Ioannis Papapetrou on joining Partizan: 'Obradovic's call was crucial' / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Vangelis Stolis Credit Vangelis Stolis

Ioannis Papapetrou leaves his native Greece for the first time in his career and joins Partizan Belgrade. How the transfer came about, the forward talked about in an interview with Mozzart Sport.

Ioannis Papapetrou

MIN:29.07PTS:11.96 (48.18%)REB:3.17As:2.48ST:0.43BL:0.09TO:1.52GM:23ProfileEuroLeague2021/2022

Papapetrou said that the decision to move to a new club did not last long and revealed what was the breaking point in making the decision.

"The club contacted the manager and I immediately saw what could await me in the new environment," started Papapetrou.

"However, coach Obradovic's call was crucial. After that, I made the decision to move to Partizan" the Greek forward revealed.

Although the conversation did not last too long, it was quite enough for Papapetrou to understand what he can expect from the coach with the most trophies in the EuroLeague.

"When I told the agent that I was interested, then coach Obradovic called me," said Papapetrou.

"We didn't talk for long, but very quickly we realized that we think alike and have similar expectations," added Papapetrou.

The Greek forward said that Obradovic's invitation was a good motivation for him.

"Simply, everyone in Europe knows who coach Zeljko Obradovic is," said Papapetrou.

"To be honest, his invitation is a motivation for me because I want to think like him, to be dedicated like him," the Greek continued.

"I felt it during the phone conversation, and I believe it will be great when we start working on the floor," said Papapetrou.

"Simply, coach Obradovic is someone who wins titles, and I want the same and it will be an honor to be associated with him" the 2.06-meters tall forward explained.

Papapterou then spoke about Partizan's great history and return to the EuroLeague.

"I know very well what the name Partizan means in Europe," started Papetrou on the topic.

Ioannis Papapetrou

Team:Panathinaikos AthensPosition:SF, PFAge:28Height:203 cmWeight:106 kgBirth place:GreeceProfileNewsStatistics

"Although the club was not in the EuroLeague for the past few years, it was always known what kind of history it has, what kind of fans, and true basketball legends, and now the ambitions are big again," said Papapetrou.

Papapetrou's career was marked by two clubs, two biggest rivals - Olympiacos Piraeus and Panathinaikos OPAP Athens. Now he comes to another environment that is known everywhere for its eternal rivalry.

"If anyone knows what the rivalry between two clubs in one city looks like, it's me," said the Greek player.

"I played for Olympiacos, then for Panathinaikos. Two big clubs. I know what I can expect from the rivalry between Zvezda and Partizan," Papapetrou explained.

"Also two big clubs with a huge number of fans, I know that everyone is passionate, that everyone wants to win at any cost, it's the same in Greece," the Greek compared the two situations.

"I can say that I am lucky to be a part of great rivalries because those games are the ones that are most remembered by both basketball players and fans", said Papapetrou.

One of the players who could tell him what the eternal Belgrade derby will look like is Nemanja Nedovic, a recent teammate of Papapetrou in Panathinaikos. Nedovic signed a deal with Partizan rivals Crvena Zvezda mts Belgrade this summer.

"Neda [Nedovic] is my great friend, we made a really great connection in Athens," said Papapetrou.

"He is an extraordinary guy, I have great respect for him as an athlete and competitor," added the Greek.

"Until now we shared the dressing room, now we will be great rivals on the field. I expect that there will be fierce clashes on the floor, real derbies," Papapetrou concluded.

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