"Basketball is not just money, Valencia is my home" Israel today

Valencia star Bojan Dubljevic explains in a special interview with Israel Today why he rejected offers from the NBA and the big teams on the continent (probably also from Maccabi Tel Aviv): "I want to continue here all my life" • And also: what it feels like to be a legend Montenegrin and the future in the Euroleague

• Boyan Dubleevich in the previous meeting with Maccabi Tel Aviv, tonight a second show

  Photo: 

  IPI

Bojan Dubljevic is one of the best tallies in Europe, and no less important is one of the most intriguing players on the continent.

If only he wanted to he would play for one of the big teams in European basketball or even the NBA, but he prefers to stay in Valencia and has already completed in the media no less than nine seasons in which he became a local hero and also signed a contract until 2023.

In a special interview with "Israel Today" ahead of tonight's game (Thursday, 21:05) against Maccabi Tel Aviv, the Montenegrin star explains why he stayed at Valencia even though he had offers from bigger teams: "Basketball is not just money, there are many more important things than money. "I really appreciate that it's good for my family in Valencia and it's more important than money. I've been here for many years and it's my home. For me to play here means everything, and it's a great honor for me to play for this team."

"When I was young my dream was to play in a big club and I also thought about the NBA," the Montenegrin star continues, "but I like the style of European basketball more and I play here better than I can display in the NBA."

Have you had any offers from the NBA in the past and refused?

"Yes, there were some who came specifically to Spain to see me and see if I wanted to get there, but I was on a contract with Valencia and I feel committed, so I decided not to leave."

And what about Maccabi Tel Aviv, the truth of the rumors that you were previously a candidate to come to Israel?

"Yes, I also heard a lot of talk about it, but like I said, the first place for me is always Valencia and I want to play for them."

"The whole city celebrated with us, the best moment of my life"

In recent years, Dobliewicz became one of the greatest players in the history of the Spanish club when he led to a historic victory in the Spanish Championship (2017) when he was selected as the outstanding player of the final series, two EuroCup championships and also the Spanish Super Cup. 

"The whole city celebrated with us," the excellent actor recalled, "this is the best moment of my life. I can not even explain to you how it felt. Since then we have won more titles, but this title will never be forgotten. It was just unbelievable."

This season, a quality staff has been built alongside Dubleevich, which includes senior players such as Derrick Williams and Nikola Kalinic, and the Bats are in a good position in the battle for promotion to the quarterfinals of the Euroleague - another peak to conquer in the club's impressive progress in recent years.

"It will be difficult to get to the quarterfinals because there are a lot of great teams aiming there. We really want to get there and for that we fight every day."

One of the reasons the Valencia garden is aiming for efforts to rise to a quarter is the desire to gain recognition and especially a permanent ticket to the factory.

The fact that the Spanish team swings every season between the Eurocup and the Euroleague prevents it from developing and progressing as it would like.

"We have a club at the highest level here, they do everything to stay in the Euroleague on a regular basis, and it's hard when you go through a factory every time, because we want to gain experience in the Euroleague. I have no doubt that in a few years it will happen and Valencia will be a permanent member. we deserve".

How do you see your chances in the game against Maccabi Tel Aviv?

"It's going to be a tough game. Both teams need a win and we expect a tough battle. Maccabi is great with wonderful players, but this season they are a bit unlucky and lost a lot of close games. We will have to forget our fatigue and leave everything aside, and give our best and maximum, because it A very important game for us to continue down the road. "

In recent years we see a lot of tall players who would rather throw threes than fight color.

what do you prefer?

"I practice a lot on threes, because it's a very important thing for the game, especially at these times (scoring this season over 37 percent for the Euroleague 3, YM), but I always prefer to play under the baskets.

That's the thing I do best. "

Not only in Valencia Dubljevic is considered a local hero, but also in his native Montenegro.

Since parting ways with Serbia in 2008, Dubljevic has been perhaps the outstanding player in the national uniform.

In 2011 he led the junior team to 7th place in the European Championship when he was selected in the top five of the tournament, then played twice with the senior team in the European Championship (2013, 2017) and two years ago qualified with his teammates for the first time in history. .

"But how do you like to say, in this case the main thing is participation." Qualifying for the World Cup is my best moment on the team.

We are a young team and we do not have big moments like other countries, so it was a big deal in the whole country.

Montenegro has a future with a younger generation emerging now, and we can succeed.

This ascent to the World Cup is one of our milestones on the way up. "

How does it feel to be a legend and role model in your country?

"I do not see myself as a legend, I concentrate on doing and helping to develop the industry. Every time I come to Montenegro I train with young people and explain to them what I know about basketball. It is something I would like to continue to do - teach basketball and be good at it."

Are you signed in Valencia until 2023 when you are 32, would you like to stay in Valencia until the end of your career?

"Nowadays you do not know what will happen tomorrow, so certainly do not think about two or three years. But yes, my first plan is to stay here all my life, it's the dream."