By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Bouncing back from a couple of quiet NBA campaigns, Vasilije Micic is currently enjoying the view from the top of the EuroLeague standings, at the midway point of a two-game week with Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv.
The 31-year-old Serbian point guard averaged 15.6 points, 3.9 assists, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per contest in approximately 25 minutes per contest over seven appearances with the Israeli club in Europe’s top-tier club competition. On Wednesday, he chipped in ten points, four assists, three steals, and two rebounds as the team coached by Dimitris Itoudis beat Partizan Mozzart Bet in Arena 8888 Sofia.
“I don’t know how it looks from outside, but the most important thing here is that there is enthusiasm, a desire to quickly adapt to roles, to get the best out of each other. There are too many games, and that is a healthy approach, which we have been showing from the beginning,” he recapped a 6-1 start for the Tel Aviv outfit.
“All of that is interesting to me, because it was not a great summer in every way. It was mentally challenging for me, but I am experienced enough to be focused on myself, to look at my own stuff, not talk about others. That’s how I try to be here too,” continued Micic, “I came to a new environment, aware of everything, stories, expectations, but being focused on work helps.”
Over the last two years in the NBA, suiting up for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Charlotte Hornets, and Phoenix Suns, the two-time EuroLeague champion rarely progressed beyond limited roles.
“The advantage is that I was wanted from the start. I was given a role. I didn’t have to fight for it, which makes it easier for me to get into the rhythm,” he described the approach of his new club and his return to the EuroLeague.
“I am enjoying basketball again,” Micic added, “I love playing. I’m the type of player who has to play, to have minutes. It is no secret that I have the right to make a mistake, to recover from a mistake.”
“I did not play well,” he referred to the game against Partizan on Wednesday, “I do not know how, but I had a good performance when it was necessary, and most importantly, we won. I am really happy to be playing.”
On Friday, Micic and Hapoel Tel Aviv visit Olympiacos at the Peace and Friendship Stadium, SEF, in Round 8 of the Regular Season.
Dusan Alimpijevic link
Besides talking about the Serbian EuroLeague clubs, Partizan and Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet, the experienced floor general also discussed Dusan Alimpijevic taking over the senior national team of Serbia.
“I spoke to him two days ago,” revealed Micic.
“A wonderful selection,” he congratulated the 39-year-old tactician and previewed a possible participation in the upcoming FIBA window, dedicated to the FIBA World Cup 2027 Qualifiers, “I hope we will all have the opportunity and time to participate in the windows and fight for the next goals.”
Starting a six-game schedule in Group C of the European Qualifiers, Serbia hosts Switzerland on November 27 and visits Bosnia-Herzegovina on November 30.