Marko Simonovic talks stint with Besiktas, his future / News - Basketnews.com

Forward Marko Simonovic talked about Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade and Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul and his future.

Credit: Nikola Krstic/MB Media/Getty Images Credit Nikola Krstic/MB Media/Getty Images

An interesting story of this year's EuroLeague basketball belonged to Marko Simonovic, who came back from the NBA to join Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade but then joined Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul on loan for the remainder of the season.

Free throws this season

78%13,8Points made:13,8Accuracy:77,6%Place in standings:8Record max:24Record min:8Most made FTs:Milos TeodosicTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

Not being able to find consistent minutes and display efficient performances in Crvena Zvezda, Simonovic exhibited a stronger showing with Besiktas, helping the team to make it to the EuroCup semis and almost the finals.

"I gained some experience at Zvezda, but I decided to change the environment, of course, in agreement with the club. I felt that I needed it," Simonovic told Meridian Sport about his decision to move to Besiktas.

"So far, it has turned out to be a good decision. In agreement with the people from Crvena Zvezda and Besiktas, we will make a decision for the next season. When the impressions settle, let's see what's best," he said, keeping hidden his future for the next season.

For Simonovic, adapting to Besiktas and Istanbul was not an issue at all.

"From the first day, I fit in really well. The city is phenomenal. It offers many opportunities. My teammates accepted me very well, especially coach Alimpijevic, even though I didn't know him before," explained Simonovic.

"There is also my good friend, fitness trainer Marko Sekulic, with whom I have a great relationship, and that helped me a lot to get into a rhythm," he also lauded Besiktas's fitness trainer.

Having played for two teams with huge fanbases and passionate followers in the span of one season, Simonovic had the ability to compare and contrast the two, though still praising both atmospheres.

"The atmosphere was unforgettable. It really reminded me of matches in front of a full arena. I was impressed by the match against ASVEL, as well as the match with Fenerbahce," explained Simonovic.

Marko Simonovic

Team:Besiktas Emlakjet IstanbulPosition:CAge:24Height:211 cmWeight:100 kgBirth place:MontenegroProfileNewsStatistics

"I was positively surprised, but against Bourg, the Besiktas fans also created a great atmosphere, similar to the one I experienced at Zvezda," he also lauded the black-and-white team's fans.

While the Besiktas atmosphere in the second game versus Bourg was one to remember, the Turkish team was not able to win the third game in France and fell short of making it to the EuroCup final.

"The regret remains. We had great chances to enter the final. We may have played the third game the wrong way. We were tied, the game was intense, there was a lot of tension, but we could have done better," stated the forward.

"We showed character earlier, we came back from big deficits, by 20 points against Hapoel, we played superbly against Gran Canaria..." he lamented.

Nevertheless, Simonovic has moved on from the ordeal and has now concentrated his focus on the Turkish Basketball Super League, where they are currently 3rd. It is important to note that last year, they finished 14th in a league where the 15th and 16th teams get relegated to the second division.

"Let's move on, forget that match, and continue the Turkish championship with a cool head," said Simonovic. "We are third, and we want to stay there before the playoffs, where we have big ambitions."

In such a season, Simonovic averaged 8.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1 steal per game with Besiktas in the EuroCup.

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