Kendrick Perry, Unicaja player and a representative of Montenegro’s national team, spoke to Basketball Sphere about various topics. We touched on his outstanding season in the green-purple jersey, the upcoming challenges with the Montenegrin national team, and his friendship with the former captain of Partizan Kevin Punter.
However, the Montenegrin national team standout particularly shone at the final tournament. He was the MVP of the final and led his team to the trophy. Nevertheless, he modestly emphasizes that it was the achievement of all 12 of his teammates, not just him alone.
Kendrick Perry and Nikola Vucevic
Alongside him in the team, Nikola Vucevic naturally stands out. The NBA star is the team’s leading player, and Perry modestly highlights the kind of talent he is. He didn’t just mention him but also other young talents from Montenegro with whom he wants to develop a good collaboration and relationship.
“His resume speaks for itself. It’s incredible what he has achieved in his career. He plays in the best competition in the world and makes my job much easier. He is a force in the paint, and we organize the whole offense through him. My job is to make his life easier. Over the past few summers, we have built a connection on and off the court, so that’s key.
I’m also talking about the other guys on the team. I’ve competed with some of them in the ABA League throughout a good part of my career, and many young guys are joining the team. I’m excited to grow with them and put them in the best position to be successful. At the end of the day, we are all in this together and want to achieve something special.”
A rivalry renewed
Our interviewee and the now former captain of Partizan have had battles in the ABA league while Perry wore the jerseys of Cedevita Olimpija and Buducnost. However, it’s not all just rivalry but also friendship. While preparing for the FIBA Champions League semifinal match, Kevin Punter approached Perry, and they had a heartfelt conversation.
“I think we are friends. Honestly, we’ve had a lot of battles throughout a good part of our careers. Kevin Punter is someone whose path I admire and respect. Every time we have even a small chance to talk, we always show each other respect. He has also played in Champions League Final Fours. I think he had a ‘full circle’ moment. As for me, I reminded him that I respect him not just as a player but also as a person.”
At the time of our conversation, it wasn’t official that Punter was heading to Catalonia, but we hypothetically asked Kendrick Perry if their rivalry would be renewed in Spain. The answer was interesting.
“Of course, we are both very competitive. We will do whatever it takes to win. Off the court, there has always been love and respect. If he comes to Barcelona, I don’t see that changing. It will be an opportunity for people in Spain and those who follow the Liga Endesa to see him and his game. I took that opportunity, and wherever he ends up, he will be fine. I think it will be exciting to see him in Barcelona.”
Unicaja’s crossroad
Unicaja is a team that competes in the FIBA Champions League. They will do so again next year. The last time they were under the ECA umbrella was in the 2020/2021 season. Malaga is an attractive destination for both players and fans, and Kendrick Perry would love to play in the EuroLeague again. However, that is currently difficult to achieve, at least in the green-purple jersey.
“I’m not sure. There’s a lot of logistics involved. We are a EuroLeague-style team in terms of how the roster is built. The city of Malaga, the arena, it’s a destination many prefer. We have good fans in terms of European basketball. But of course, there are many factors beyond our control, at least for the players and coaching staff. I would love to play in the EuroLeague, of course, but it’s not my place to talk about that. My job is to put us in a position to be successful, and what happens from there will happen.”
At the end of our conversation, we talked about plans for the upcoming season. It is evident that he wants to stay in Andalusia and build on this year’s successes. In fact, he is confident that the next season will be even better.
“Honestly, why not?! The whole core will play again, the team’s DNA is still here for the most part. We will have a better picture of what the team will look like once the summer ends. One thing about the Liga Endesa is that it’s tough to win both at home and away. I can’t say I expect us to return to the playoffs or the final, that’s something we have to work for every day. I am confident we have the right tools, and if we improve every day, I don’t see why we can’t build on what we’ve been building over the past few years,” concluded Kendrick Perry for Basketball Sphere.