Nenad Dimitrijevic, the point guard of Zenit, spoke with Basketball Sphere about current topics and his return to the VTB League.
He played some of the best basketball of his career in Russia while representing UNICS, which led to a EuroLeague opportunity with Milano. However, after not receiving a real chance — as you will read below — he decided to sign with Zenit and once again compete at a high level.
We spoke after the VTB Basket Cup game in Laktasi, where Zenit defeated Igokea 83–80 thanks to a clutch three-pointer from Trent Frazier. Nenad Dimitrijevic opened the conversation with his impressions of the great atmosphere inside the packed arena:
“It was really a pleasure to play in Laktasi. The VTB Basket Cup gives us the opportunity to play games outside Russia considering the circumstances, so it is always nice to change the environment a little bit.”
His best season came with UNICS, when he averaged 19.9 points and 6.6 assists per game with outstanding shooting percentages. So far this season with Zenit, he is averaging 12.2 points and five assists, but according to him, his role remains the same — the coach’s right hand on the court.
“Every team is different. At UNICS, I had that role of point guard and leader. I had the green light on the court, and now I am trying to adapt to a new team and a new challenge under similar circumstances. The season is long, so we will see how it goes.”
His movement without the ball is noticeable every game, but the real magic happens when Dimitrijevic controls the ball, creating for teammates with unexpected and clever passes — which impressed the crowd in Laktasi several times. Which player did he look up to most as a playmaker, and who influenced his style?
“Milos Teodosic was always my favorite player. It is beautiful to watch him with all those magical moments, so I am happy that I also have that talent to sometimes give a beautiful pass like he does.”
Last season with Milano, he had limited minutes — around 15 per game — dealing with injuries and lower production compared to UNICS. How does he view the level differences and does he still dream of returning to the EuroLeague?
“I really wanted to stay in the EuroLeague when the season in Milano ended, even though I knew I would not stay because some things happened beyond my control. I truly wanted to come back, to show my potential and I know I can play in the EuroLeague. And not just to play, but to be one of the most important players on a team. It hurts that I did not show even 10% of what I can do, so I hope I will get another chance to play in the EuroLeague again.”
Claim Now In previous interviews, he mentioned Partizan and how his whole family supports the black-and-white club. At the age of just 12, he attended the iconic Partizan vs. Maccabi Tel Aviv game that sent the Serbian club to the EuroLeague Final Four. His desire to wear that jersey was never hidden — but was there ever an official offer despite rumors?
“It was my huge wish to come to Partizan, especially after I left Valencia. I think that was the perfect moment, but I never received any concrete offer or interest. It is absolutely true that I really wanted it, but the call never came.”
Zeljko Obradovic officially left the club — how does he view that situation?
“I think it is sad for the EuroLeague and for Partizan that Zeljko Obradovic left. I think he is the biggest legend of the club, he is bigger than basketball there, especially during home games — it feels like a choreography. But this is basketball, part of the job, sometimes you do not get a happy ending.”
How does he see the fact that Russian clubs do not play in the EuroLeague? In a recent interview with us, coach Dimitris Itoudis shared his vision of a 30-team EuroLeague. At the same time, VTB League general manager Ilona Korstin told us the league maintains active communication with both the EuroLeague and the NBA. What are his thoughts?
“I think it would be really nice if Russian teams return to the EuroLeague. From a player’s perspective, it would open a big market again with quality teams and players. CSKA is a EuroLeague pioneer, Lokomotiv Kuban and Zenit were in the quarterfinals before, and I believe the EuroLeague becomes a better competition with Russian clubs.”
Why do some players choose Russia and the VTB League over the EuroLeague?
“Those four teams I already mentioned are EuroLeague-level teams, and even though they are not playing the top competition, the VTB League is a great league and has quality. Also, there is more freedom for players from certain coaches and clubs compared to the EuroLeague. Financially, the conditions are very good, and when you take everything into account, those are the reasons why many — especially NBA players — decide to come.”
Which teammate helped him most in his career?
“Definitely Nikos Zisis! We were together in Joventut for only a few months, but I learned the most from him. He was a great mentor in that period. Zisis helped me a lot, showed me that I can do it, gave me confidence and that push to prove myself at that level. Now he is a rookie in his new job as GM of Aris, and we still talk all the time.” — Nenad Dimitrijevic concluded.
