year I played in Asvel. And this is my second year in totality playing the season. The reason I came in Zenit is because I hope to play in the EuroLeague next year. Still a question if it’s on the board, but that was one of my thing things and reasons of me coming here, having a prestigious background and wanting to get back to yearly status in terms of that regard.
As well as continue to travel the world and see what life has to offer. So that’s one of the reasons why I continue to pursue basketball and my career as well. So it’s just been a blessing to continuously play basketball again after my tragic injury. But you know, all in all, it’s been great. It’s been great. So hopefully we can win a VTB championship.”
Claim Now You previously worked with coach Sekulic, I read your interview from October, but in the meantime there was a coaching change and now Dejan Radonjic is there. I did an interview with him a month ago, and now I have to ask you more about him. In Europe, he is known for the phrase “strong defense, transition offense.”
At first glance, that phrase seems ideal for everything you have done throughout your career and the ways you can contribute to a team. How do you view his philosophy, working with him, and what stood out to you the most about him and his coaching methods?
“I think Dejan Radonjic has an amazing coaching philosophy. It is a great philosophy and something I really base my game on. Playing at the highest level is what many teams build their offense and overall style around in order to win championships. Ultimately, it allows you to have a strong defense while also creating more opportunities to shoot the ball and get everyone involved.
Working within that system has been great. This past month has been really positive—just getting a different feel for the coaching style with Dejan Radonjic, the physical approach, and also spending time playing at the five position. I am still adjusting and trying to fit in, while doing everything I can to contribute to the team and the game overall.
We are working well together, in tandem, and doing a really good job. Over this past month, I think we have gone something like 12-1 with him as the new coach—or maybe 12-2—but either way, it has been a great learning experience. It is definitely something I can carry with me moving forward in my career.”
In the VTB League, you had an impressive run that significantly improved your position in the standings, while in the VTB Winline Basket Cup you managed to win a “win or go home” game. In this case, you won, but you are going home anyway, since Zenit will host the Final Four of the competition. What can you say about that experience and, of course, the fight for your first trophy with Zenit? P.S. “Win or go home” games are also nothing new for you.
“All I want to do is win. As a team, we came in with a great mindset—we knew we were not going home. We understood what was at stake, and the coach put together a great game plan beforehand. We went out there and executed at a high level.
Finding out that we would be hosting the tournament gave us even more motivation to do it for our fans and our city. We wanted to punch our ticket and give ourselves a real chance to win the cup, which is what we talked about from the beginning.
In the first couple of games, we were not even at full strength. We have been dealing with a lot—coaching changes, players coming in and out, and injuries. But now we finally have a full roster, and I think we showed what we are capable of when we are locked in and fully healthy.
Now it is about carrying that into the Final Four and going out there to bring the trophy home.”
Basketball Sphere Source: St. Petersburg will host the Final Four of the VTB Winline Basketball Cup 🚨 pic.twitter.com/QlhsNy6FuO
— Basketball Sphere (@BSphere_) March 9, 2026
I had the opportunity to be in Russia for a few days as a guest of VTB League. I have to say that I was impressed with the club, the infrastructure, the city, and everything else. How do you see all of that? And what you can tell us about VTB League?
“It is definitely a different style than what I am used to, but at the same time, the level of competition and the style of play are very high. Every coach is different, of course, but overall the style is quite similar, which I really enjoy. The VTB League has a lot of talent, so you have to be ready to play every night.
There is quality from top to bottom. Even the teams at the lower end of the standings are strong and have young players who are developing, so you cannot take any game lightly. You have to go out there, play hard, and bring your best every single night. There are no easy games, and at the same time, you cannot take any opportunity for granted.
Every time you step on the court, you want to compete at a high level—for yourself, for your team, and even in a way that pushes your opponents to be better, especially the younger players. It is all part of growing the game of basketball. Overall, it is a great league.”
Also, your father played basketball all over the world, so I am curious whether you consulted with him before coming to Russia. What is the best piece of advice you have received from your father? Or maybe from your mother, a family member, or a teammate? Can you recall something that guides you in your career?
“I mean, he has taught me a lot, whether through what he says or by leading by example. For me, I was fortunate because at a young age I traveled with him while he was playing overseas, so that gave me some early insight.
Before I came over here myself, I also had siblings who played overseas—my two older sisters and my younger brother. One of my sisters even played volleyball, so I had a lot of people I could talk to and learn from. I also had friends who played overseas and still do, so I was able to hear a lot of different perspectives.
