Vasilije Micic on unique relationship with Ergin Ataman: 'We hardly speak' / News - Basketnews.com

Vasilije Micic says that Ergin Ataman knows him so well that the two hardly ever speak. The Serbian guard admits that having Shane Larkin beside him will make life easier despite his stats.

Credit: Giuseppe Cottini/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images Credit Giuseppe Cottini/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images

After leaving Zalgiris Kaunas, Vasilije Micic has blossomed under Ergin Ataman while playing for Anadolu Efes Istanbul. He now has an MVP, a Final Four MVP trophy, and two EuroLeague titles besides his name.

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When he was asked what his relationship with the coach who seemingly brought him from being a role player in the league to becoming a superstar, Micic admitted that the two just know each other and don't have to speak a lot.

"To be honest, Ataman and I hardly speak. It's already our fifth year together, and we've built such a relationship that we both know what our goal and mission are," Micic told Walla Sport. "He knows that I'm dedicated to basketball, and he respects that."

"He gives us freedom and knows that I will always do everything to be successful, even when I have fewer good games. Basketball changes, it's become very fast, and you have to adapt yourself. He did it, and he deserves all the credit," Micic added.

This week marks the return of Shane Larkin, who formed the formidable duo with Micic which brought two EuroLeague titles to Istanbul. The Serbian guard admits that as good as his stats are so far, it's much easier to play with Larkin aside.

"It's much easier for me, and I feel much more comfortable when Shane is with me. Yes, it was hard for me without him. Somehow when he's there, no matter how the season develops, I know that in the end, we'll find a way to play the best we can," the star guard said. "Now we also have Will [Clyburn], who's one of the best players I've worked with. We don't have much time, but we'll need an adjustment period to get a feel for each other, and if we're all healthy, we will get where we need to be."

Inevitably, the questions about Micic possibly going to the NBA will come during the offseason. With his departure being very close to completion last year, Micic hopes he can achieve the NBA dream.

"I don't know, I don't have a smart answer," Micic said about the reasons why the move didn't work out last summer. "I'm more than ready to go there, and I want it. That's my ambition.

It's been down to details so far, and the time that has passed only increases my expectation [to go to the NBA]. I'm striving to prove that I'm at the appropriate level. But it has to fit both sides."

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