Sasha Vezenkov opens up on Bulgarian basketball, his adaptation in USA / News - Basketnews.com

Vezenkov said Bulgarian basketball lags behind in the most crucial youth categories, and he can't work out the reason behind it. He said he's still adapting to the US and its size while trying to earn minutes on the court at the same time.

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Sacramento Kings forward Sasha Vezenkov was welcomed by hundreds of people in Chicago on Saturday. The Bulgarian player wasn't unable to compete on the court, though.

3-pointers this season

33%7,2Points made:7,2Accuracy:33,1%Place in standings:20Record max:12Record min:2Most made 3FGs:Brandon PaulTeamEuroCupStatisticsSchedule

Vezenkov's Kings defeated the Chicago Bulls, 123-115. The 28-year-old player has been sidelined with an injury, unable to help his team recently.

"I'm still injured. Unfortunately, I couldn't take part in the match, although I really wanted to, because it was special for me. The support of so many Bulgarians is incredible. There were even many Greeks, but there were many more Bulgarians," Vezenkov told Chicago.bg.

"Even my teammates reacted with 'wow' because they had never seen so much support. I'm very happy, thanks to Dani Ilic because he helped with the whole organization and helped me throughout my stay in Sacramento. Chicago is a very nice city, we were at a Greek restaurant to remember what it was like in Greece. I am very happy," the player proclaimed.

Vezenkov is by far the most famous Bulgarian basketball player. The country's basketball, though, lags behind other countries in the region.

"We are behind, unfortunately. In the 80s and 90s, basketball was a religion for us, but then we either fell behind or others advanced. I don't know what exactly the reason is, but we are behind in the most important ages - from 14 to 19 years," Vezenkov explained. "That's where the neighbors pull away from us the most. Even the 16 year olds. We need to find out why Bulgarian basketball is not even at an average level at the moment."

"Everything is different here - the training centers, the level, the talent. In Europe, we see more intense matches where there are more tactics and the results are more important. It's more of a show, and there are more highlights here, while in Europe, it is more about the result and about the victory," the forward said.

It's Vezenkov's first year in the USA and in the NBA. The player admits - it's not easy.

"I'm trying to adapt. America is something very different and very big. I'm not 20 [anymore] when you adapt faster. My teammates and family are there for me, as well as people like Dancho, who help me in my daily life. I'm very happy to be here, and I'm trying to chase my dreams and earn more minutes," the Bulgarian concluded.

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