By Nikola Miloradovic / info@eurohoops.net
Crvena Zvezda seems unstoppable at the moment. The Belgrade team recorded its fifth straight win after taking down ASVEL at the Belgrade Arena.
It was Chima Moneke who powered Saša Obradović’s team to victory, helping the Serbian side improve to 5–2 in the EuroLeague standings.
After scoring 24 points on 9/10 shooting from the field, Moneke shared his impressions.
“It’s very important. If we want to take the next step and be a serious team, we have to win games like this regardless of injuries. That’s been the theme of our season — we’re constantly dealing with that. In the locker room, no one looks for excuses, because our opponents don’t feel sorry for us either. That’s why wins like this mean a lot,” Moneke told Meridian Sport.
The forward also talked about how happy he feels at Crvena Zvezda and how strong his connection with the club and the fans has become.
“Absolutely, I feel great at Zvezda. I’ve already said it — I hope I won’t play anywhere else until the end of my career. Milan (Dozet), make it happen. I love this club. When I hear the fans chant my name, I feel loved, respected, and fulfilled. I don’t want to go anywhere else.”
Moneke added that this feeling of belonging is something he’s been searching for since his early career days.
“The only place where I felt like this before was Manresa, four years ago. Back then, I was just trying to grow step by step. Now I’m at the highest level, and I don’t want to go any further — this is my home.”
He also shared his thoughts on the arrival of the team’s new addition, Jared Butler.
“Butler is an exceptional player and he’ll bring us a lot. He’ll start training tomorrow, without contact, but on Thursday against Maccabi he’ll be thrown straight into the fire. However he looks then, that will only be the beginning of his journey. I’m sure that in a few months he’ll be a huge contribution to our team,” Moneke concluded.