Carlik Jones described the atmosphere surrounding Partizan Belgrade, the intensity of the Serbian derby and the support from fans during an interview on the EURO INSIDERS podcast. The guard said the experience exceeded his expectations, from his first game in Belgrade to the pressure of playing in front of the club’s supporters.
Jones admitted he initially knew little about European basketball before joining Partizan, but the club’s atmosphere caught his attention during his research.
“When I seen the atmosphere in the games, I’m like, ‘No, I got to play here,’” Jones said.
His first major introduction came during an away game against Panathinaikos, where he saw approximately 40,000 fans outside the arena.
“I’m like, ‘Yo, what the hell is this?’” Jones recalled. “This ain’t Europe hoops. This is insane.”
The reception in Belgrade surprised him even before he played his first game. Jones said a man recognized him on a motorcycle just two days after his arrival, while people also approached him at grocery stores and restaurants.
“I go to a restaurant, ‘Yo, drinks on the house tonight,’” he said. “I’m like, ‘Yo, this is crazy.’”
Jones also spoke about the intensity of the Partizan-Crvena Zvezda rivalry. He admitted that he prefers winning away games because of the reaction from the opposing crowd.
“I like the silence,” he said. “Their fans are quiet. But you’re a thousand that you have there screaming at the top of their lungs.”
The Partizan guard also recalled an incident during the Serbian Cup when a lighter flew across his face as he attempted a free throw with two attempts to win the game.
“As I’m going up to shoot, a lighter comes flying across my face,” Jones said. He missed the first attempt and was not given another chance to take it.
“After that, nothing else will phase me,” he added, describing the objects thrown onto the court during games.
Despite the difficult moments, Jones said the support and atmosphere are what make his Partizan experience special. He also explained that he values the respect shown by Crvena Zvezda supporters, even while representing their rivals.
