Igor Rakocevic: 'It's impossible to be top scorer in EuroLeague without right team' / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Aitor Arrizabalaga/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images Credit Aitor Arrizabalaga/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images

Igor Rakocevic was among numerous well-known basketball people, who participated in the 2021-22 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague awards ceremony.

Vasilije Micic

MIN:29.83PTS:18.16 (56.86%)REB:2.63As:4.59ST:1.16BL:0.03TO:2.88GM:32ProfileEuroLeague2021/2022

Rakocevic had an opportunity to present his countryman Vasilije Micic with the Alphonso Ford EuroLeague Top Scorer Trophy.

The 44-year-old himself has three such accolades on his resume, being the all-time leader. He seized these honors when playing for TAU Ceramica and Efes Pilsen (2007, 2009, 2011). How difficult is it to win this trophy?

"It's impossible to get that recognition alone. You have to be in a team that trusts you, and above all, a coach has to rely on you. I was lucky to play with Pablo Prigioni and Tiago Splitter, where one was a fantastic creator, while the other one was a great rim protector. It was much easier for me to win the trophy than it would be for someone else in a team, where there is no such help," Rakocevic told Mozzart Sport.

In recent years, Vasilije Micic was dominating the strongest continental league and almost collected all of the individual awards.

In 2021, the Serbian guard became the EuroLeague champion, EuroLeague MVP, Final Four MVP, entered All-EuroLeague First Team and now he is the All-EuroLeague Second Team member and Alphonso Ford Trophy winner.

Though, according to Rakocevic, the latter is not so much important.

"Honestly, I don't think that trophy is so valuable. I believe that Vasilije thinks so too. It's a nice recognition, but it's much more important for the team to win. To win the EuroLeague title, the domestic championship, or something else. The team is always above the individual and therefore the success of the squad is much more important."

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