Nikola Kalinic: 'Barca built a team that can win the EuroLeague' / News - Basketnews.com

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Nikola Kalinic arrives at FC Barcelona as a starter player in the small forward position.

3-pointers this season

40%9,0Points made:9,0Accuracy:40,1%Place in standings:6Record max:16Record min:3Most made 3FGs:Nikola MiroticTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

He joins the newcomers of Tomas Satoransky, Oscar da Silva, Mike Tobey, and Jan Vesely, who are all set to gift Catalans first place in the EuroLeague competition.

But first, like all the other players, the Serbian will have to endure Sarunas Jasikevicius' intensity. As stated by Kalinic, he is ready for the upcoming challenges.

"From what I've seen so far, I would say it requires you always to be focused and work very hard. If you do it, I think you'll learn concepts that will help you improve as a player and as a person.

Saras is one of the big names in European basketball. The things he has done as a player and coach are incredible. I respect him very much. I have played against him several times as a coach.

I know he is a perfectionist and sometimes a bit temperamental, but all of this is for the team," Kalinic told Barca TV.

The 30-year-old is looking forward to experiencing great moments as a Blaugrana player.

"The club has done a great job with the signings, has brought in great players, and built a team that can win the EuroLeague. We have a mix of experienced and young players. I hope to live great moments with this shirt," former Zvezda, Fenerbahce, and Valencia athlete said.

However, the Serbian wanted to make it clear that "he is aware there will be difficult moments throughout a season and knows that kind of things are part of the sports world, but he expects to overcome all obstacles with the help of teammates."

According to Kalinic, his life is simply dedicated to the game of basketball.

"Basketball is almost like my 'alter ego'. I always try to give everything I have on the court, and I really enjoy playing. This sport has brought me many good memories, great friends, and money. I love basketball, and as long as this continues to be the case, I will continue to play professionally," he said.

New Barca forward arrives in Spain more mature than ever, as he says.

"Before, I was a player, who stayed in the paint and was doing more dirty work, fighting for rebounds, but I think now I have improved a lot on the offensive end. I am a better spot-up shooter, and now I can connect shots off the dribble. I'm a more complete player now," Kalinic concluded.

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