Punter opens up on relationship with Obradovic, highlights Italian culture / News - Basketnews.com

"Can we sometimes annoy each other? Definitely. ... But we have a really great relationship. Whether it's day or night, I can always call him and talk to him about whatever I want," Punter said of Zeljko Obradovic.

Credit: Srdjan Stevanovic-Getty Image Credit Srdjan Stevanovic-Getty Image

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade captain Kevin Punter arrived to the black-and-white team in the summer of 2021.

Kevin Punter

MIN:27.7PTS:14.56 (53.85%)REB:2.5As:2.19ST:1.25BL:0.13TO:1.25GM:16ProfileEuroLeague2022/2023

The main reason behind the transfer from Milan to Belgrade was an opportunity to work with nine-time EuroLeague champion Zeljko Obradovic.

The EuroLeague coaching legend invited Punter to Serbia and now serves as a full-time mentor for the American guard. Punter admits he can always rely on Zeljko's bits of advice.

"We have a great relationship. Obradovic is an outstanding expert and person," Punter said of his coach in an interview with Bojan Brezovac of Mozzart Sport.

"Can we sometimes annoy each other? Definitely. I'm sure he's furious with some of my decisions on the court, and so am I. He sees some things from the side that I don't see on the floor and vice versa.

"We have an honest relationship. A really great relationship. Whether it's day or night, I can always call him and talk to him about whatever I want, about basketball, life, whatever. Obradovic is there and that's something I greatly appreciate," the 29-year-old added.

Captain's and head coach's great relationship transferred to the entire Partizan team.

"I haven't been in too many teams like this. We are close. We joke, laugh, and sometimes even go out together. Good group of guys, really good," Punter pointed out.

"We go through good and bad moments together. Zach [LeDay] is our most consistent player. Of course, I have known him for a long time. We also have Mathias [Lessort] who plays exceptionally well. I think it's because of his work ethic and confidence. That's basketball... confidence.

"Look at Anadolu Efes, they are back-to-back EuroLeague champions. Do you think they play something special and have tactics that have never been seen before? They play pick and roll and isolation, that's it. What sets them apart is their great confidence," Punter distinguished the particular aspect.

Kevin Punter

Team:Partizan Mozzart Bet BelgradePosition:SGAge:29Height:190 cmWeight:86 kgBirth place:New York, United States of AmericaProfileNewsStatistics

Like most growing kids who play basketball, Kevin Punter had one dream to fulfill – to play in the NBA.

"For as long as I can remember, I've only thought about the NBA. When I played at Tennessee, all I could think about was the NBA. However, a sobering moment came when I broke my foot. Then I had to think seriously and the next stop was Europe.

"I knew nothing about basketball in Europe and life in general. The first year was difficult, but then each next year became easier," he recalled and then continued to highlight differences between the basketball in Old Continent and the United States.

"A game in the NBA regular season it's more of an event to be seen. People put on the most beautiful suits, sunglasses, and jewelry. You have restaurants in the arenas, and the game itself is not in the foreground, but the whole event and the prestige of being a part of it. In Europe, it's completely different, the fans are only interested in the game here, they react to every basket and every contact. Everyone knows that."

Punter then specified two countries in Europe that are particularly crazy about basketball in a good way.

"Serbia and Greece are special countries in terms of fans and expectations. Let me tell you, I played in Italy, with all due respect to Italy, it's a predictable country, great for a career, but everything is about a relaxing time there. No drama, no pressure, and no journalists waiting for you every game (laughs). I also played in Poland and Belgium, but Serbia and Greece definitely stand out," he concluded.

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