Vladimir Lucic analyzed the new addition to Crvena Zvezda: He didn’t have the luck to be surrounded by true playmakers
0![Vladimir Lucic analyzed the new addition to Crvena Zvezda: He didn’t have the luck to be surrounded by true playmakers Vladimir Lucic](https://basketballsphere.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Vladimir-Lucic.jpg)
Photo: FIBA
Vladimir Lucic, in an interview with Sport Klub, shared his expectations for former teammate Freddie Gillespie in the Crvena Zvezda jersey.
The Serbian basketball player emphasized that the system of Crvena Zvezda might suit the American better than the one he encountered in Bayern.
“Freddie is a hard worker, a hundred percent dedicated in every practice and every game. He’s always there to do the dirty work for the team. I think the Crvena Zvezda team suits him much more in terms of characteristics than Bayern – here, he is surrounded by one of the best passers in the history of the EuroLeague, Milos Teodosic, but also with many other talented players in positions two through four who can make him better,” said Vladimir Lucic, adding:
“Gillespie is a player who depends a lot on the system and the team he’s surrounded by, others need to create opportunities for him. He does a lot of useful things that don’t always show up in the statistics, including rebounds, blocks, toughness. If he fits in well, he can be an asset for Crvena Zvezda.”
As a newcomer to Crvena Zvezda, the primary expectation from Freddie Gillespie is to contribute to the protection of the red and white paint.
“He’s big, enormous. I don’t know exactly how big, but he has an abnormal wingspan. He might not be so powerful in lateral movements to stop every opposing guard (in switches), but he’s big and doesn’t give up – he can provide rim protection both one-on-one and help-side. He came to Bayern and was projected as a successor, a similar build to Kyle Hines,” explained Vladimir Lucic.
Freddie Gillespie will be eligible to play for Crvena Zvezda from 2024.
“He’s only in his second year in Europe, hasn’t had the luck to be surrounded by true playmakers and passers. I think, in Crvena Zvezda – with Teodosic leading the way – there are many who can advise him on positioning, where to set a screen, where to roll. That will make him better – if they endure him initially, he can progress throughout the season and become significant for Crvena Zvezda,” added Lucic.