Pero Antic Interview: EuroLeague Season Preview

Pero Antic spoke to Basketball Sphere ahead of the new season, focusing on three teams – Crvena Zvezda, Partizan, and Fenerbahce.

Crvena Zvezda decided to change their coach after just two challenges in the EuroLeague, Partizan strengthened their team in the positions where it was most needed, while Fenerbahce faces a tough task of defending their title in Europe’s elite competition after losing two of their best players.

Sasa Obradovic’s arrival at Crvena Zvezda brought a certain reaction, and Ioannis Sfairopoulos only confirmed with his example that coaches in this sport live out of packed suitcases at all times:

“That is true, but their contracts are guaranteed, they will get paid. We work in this business, this is basketball. Crvena Zvezda always aims for the biggest trophies. Like Partizan, they can lose some games and fans will react, because everyone expects the best.

Budgets are huge, so expectations are even higher. Sasa Obradovic is a person I greatly respect. With his energy and experience, he will bring positive changes, first of all a change in energy, which we have already started to see.” – said Pero Antic.

Partizan hasn’t changed much this season, but they added players exactly in the positions they needed. They brought in Jabari Parker, Dylan Osetkowski, Shake Milton, and Muurinen…

“Sorry, I have to interrupt the question. (laughs) I believe in Zeljko Obradovic and respect him a lot. You know I love Crvena Zvezda, but a good Zvezda doesn’t work without a strong Partizan, and vice versa.

I saw they brought in Jabari Parker and the Finn, Miikka Muurinen. Zeljko Obradovic knows what he is doing, that’s all I’ll say. He just needs support. There will be some turbulence, some losses, but I trust his work.”

Fenerbahce won the EuroLeague last season, but now they lost two of their best players. Nigel Hayes-Davis went to the NBA to fulfill his childhood dream, Marko Guduric signed with Milano, but Sarunas Jasikevicius certainly has the ambition to defend the EuroLeague title.

“It will be very difficult for them. I remember when I played for Olympiacos and we won the EuroLeague; then it’s even harder to repeat it, to defend the title. There is huge pressure from the fans. They are fully behind the team.

Zeljko Obradovic’s structure is there, Sarunas Jasikevicius is his pupil, and the energy on the court is good. I believe Fenerbahce will reach the Final Four. With that team quality and such a home court, they should get there at minimum. I can’t say now that they will win it, but they have a strong roster.” – concluded Pero Antic.