Dušan Miletić, BC Hapoel Jerusalem player, spoke following the victory over Aris (84–73) about his experience working with Saša Obradović, the team’s growing chemistry and ambitions, as well as the physical demands of the EuroCup.
Reflecting on a hard-fought victory that lasted two hours and 15 minutes, Miletić highlighted the importance of the result for the team’s confidence and momentum.
“Yes, it was a really important game for us, especially in terms of building confidence and continuing our campaign. We played against a very good opponent, certainly one of the favourites to win the EuroCup. I think we played well, were very physical and stuck to everything we had agreed on. I believe the victory was a result of all those things”, started post game interview Dušan.
The team’s presence on the offensive glass and the individual quality of its players proved crucial in finding solutions against a physically demanding opponent.
“That individual quality we have was important, but so was our effort on the offensive glass. It brought us quite a lot in the first half, although a little less in the second. We also played good defence and made some good decisions offensively, which helped improve our ball movement. I think those were some of the things that made the difference.”
The physical intensity of the game was another major factor, with Dušan describing Aris as a particularly dominant team both on the perimeter and inside.
“Yes, it really was. This is the level of the EuroCup, but Aris players are genuinely physically dominant, both their guards and their big men. The referees allowed a more physical game, even a somewhat rougher one, so it was a very demanding contest physically.”
Miletić also spoke positively about his experience working with Saša Obradović, emphasising how much he is enjoying the opportunity to develop under the Serbian coach.
“Great, really. I’m enjoying it so far and I feel that I’m improving. I still have a lot of room to grow, and I think we have a fantastic team. I believe all of this will mean a lot to me in the long run. And, of course, there’s the opportunity to work with Saša. He’s a great coach, and I think working with him can only benefit me.”
Training alongside players such as Kenneth Lofton and Devontae Cacok provides another valuable opportunity for growth, with Miletić pointing to the team’s quality and ambitions.
“Definitely. When you train every day with players like that, it’s only natural that you improve. Of course, you also develop through games, but I think you gain a lot from daily practices, especially since there are more training sessions than games. I think we’ve put together a really great team with big ambitions, and I’m very happy with it.”
Despite not playing their home games in Jerusalem, Hapoel received strong support from their fans in Belgrade, something Miletić was keen to acknowledge.
“We did. I’m sorry that we aren’t playing our games at home but in Belgrade, because I genuinely believe the atmosphere back home would be fantastic. Still, I’d like to thank the fans who came and travelled such a long way to support us. They really enjoyed themselves, cheered us on, and I think they gave us an extra boost.”
Off the court, Miletić has also been building a good relationship with Lorenzo Brown, whose sense of humour is gradually becoming part of the team’s chemistry.
“Lorenzo is a fantastic player. There’s not much that needs to be said about his qualities. He joined us a little later, but he’s settled in well. I think we also need to help him integrate as much as possible because he has tremendous quality that he needs to make the most of and find the right rhythm with the team. Although, he’s already found his rhythm and is getting on the same page with everyone. On top of that, he’s a great guy. At first, he wasn’t really receptive to our jokes, but now he’s started joking around himself. He’s become more open and communicative.”
When asked whether Brown simply needed some time to get used to the team’s sense of humour, Miletić agreed with a smile.
“Yeah, that could be it.”
Finally, Miletić addressed the possibility of returning to the national team for the upcoming November FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifiers, making it clear that he would gladly accept a call-up from head coach Dušan Alimpijević.
“I’m generally in contact with them, but honestly, I don’t know what will happen. I haven’t received a call-up yet, but I am in touch with the head coach. Of course, I would love to be part of the national team, as always. If the call comes, I’ll answer it, just as I always have. We’ll see,” Miletić concluded.
