Dante Exum discusses EuroLeague vs. NBA, Jasikevicius' coaching style / News - Basketnews.com

Dante Exum reflects on his impactful time in FC Barcelona, highlighting the influence of Nigel Hayes-Davies, the challenges of staying connected with former teammates and offering insights on the EuroLeague team in the NBA.

Credit: Rodolfo Molina/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images, ZUMAPRESS.com - Scanpix Credit Rodolfo Molina/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images, ZUMAPRESS.com - Scanpix

Dallas Mavericks guard Dante Exum recalled his time in FC Barcelona and his first taste of European basketball, talking to the Spanish journalist Toni Canyameras of Mundo Deportivo.

Dante Exum

Team:Dallas MavericksPosition:PGAge:28Height:198 cmWeight:86 kgBirth place:Melbourne, AustraliaProfileNewsStatistics

When asked about the player who had the most significant impact on him at Barca, Exum mentioned current Fenerbahce forward Nigel Hayes-Davies.

"There were a lot of people at different times, but I think definitely Nigel," Exum said. "We had a somewhat similar situation, we thought in a similar way and things like that. It was a good experience we shared, two guys from similar backgrounds and coming from different countries."

Regarding maintaining connections with former Barca teammates, Exum acknowledged hurdles made it challenging to stay in touch.

"Not as much as I would like," he noted. "I'm in the middle of the season and so are they, different schedules, etc. But I try to ask as much as I can. I still follow the EuroLeague a lot."

In terms of the EuroLeague's level and the potential for a powerhouse like Barcelona to compete in the NBA, Exum identified the fundamental differences between the two leagues.

"It's different, it's a very different game," he said. "A lot of things have been said about European basketball, where it's definitely more difficult to score going back to team concepts and defense. Each game feels like a playoff, demanding unique approaches. But it would be complicated for a European team [in the NBA].

"The NBA is a more free-flowing game, you have stars, it's a game of runs. European basketball is a more team-oriented type of game. I wouldn't say one is better than the other, they are just different styles."

The conversation then shifted to the coaching styles in Europe, particularly mentioning Sarunas Jasikevicius' passionate approach, which had led some players to express concerns about his intense communication style.

"It was fine for me," Exum admitted. "You also see how Zeljko [Obradovic] reacts to the plays, but he comes from a place with a lot of passion. All the European coaches take the game with a lot of passion there, and they want to win. Saras wanted to be on the track, and emotions were coming out of him."

Exum joined FC Barcelona in the middle of the 2021-22 season. Over 25 EuroLeague games with the Catalans, the 28-year-old Aussie averaged 6.3 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists, as opposed to 10.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.2 dimes in the ACB League.

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