Caboclo on comparisons with Lessort: 'I want to have a similar role' / News - Basketnews.com

Caboclo said that both he and the Partizan organization hope to have him in a similar role to what Mathias Lessort had last season. Caboclo praised Zeljko Obradovic for his playbook and promised a good fight on Thursday.

Credit: ABA League j.t.d./Dragana Stjepanovic Credit ABA League j.t.d./Dragana Stjepanovic

Bruno Caboclo joined Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade in early November to fill the gap in the frontcourt. Last year, that spot was occupied by Mathias Lessort, a former Partizan center beloved by local fans who now plays for Panathinaikos Athens.

Bruno Caboclo

MIN:19.93PTS:11.67 (76.92%)REB:4As:0.33ST:1BL:0.67TO:0.67GM:3ProfileEuroLeague2023/2024

Caboclo's had a solid start to the season so far, averaging 11.7 points and 4 rebounds for 16.7 PIR per game in the EuroLeague. With his arrival, however, comparisons with Lessort followed Caboclo from the very beginning.

"I know they like him a lot here. The coach shows me video clips of what he did when he was in Partizan, he was great," the player said in an interview with Bojan Brezovac from Mozzart Sport. "I also learn from Lessort. I want to have a similar role to him, and the coaches want that, too. I expect a fight on Thursday. We play at home, which is always a big advantage. Of course, I hope to win."

It's Caboclo's first experience in the EuroLeague after beginning his career in the NBA and transferring to the EuroCup later. He's now coached by Zeljko Obradovic, who's widely regarded as arguably the best coach in European basketball history.

"It's amazing to me. I have a feeling that the coach has 1,000 different actions," Caboclo said about Zeljko. "I try to remember them all. Sometimes, I forget on the court, but the other teams don't know that," Caboclo laughed. "I definitely try to remember everything and fit into the team's game. I can always show energy, fight, play defense."

"It's difficult because I arrived in the middle of the season, it's definitely different compared to all previous experiences because of the high quality of opponents, teammates, everything," the center said about playing in the EuroLeague. "It's just more of a challenge. This is all new to me, but I'm enjoying the process. I'm learning every day, and I hope to be able to help this team have great success."

Caboclo will battle against Lessort on Thursday when Partizan meet Panathinaikos in the Stark Arena in Belgrade.

Support BasketNews so we could make even better content.