Amazed by Partizan fans, Serge Ibaka discusses why NBA players choose EuroLeague / News - Basketnews.com

Serge Ibaka admitted he had never experienced such an atmosphere as in Stark Arena and shared his impressions about it while also discussing Sylvain Francisco's game-winner and why NBA players decide to join the EuroLeague.

Credit: Srdjan Stevanovic/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images Credit Srdjan Stevanovic/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images

Serge Ibaka started his professional career in 2006. Yet, in his 18th year, he witnessed something he had not experienced before.

FC Bayern Munich forward was stunned by the atmosphere created by Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade fans.

"I've never seen anything like this before," Ibaka said after Thursday's game. "Like you said, I'm playing for almost 20 years, and this game was incredible. Amazing atmosphere. It's so fun to play here."

To the surprise of no one, the 14-year NBA veteran admitted it was nothing like in the States.

"I mean, two times different," Ibaka chuckled. "It's beautiful. As someone who loves basketball… Looking at everything, it was amazing."

To make Stark Arena's experience even better, Bayern snatched the win in a dream scenario fashion, thanks to Sylvain Francisco's game-winner with 1.1 seconds left.

"This is what I call basketball," Ibaka said when asked what it's like to win in such a way in this kind of atmosphere. "If you can win [after] coming here, it means you did an amazing job. It does not matter how you win it here. But winning here is amazing."

As Ibaka revealed, the last possession was executed almost to perfection.

"Yeah, that was the plan," Ibaka said. "Coach asked me to set a screen for Francisco, and from there, we just played. Francisco made great decisions, he saw who was guarding him, he took his time, and he took a shot he works on every day. We believe in him to take that shot."

Even though Francisco had the final say, Ibaka's input in the win was undeniable.

Apart from finishing the game with 14 points (6/7 2PT, 0/21 3PT, 2/2 FT), 3 rebounds, 1 assist, and 12 PIR, the 34-year-old made crucial free throws with 1:05 left that allowed Bayern to cut the deficit to 2 points (74-76).

So, Ibaka passed Stark Arena's test, which did everything in its power to distract him.

"I've been playing this game for almost 20 years now, so… I've been in tough situations before. Maybe not in such a crazy [environment], but I've been there before many, many times. I just kept my composure and made my free throws," Ibaka said.

Ibaka is also one of the many former NBA players who, in recent years, decided to try or return to the EuroLeague.

Is the word about the EuroLeague quality starting to spread among the NBA players?

"I mean, you have to understand that in recent years, European basketball is getting better and better," Ibaka said.

"Competition is getting tougher. I think a lot of players [are] starting to understand [that] if you don't have the chance to play in the States, you can come and compete on a high level, be successful, and enjoy what you love to do," he concluded.

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