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Shaquille
O'Neal: "When you are 60, hang out with 60-year-olds, not 20-year-olds.
That is all I got to say about Jerry Buss."
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HoopsHype.com Interviews Milos
Vujanic: "I don't know if I'm going to play
in the NBA next year"
First of all, what's your point of view on what happened in the last few seconds in the final against Argentina? The Argentinians still think they got robbed. Milos Vujanic: The Argentinians had a great chance to beat us, because they had an eight-point lead with two minutes left. But when the game was on the line, we showed our strength and experience. I wouldn’t comment on their last possession, because the fact that they lost a big lead was crucial. The referees are those who had to make a decision about whether it was a foul or not. And they decided.
What did you enjoy more, winning the final or beating the U.S. team? MV: Both wins
are very special to me, but I like the one in the finals more because
it was the one that brought us a gold medal. In that match we showed that
we are the best team in the world. What was the locker room like after that victory over the U.S. in the World Championship? MV: We were all very happy, it was a real celebration. Although we knew that it is just one win on our way to a gold medal. We were aware that the deciding games were ahead of us.
Did that victory had any especial meaning for you or your teammates after what happened in Yugoslavia three years ago [the bombings]? MV: For me, it was just one big victory on our way to gold. Very important, but as a sports victory, because we defeated a great rival. For our fans in Yugoslavia, that victory probably had another dimension because of the events three years ago. Where were you during the bombings? How did you handle the situation? MV: I was in
Belgrade during the bombings, I practiced every day. It wasn’t easy.
I don’t know if you can imagine that feeling. You shoot a ball while
the bombs are falling around you. But I had to fulfill my professional
duties. It was a tough experience and I wouldn’t wish anybody to
live through it. MV: Partizan
is the best Yugoslav, and one of the best European clubs. The special
thing about Partizan is an outstanding work with players. I mean, for
decades Partizan coaches are the best in their area of work. All these
players you mentioned, who had great careers, are the proof as well as
the results of the club. You take a lot
of shots in your club, while you play a more usual point
guard role with the national team. In which playing situation do you feel
more comfortable? Do you feel you could play the shooting guard position in the NBA? MV: Depends
on the team I play for, the way the team plays and coaches strategy, but
I think that I could play the shooting guard spot in the NBA. What was the feeling when you knew you had been drafted by the New York Knicks? Did you expect to go as high as 36th overall pick? MV: Maybe not
that high, so I was thrilled when I heard. First because of the high position
and after that because New York chose me. It is a club with great tradition
in the NBA. Do you plan to play there next season? MV: It is too
early for that kind of decision. Of course my goal is to play in the NBA,
it’s a dream for every basketball player. But I don’t know if
that’s going to happen next year, or after that. We’ll wait
and see. Have you followed the Knicks much since you were drafted? MV: I followed
Knicks even before, but since the draft I follow their games much more.
Almost daily I get information about New York games on the Internet, and
during free time I sometimes watch their games on satellite channels. What's your opinion about what is going on there? MV: They didn't
have a good start of the season, but I think they have a good team and
they will probably get better with every game. Have you met or talked to anybody in the Knicks organization in the last weeks? MV: I talked
to some people from the Knicks management during World Championships in
Indianapolis. From time to time we speak on the phone. I guess you could
say we are in contact. Your teammate Nenad Krstic was also selected in the draft. What can you tell us about him? Is he ready for the NBA? MV: We are
playing together for a second year now. He is great player, with NBA potential.
If he continues to work like he is doing now, I believe he could have
a good NBA career. We always ask this question to all NBA prospects... What player in the league do you think you resemble the most?
MV: Allen Iverson. Jorge Sierra is the editor of HoopsHype.com. Vladimir Sibinovic, Partizan's media officer, helped conduct the interview. Tell us what you think about this interview. E-mail us at HoopsHype@HoopsHype.com _____________________ |
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