Basketball has really given me a lot in terms of relationships, friendships, and networking. It helped me understand what the game is like over here, but at the same time, I knew I needed to experience it for myself. Every country is different, every league has its own style, and you can see that even at the EuroLeague level, with different approaches and results depending on the country and coaching philosophies.
Everyone’s experience is unique, so I asked a lot of questions and listened carefully to my family and close friends. They gave me great advice, and I took all of that seriously. But ultimately, I came here to experience it on my own, to get back to the game I love, and to enjoy it at a high level without taking it for granted.
That was one of the biggest reasons I decided to take this step. I cannot say I was not nervous—going into something unfamiliar, whether it is Russia, France, or just leaving what you are used to in America, is always a big move. But looking back now, I am happy and grateful for the opportunity. It has brought a lot of positivity into my life.”
I know this is a painful topic, but I watched your shows, and I remember the sentence “I just want to play basketball, still.” Did you ever think about giving up after the injuries and problems you went through? What made you stay in basketball, go to France, and then come to Russia? How hard in that moment is to have real support from family, from friends, and how to stay strong in your mind. Because I think that’s the biggest battle in that moment.
“Yeah, my wife has been at the forefront as my biggest support system, along with my family, close friends, and even the staff in Oklahoma City, who I still keep in touch with to this day. They all helped me get through the tough moments and setbacks with my injury.
Like you mentioned, that fear definitely set in—especially after the first setback, and then again after the second. It ended up setting me back almost three years, and at that point, you really start to reflect on the journey and everything it took to get there. You begin to question whether you want to go back out there and risk it all again after finally getting healthy, or if you let the injury define your career and walk away.
For me, the decision was to go back out there and continue doing what I love—playing basketball. During those three years, I was injured for two of them, but I was still under contract in Oklahoma City. Watching from the sidelines, especially during playoff runs when we had a real chance to compete for a championship, was extremely tough. Knowing I could have been out there helping the team made it even more frustrating.
Those moments stayed with me and became a huge source of motivation when I was getting closer to making that decision—whether to return or retire. In the end, they pushed me to come back and give it another shot.
Now, I take much better care of my body and do not take anything for granted. Every time I step on the court, I try to enjoy it and play with a smile, knowing how quickly it can all be taken away. I value the relationships and bonds I build along the way, and the whole experience has given me a different perspective—not just on basketball, but on life as well.
I try to take those lessons and apply them, not only for myself but also to help younger players who might go through similar situations. You never know what life will bring, so I just try to guide others and, like I said before, help push the game of basketball forward.”
Which teammate did you learn the most from? Every young NBA player usually has a mentor, someone who takes them under their wing. Who was that in your case, and which veterans would you highlight as great professionals and excellent teammates who helped you in difficult moments?
“For sure, for sure. It still feels a little weird being called a veteran, because I feel like there was a gap in my career where I did not fully get that experience.
When it comes to guys who influenced me, I would say Kendrick Perkins and Derek Fisher for sure. But also Russ and Kevin—even when they were young, they were ahead of their time in terms of what they knew and how they carried themselves. They really helped me along the way in my journey. Serge Ibaka was another big one as well.
I was like a sponge the entire time, just trying to learn everything I could. I can honestly say that Sam Presti played a big role in that too. He would pull me aside and share words of wisdom, and those moments meant a lot. So yeah, all of those guys have been very important figures in my life.”
Many players go through personal struggles that are rarely talked about. You are someone who spent many years in the NBA and now have experience in Europe as well. I think many people do not understand that money is not the answer to everything. We have read about mental health struggles of great players—Kevin Love wrote about it, Ricky Rubio stepped away from basketball for a period because of it, and Paul George has also spoken publicly on this topic.
What does that internal battle look like? Everyone has moments when they no longer feel motivated to do what they do—injuries, constant travel, flights, being away from family. How do you see that entire situation where some fans only look at statistics and numbers, treating players like robots, while everyone has emotions and personal struggles they keep hidden?
“I mean, it sounds simple when you talk about it, but it is not. You do not really understand it until you go through it yourself and experience all the different challenges that come your way. There are things that no amount of money can fix. Sure, money can help in certain ways, maybe buy you some time or comfort, but at the end of the day, you reach a point where you start asking yourself how much is enough.
The intangibles in life are things you just cannot replace. We all play basketball to fulfill ourselves and provide for our families, but when basketball is no longer fulfilling you, then you have to ask what else does. Some guys reach that point sooner than others. Whether it is burnout from constant games, practices, and workouts, or just living in the gym without balance, it can take a toll. You have to find time to enjoy life, spend time with family and friends, and create a safe and healthy environment for yourself.
