Rodions Kurucs, currently a member of Murcia, and formerly of Partizan, spoke to “Mozzart Sport” about his time in the black-and-white jersey.
He will try to win the FIBA Champions League trophy with his team at the Final Four, which includes Peristeri, Unicaja, and Tenerife. Considering that the Final Four is held in Belgrade, he couldn’t help but mention his experience at Partizan, which, according to him, played a significant role in his career progression.
“While I was riding the bus from the airport to the hotel, I was overwhelmed by a nice feeling. Believe me, while I was in Belgrade, I felt at home because of the people’s mentality. I really enjoyed being here in terms of life, and I would gladly return to Serbia.
I read Tristan Vukcevic’s statement where he said that it wasn’t easy for him during his two years at Partizan. I know how he feels. I feel the same when I think about my time there. I wasn’t ready to play basketball at that level. I wasn’t prepared for the pressure that comes with wearing the Partizan jersey and working with Zeljko Obradovic,” said Rodions Kurucs.
About Zeljko Obradovic
“It wasn’t easy for me, but I had many conversations with Zeljko Obradovic. Not all situations were bad, there were also good ones. Only now do I realize how much I learned some things that I wasn’t aware of at that time. In those talks with coach Obradovic, he constantly talked to me about some details.
Body positioning. Where the pass should go, which angle to use. Whether to play one way or another. I didn’t understand that then, but today it’s part of my game. Just this season, it occurred to me how the things Zeljko Obradovic talked to me about are now used daily, and back then, I didn’t really understand.
If by any chance the opportunity arises to work together again at Partizan… I would gladly accept it with open arms. I liked the size of the club, its history. Not to mention the city and the people. That part was outstanding,” said the Latvian national team player for “Mozzart Sport.”