P.J. Dozier is one of the four new additions to the black-and-white team ahead of the new season. He arrived after having several NBA contracts, with his most notable performances in Denver.
However, his career was interrupted by a knee ligament injury during his time in Denver. He left the United States for the first time this year when he joined Partizan, even though he grew up in North Carolina, despite originally hailing from Baltimore. As he highlights, the injury he suffered in Denver had a tremendous impact on him.
“I was desperate. I thought I had finally made it in the NBA. I had started to make a name for myself, showed that I could be a rotation player, and someone a team looking to win a championship could rely on. I believe that at that moment in my career, I was really down, but I had faith in God, and I hoped for the best.
Faith in God and a strong foundation, having a good circle around you. My family has always been my support, whether I was doing great or going through a rough patch. I have the best support system I could ask for. Faith in God and the people around me were key to getting through it all,” said P.J. Dozier for Sport Klub.
When it comes to differences in basketball style between Europe and the NBA, Dozier emphasizes that ultimately, the goal remains the same:
“It’s hard to explain. It’s the same game, the same goal—to put the ball in the basket. But the way we try to do it is a bit different. You have players here in Europe with a great basketball IQ. They really understand the game well.
Then they also have skills. In the United States, we focus on skills and physical attributes. Then we learn how to play the game. Here, they do it the other way around. They think about the game, study it. Then they add skills and physical attributes wherever they can. Players here are very knowledgeable; you have to think about the game here.“
Dozier will have the opportunity to make his debut in the EuroLeague on Thursday when Partizan visits Maccabi in Tel Aviv.