FIBA Basketball
Photo: FIBA Basketball

Miroslav Raduljica talked to Basketball Sphere and referred to his presence in China, the national team and the World Cup Qualifiers. 

Here is what the former Panathinaikos center said:

On his performance in China: “I have found myself there, I have my peace and I finally play the basketball I was supposed to play my whole life and it makes me very happy. I am finally playing. It shows right away, the satisfaction when something you do, you start doing the right way.

The pressure exists, being one of the two foreigners in the team of whom a lot is expected but I’m lucky to have coach Memi Becirovic. He takes over a big part of the pressure which should fall on me. We help each other, he gave me the freedom to play, it was useful for the team, I think he is the one to finally use all my basketball potentials considering nobody let me play that way.”

On the national team: “A gold one should be added also, to make it a bit more colorful. All the medals are with my family, I hope they take good care of them because it’s not that important to me. That piece of metal matters more to them. 

What matters to me is a nice time spent with my friends from the team, brothers, coaches. That’s what I keep as memories. The medal is a thing, the material part isn’t important to me, it’s the memories and experiences that stay forever.”

On the World Cup Qualifiers:“I will be there in three out of four. We mentioned the system, how it hurts selections so they can’t play with the strongest roster. Why wouldn’t they organize it in the summer, so we all come and see who is good and who is not.

Also, I don’t see why the European, World and Olympic runner-up plays the qualifiers, makes it seem as what you do in any competition isn’t respected. That’s what I don’t understand, but maybe I’m not smart enough for stuff like that.”