Jaleen Smith names the main reason why he joined Partizan / News - Basketnews.com

Smith said head coach Zeljko Obradovic and the opportunity to prove himself were the most important reasons why he joined Partizan.

Credit: Partizan Mozzart Bet/Dragana Stjepanovic Credit Partizan Mozzart Bet/Dragana Stjepanovic

Jaleen Smith played his first EuroLeague game for Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade on Tuesday, while the Serbian team comfortably beat LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne. After the game, the playmaker shared his impressions about it.

Player of the Game EFF 22 Kevin Punter Points 22 Accuracy 9-14 Rebounds 2 Assists 3

In his debut, Smith scored four points and grabbed two rebounds in 18 minutes of playing time. At one point in the game, Partizan had a whopping 31-point lead, and the game got decided pretty early, allowing the 29-year-old more time on the court without much pressure.

"When we had it going, it was big. You feel the crowd pushing us, you could feel it. It gave me extra energy. I really liked it out there, I felt comfortable," Smith said, via Telegraf.

"It's a surreal feeling. It's probably some of the best fans in the world. I'm playing for the team now, it felt amazing playing in front of the home crowd," the newcomer said about the fans.

Smith left Virtus Segafredo Bologna, a team that surprised a lot of people this season, winning 12 games in the first round. However, Smith wasn't a featured player on the roster despite a successful start to the season. He's trying to prove himself in Belgrade now.

"Coach [Zeljko] Obradovic - he's probably one of the biggest reasons," Smith said when asked why he joined Partizan. "I knew - and I talked with [GM] Zoran [Savic] - I could get an opportunity here. That's all I really ask for. In Bologna, I had some opportunities, and I took advantage of them when I did, but here, I will get some time to prove myself whenever I have the time."

Following a relatively easy win against ASVEL, Partizan will embark on a much tougher quest on Thursday - the eternal derby against Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade. It is arguably the most anticipated matchup of the season each time it gets on the schedule, and Smith knows it.

"Even some of the guys are like, 'it's going to be a crazy atmosphere'. I can't wait for it," the player said. "I mean, it's one of the reasons I came here to experience that, to play in that, and help the team win in those games."

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