Life can throw a lot at you. There are real-life situations outside of basketball, and sometimes they become even more complicated once money is involved. You start to question who is really there for you. It also becomes important to find the right people around you, especially a partner you can trust and lean on. A lot of guys struggle with that, and if you do not recognize it early, it can lead to bad habits and difficult situations.
Every person is different, so you have to figure out what works for you as soon as possible. It is not all as glamorous as it looks on TV. There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes—taking care of your body, eating right, managing your finances, handling family responsibilities, and dealing with constant pressure. People expect you to have all the answers, especially when you are coming into the league at 18 or 19 years old. A lot of guys do not really get the chance to grow up properly, and if you are not careful, you can end up being a grown man with a childish mindset.
At some point, everyone hits that wall where they have to grow and evolve. Some people get there faster than others. The earlier you recognize it, the better off you will be. The NBA does a good job of providing support systems and resources for players, giving them people to talk to and ways to manage the pressure. It does not solve everything, but it definitely helps.
At the end of the day, we all know money is not everything. There are real-life problems that money cannot fix or take away. So it is important to appreciate what you have and not take anything for granted.”
Ego in professional sports as a key factor—you are a player who has always been willing to sacrifice for the team, doing what you do best without having an issue with the ball being mostly in your teammates’ hands. We have rare examples of great players doing that.
Dwyane Wade accepted being the second option when LeBron came to Miami, and now LeBron James has accepted being the second option when Luka joined the Lakers. Some players never did that, and that is why results were sometimes missing. How do you view a team where it is crucial to have players who are willing to put their ego aside for team success?
“Unfortunately, I have been through a lot of those experiences (laughs). But like I said, I always try to learn as much as I can from them. I still approach things that way to this day—whether it is my own experience or learning from others. Being in Oklahoma City and seeing how things work around the league, you realize that certain qualities are mandatory.
At the same time, like everything in life, it is about balance. You need emotional stability and the awareness to know when to turn it on and when to turn it off. That is really emotional intelligence. If you can control that, you will be in a much better place—not just in basketball, but in life.
Growing up, I was a big Spurs fan. I listened to Gregg Popovich a lot and watched Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and that whole team. Tim had an ego like any great player, but he was also incredibly selfless. In big moments, he would step up, but he also trusted his teammates and did not hesitate to defer when needed. That is something I always respected.
You can see similar philosophies with coaches like Phil Jackson and players like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant—never getting too high or too low, staying composed, and understanding how to manage your emotions. It is about knowing when to flip that switch and having the emotional intelligence to do it.
For me, it is about adapting to what the team needs and trying to lead through unity. If you let ego get in the way, you might think you can do everything on your own, but the history of the game shows that is never the case. Even the greatest players ever needed a team.
That is the key—unity and keeping ego in check. That is how you win.”
I want to ask you this because you mentioned coaches. You have played in the EuroLeague, you are now in Russia, and you have NBA experience. We often hear that the NBA is a players’ league. There are only a few coaches you can name as the main authority figures.
Do you think it is different in Europe, where many teams are more coach-driven and the coach is the biggest authority? We have seen examples like Sergio Scariolo going to the NBA as an assistant coach with Toronto and winning a title, or Ettore Messina joining the San Antonio Spurs as an assistant. How do you see the difference between the NBA and Europe when it comes to the role and importance of coaches within teams and competitions?
“I think coaching is extremely important at every level. It is a key part of the game. At this stage of my career, I am even interested in getting into coaching myself, so I try to take something from every experience.
As for your question, whether the NBA is more of a players’ league and Europe more coach-driven—I respect both approaches. But in my opinion, the best teams find a balance. Like I mentioned earlier, it is about unity. You need to allow players to be themselves, while coaches put them in the best position to maximize their potential and make the team function as a whole.
It goes both ways. Players can feel the game in real time—basketball is very instinctive. But coaches see things from a different perspective that players might miss. That is why it is so important for both sides to work together, in tandem.
The best teams are the ones that manage to do that. Even the greatest coaches have great players. The question is whether you can maximize those players and put them in a position to succeed, or whether ego gets in the way—whether it is the coach’s ego or the player’s ego.
At the end of the day, it is about building that relationship and getting the most out of the group. Coaches need players to buy in, and players need to trust the coach. That mutual respect and connection is what leads to success.”
I cannot avoid asking you about the EuroLeague—you have played against Crvena Zvezda and Partizan and also spent time in the competition. You are teammates with Joffrey Lauvergne—have you spoken with him about his time at Partizan, his connection with the club, and working with Zeljko Obradovic? You probably followed through the media everything that happened when he left the team. What can you tell me about that?”
