Mentors in the early stages of his career
Anyone even moderately successful at a certain point in their life has found inspiration in individuals who were at the highest possible level at that time. The renowned Italian particularly highlighted two names:
The Spanish pick-and-roll originated from Russia 50 years ago
Alternative types of defense
“Alex Mumbru has that something special”
We were interested in how many individuals Sergio Scariolo recognized during his long career as potential capacities to become coaches after they hang up their playing shoes. It is evident that, among all of them, Alex Mumbru, the head coach of Valencia, is the most prominent name so far, but according to the Italian, there have been many others:
“Many players I coached showed coaching qualities. I asked many of them for advice in difficult moments. I can’t name them all now, but I can say that I felt that Alex Mumbru has that something. He is consistent with his principles and values, knows when to be flexible, when not to be. I can say that many of my assistants have become head coaches, which makes me especially proud.”
The title with the Toronto Raptors
When the Toronto Raptors won the NBA title in 2019, Sergio Scariolo was part of the coaching staff. In an interview with Basketball Sphere, he shared his perspective on the diversity of the experience and how he lived through the entire journey:
Kawhi Leonard – from a stranger to a friend
The most crucial factor in the quest for the title was one of the best basketball players in the past 10 years. Kawhi Leonard began his journey towards immortality under the coaching guidance of Gregg Popovich. Sergio Scariolo spoke more about the character he possesses:
LeBron James as an opponent
During the time spent in the NBA, the team with which Sergio Scariolo was associated had several opportunities to play against LeBron James. We heard what makes him so unique in the response:
More international players in the NBA
“Darko Rajakovic will open doors for many”
During the last transfer window, Sergio Scariolo and Darko Rajakovic were mentioned as the main candidates for the coaching position of the Toronto Raptors. In the end, the Serbian expert from Cacak took over, and the Italian coach does not hide his enthusiasm and has no problem complimenting his ‘rival’ and colleague:
“I think the Toronto Raptors made a big step by hiring Darko Rajakovic. Although he has been there for several years, he is a European coach. We can discuss Igor Kokoskov, who succeeded as a coach in the NBA. Darko is one step ahead. I don’t see a team that can hire a coach without prior NBA experience directly.
That’s one of the main reasons why Europeans don’t get a chance so often. That’s why I am extremely happy for Darko Rajakovic, and I wish him success. The key is if he succeeds, he will open doors for everyone else who will be able to go to the NBA in the future.”
Passion and obsession
“It’s not just about turning on the computer and going to YouTube to watch some things”
In our region, someone who is synonymous with success and work ethic, as well as dedication to the job, is Zeljko Obradovic. Of course, there are several other names that invest enormous energy and passion in the game of basketball, but when we highlight individuals, Sergio Scariolo and Obradovic are the first two names that come to mind. Why is that so, we heard firsthand:
“First of all, it is necessary to understand that this is a craft, a professional job. You can become a good coach even without that vocal aspect, but it is very difficult to go through tough moments and loneliness if you do not feel great passion and desire for your job. This helps a lot because very good coaches, after they finish their careers, never stop loving basketball.
It is important to continue learning, copying, why not? Continue to watch the best coaches in your profession. It is much easier today thanks to modern technologies, but it still requires certain investments, time, and money. You should never regret investing in your own craft because investing in your craft is the best thing in the world.
It’s not just about turning on the computer and going to YouTube to watch some things. However, there is nothing like going to the scene to watch the best coaches in your profession and observe their way of working.”