Filip Petrusev about his time with Efes: 'It was not pleasant' / News - Basketnews.com

Filip Petrusev admitted that the season with Efes set him back in his career path. The Serbian center now enjoys the time on the court with Crvena Zvezda, he tells Mozzart Sport.

Credit: Aykut Akici/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images, ABA League j.t.d./Dragana Stjepanovic Credit Aykut Akici/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images, ABA League j.t.d./Dragana Stjepanovic

After becoming the MVP of the ABA League, Filip Petrusev transferred to Anadolu Efes Istanbul in 2021. However, he averaged just 9 minutes per game in the EuroLeague, struggling to find his place in the Turkish club.

Points this season

49%82,6Points made:82,6Accuracy:48,7%Place in standings:7Record max:96Record min:72Best scorer:Will ClyburnTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

Remembering his time in Istanbul, Petrusev was honest - the 2021-22 season set his career back.

"The NBA was my primary goal because teams often take young players. After an incredible season at Mega, it didn't end as I expected. I needed time to wrap my head around it which carried over to the start of the season in Efes," the center told Mozzart Sport.

"I had a chance at the start, things looked good but I wasn't myself and as time went on I spent less and less time on the floor and had a very poor performance. It's written that you are the champion of Europe, which is great, but, primarily because of the draft, I was looking for an opportunity to develop and get to that level," Petrusev continued. "It was not pleasant. For young players like me, the only thing that matters is that they play, whether in the First Serbian League or the EuroLeague."

Petrusev has been living his dream with Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade recently. During the last 3 EuroLeague games, the Serbian player has been averaging 19.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2 blocks for 24 PIR.

"My enjoyment has returned. I can't wait to spend every minute on the court, especially against the best teams in the EuroLeague, to prove myself and show that I belong there," the player said.

"I feel great, especially physically, because I had certain problems with my back at first after preparations with the national team. I finally feel one hundred percent healthy," Petrusev explained.

Thank you for reading us! Help us even more.