“For sure. Me and Joffrey have had a lot of conversations, and we still talk to this day. He always spoke very highly about Partizan, especially during his time at Asvel. He really enjoyed his time there and has a lot of love for the club. He also talked about the coach—he told me, ‘You would love him, but you have to get used to him yelling at you.’ But he said that aside from that, he is an amazing coach. I mean, he is one of the most successful coaches ever, right?
Yes, nine EuroLeague titles…
“Exactly, that is incredible. So yeah, we had a lot of conversations, especially when we went to Belgrade and had the chance to play there. Even when we faced Crvena Zvezda, we talked about Partizan. His love for the club is huge.
Also, one of my good friends, Cameron Payne, was there recently, and he told me a lot of great things before going back to Philadelphia. So yeah, it is unfortunate how things turned out, but they definitely picked it up toward the end of the season.”
What you can say about Crvena Zvezda?
“And Crvena Zvezda is hopefully making a push as well. I am not as familiar with them as I am with Partizan, but I do know they have some really good players. I have played with Jared Butler and Devonte’ Graham, so I know they are definitely trying to make a push too. They have the roster and the ability to do it. If they come together, I have full confidence in them.”
That is right—Devonte’ Graham did not stay long, and after his injury, Jared Butler was brought in as a replacement and showed a wide offensive arsenal.
“I mean, he is an amazing player. Like you said, a very polished player with a great feel for the game. He ran a lot of pick-and-roll for us and always played with a high level of composure. He is more of a floor general—if that makes sense—someone who knows when to put teammates in the right positions, when to attack, and when to facilitate.
He just has a great overall understanding of the game. There is no question he is a high-level player, and it is not surprising to see him in the position he is in with Crvena Zvezda. I think he will continue to do great things. He has already shown a lot, but I believe he will make even more noise in the playoffs.”
Do you believe the next step for him could be a return to the NBA? A lot of players from the U.S. still have that goal.
“Jared Butler? I definitely think he has a chance. He was there not too long ago, so if he keeps proving himself and continues to improve, there is no question he can get another opportunity.
But at the same time, if this NBA Europe project becomes reality, why not build a career over here? Basketball in Europe is at a very high level, and you can definitely carve out a great career. Personally, I enjoy the lifestyle abroad a lot. But everyone is different—that is just my perspective. Аt the end of the day, it is up to him. He will have that choice.”
Can you give me your Final Four EuroLeague predictions at this moment? The standings are chaotic right now—six or seven teams are separated by just a few wins, so anything is possible. But from your perspective, which teams do you see making the Final Four?
“I mean, I would go with Olympiacos, just because I am a big fan of their playstyle and they have a great roster. I also really like the way Real Madrid is playing right now. You have to include Fenerbahce as well, even though they have not been clicking lately the way they probably should.
And I am not going to sleep on Hapoel Tel Aviv. Even though they lost their home-court advantage, they still have a very strong roster with players who can really score the ball. Those would be my Final Four predictions right now.”
Can you tell me who was the toughest player you faced in the EuroLeague? I know your answer for the NBA—you mentioned Steph Curry and Klay Thompson in a previous interviews—but who stands out to you in Europe as the most dangerous offensive player to guard?
“That is a great question, because I was not always able to guard the players I would have liked to. There is a lot of talent in the EuroLeague, no doubt.
But if I had to pick one, I would say Sasha Vezenkov from Olympiacos. He was really tough to deal with. He keeps you on your toes the entire game. I would actually compare him a bit to Klay Thompson in terms of how he plays.
He moves a lot without the ball, uses a ton of screens, and does not need to dribble much to get his shot off. If you give him even a little bit of space, he is going to let it fly. On top of that, he is very savvy and crafty as a player. He is definitely one of the toughest guys to guard in Europe.”
In the end what would your starting five lineup be with teammates you have played with during your career?
“I would put Russell Westbrook at the point guard position, and Kyrie Irving at the two. I spent a little time with Kyrie in Brooklyn, so I have to include him.
At the three, I am going with Kevin Durant. At the four, I will mix it up—I have to give a shoutout to Andrey Vorontsevich and Serge Ibaka. Both of them could fit in there depending on the matchup.
And at the five, I am going with my guy Steven Adams. That is my guy for sure. He even told me he might come out to Russia—we will see, maybe for the playoffs, since he is out for the season.” Andre Roberson concluded to Basketball Sphere.
