Dejan Bodiroga: 'I knew Jasikevicius would become a great coach' / News - Basketnews.com

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Three times EuroLeague champion Dejan Bodiroga gave an interview to Radio Marca ahead of the Final Four. Bodiroga spent a season with Sarunas Jasikevicius at FC Barcelona back in 2002-03, crowning after an exciting final against Benetton Treviso.

Dejan Bodiroga

Position:SFAge:49Height:205 cmWeight:110 kgBirth place:Zrenjanin, SerbiaProfileNewsStatistics

Bodiroga praised his former teammate and current Barcelona head coach, admitting he knew his capabilities.

"I knew he was going to be a great coach. He gave character to the team," expressed Bodiroga, who played both in Madrid and Barcelona.

The legend analyzed the upcoming semifinals in which the Spanish powerhouses will seek a spot for the final. It will be the 7th Clasico of the season. Barcelona have won 5 of them so far.

"Barcelona has been more consistent during the season. They have a slight advantage, as we have seen during the season in their head-to-head. Madrid suffered some ups and downs in the last weeks, but this is over.

Both teams are in a good moment, so it won't be easy for both of them. I hope to see a thrilling game," explained Dejan.

Asked which team he will support in the Final Four, Bodiroga preferred to be polite.

"It's difficult, I've been lucky enough to win it three times, but there are many competitive teams. You have to have continuity in the regular league, the Playoffs, and the Final Four and know how to withstand the pressure. Being in a city with four teams and fans is like a celebration of basketball, and it's something special," the legendary player continued.

Finally, Bodiroga could not hide his admiration for Luka Doncic. The Slovenian superstar completed a historical series against the Phoenix Suns to lead the Dallas Mavericks to the Western Conference Finals after 11 seasons.

"Even when he was young, he was seen as a spectacular talent, he is a great player with great character on the court. He has everything, and I see great things for him in the future," he concluded.

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