Dusko Ivanovic's agent explains how he signed with Crvena Zvezda / News - Basketnews.com

Dusko Ivanovic's agent Obrad Fimic said it was the third time when Zvezda and the Montenegrin coach met to discuss coaching the team.

Credit: ABA League j.t.d./Dragana Stjepanovic Credit ABA League j.t.d./Dragana Stjepanovic

Crvena Zvezda mts Belgrade's seasons started on a rough patch. Everything changed when Dusko Ivanovic was brought in to lead the team as its new head coach.

2-pointers this season

54%18,2Points made:18,2Accuracy:54,0%Place in standings:15Record max:27Record min:11Most made 2FGs:Nemanja NedovicTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

The Montenegrin specialist's agent Obrad Fimic appeared on the Jao Mile podcast where he explained how Ivanovic ended up in the Serbian club.

"I tell Dusko Ivanovic that this is the best job he's ever had," Fimic said. "And he usually talks about his time in Barcelona and Baskonia. I say 'Yes but the energy... Wars are fought here for energy. Energy is everything to you. You've never made so many people as happy as you have with this team.'"

"Usually we suggest [our clients] to clubs. This was our third meeting and I jokingly said - 'If it doesn't happen now, it won't happen [ever]'. In the end, it turned out that they were also for it. Everything turned out right on time at that moment," he told.

The first practice under Dusko Ivanovic's control was reportedly 5 or even 6 hours long. Fimic doesn't see this as a negative. On the contrary, the agent thinks that when the players start to understand it, they become far better.

"Many complain that Dusko makes you work a lot. He is demanding but when you look at the man... He is fit and ready, isn't that right? He was the same as a player. When players come who want to work, they have no problem with that. He once was a coach in Khimki, and [Alexey] Shved played phenomenally for three years after practicing with Dusko," Fimic gave an example. "It was difficult for him but he later realized what he was getting. Dusko wanted him in Baskonia last year. Shved, however, decided to join CSKA, you can't blame him."

Ivanovic was one victory shy of repeating a EuroLeague record of 10 consecutive wins after overtaking the team during the season. Additionally, Crvena Zvezda have recently signed Facundo Campazzo to the roster.

"Now we see that they brought in Campazzo. [It starts to look] like a Russian club financing. The energy from Russia passes to us. If the Russians gave more sponsorships, maybe it some of them would reach Partizan and Zvezda as well. They probably have no interest but who knows, maybe it will happen. You never know. It would be interesting."

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