Luis Scola, the celebrated Argentine basketball player, spoke about his career, coach Dusko Ivanovic, and his jersey retirement.
The Baskonia legend spoke very highly of the Montenegrin coach and emphasized that he was the most important person during his time in Vitoria.
“He was very important for my career. The most important person for me during my time in Vitoria. Then there’s Alfredo Salazar, who brought me here, but Dusko was the foundation of all the successes we achieved. I can’t wait to see him, hug him, and personally thank him.”
He then discussed Dusko Ivanovic’s coaching methodology, which is still talked about to this day. He mentioned that working with the former Crvena zvezda coach was demanding but highly beneficial. He also expressed the great honor of having the Baskonia leadership decide to retire his jersey.
“I wouldn’t say he demanded too much because that can have a negative connotation, which is not related to how I remember him. It was tough to train with him, it wasn’t easy to play, but the reality is that he was a very important coach in my career. I have wonderful memories of him, and it happened that he would be the coach of Baskonia when they retired my jersey. If I could choose, I would choose him, without a doubt.”
Regarding the legendary generation of “Gauchos”
“The group of Argentine players that emerged very young during the crisis of 2000 had ambition and a strong desire to establish themselves in Europe. They also had immense talent. This matched well with the mentality of Baskonia, which later became the hallmark and character of Baskonia. It is associated with tough play, fighting until the end, and never allowing yourself to give less than 100 percent. Then Dusko came with a similar style, and the Argentines adapted to a working method that isn’t for everyone” told Luis Scola.