Dzanan Musa: 'I hope I will be in Real for as long as I can be' / News - Basketnews.com

Dzanan Musa didn't think his relationship with Chus Mateo would be as good as it is now. Looking into the future, the player doesn't picture being in the NBA.

Credit: Real Madrid Baloncesto Credit Real Madrid Baloncesto

After coming in as a new guy, Dzanan Musa has quickly become one of the leaders of Real Madrid. Two seasons ago, he was playing minuscule minutes for Anadolu Efes Istanbul. Now, he's leading another European basketball powerhouse to titles.

Free throws this season

81%12,8Points made:12,8Accuracy:81,0%Place in standings:8Record max:16Record min:6Most made FTs:Dzanan MusaTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

After Pablo Laso's departure, his long-time assistant Chus Mateo is the head coach now. When he signed with the Spanish team, Musa didn't think his relationship with the newly-appointed coach would be as good as it is now.

"To be honest, I didn't expect to have such a good relationship with the coach when I came to Real," the player told SportKlub Serbija. "[It was good] from the first meeting where he told me that I should play my game, that I should try to transfer that from Breogan to Real Madrid because that's why they brought me. He told me not to be ashamed of my game and to play freely. I scored 30 points against Unicaja in the first game."

After being labeled as one of the better prospects in Europe, Musa went to the NBA but didn't get his chance with the Brooklyn Nets. It's his third year following a comeback from the other side of the Atlantic.

Asked if he thinks of ever returning to the highest stage of basketball, Musa was honest.

"Right now I'm here, only Real is on my mind, a club that can compete with any NBA team under any conditions. It is important to me that I feel welcomed here, I feel like a part of the family, and that I am important in the team, which is the most important thing for me," Musa told. "I'm focused on that. I decided in my head to give everything to Real Madrid until something else happens, and I hope it doesn't happen soon. [I hope] I will be in Real for as long as I can be."

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