Dante Exum opens up about playing under Zeljko Obradovic, credits European stints / News - Basketnews.com

Dante Exum shared insights into his European basketball experience, expressing gratitude to Partizan for his NBA return and emphasizing the transformative influence of coach Zeljko Obradovic on his growth as both a player and leader.

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

Dallas Mavericks guard Dante Exum recently shared his experiences in European basketball with Sergio Rabinal of Sporting News, shedding light on his time with FC Barcelona and Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade.

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade / Schedule

LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade62-88 Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade FC BarcelonaTue16:30 Olympiacos Piraeus Partizan Mozzart Bet BelgradeThu18:15

The Aussie opened up about the challenges, opportunities, and personal growth he encountered during his stints overseas.

Exum began by expressing his appreciation for the quality of the game in Europe, emphasizing the influence of top-notch coaches.

"Coming to Europe was a great experience for me. The game here has incredible quality and has some of the best coaches [in the world]," he underlined.

"I wanted to use that opportunity to stay on the court, show that I can help, and learn more about the game. Playing fewer games is something that helped me, not only to stay healthy and be able to play more but also with the Australian national team."

Reflecting on his time with Barca, he acknowledged the unique experience of joining mid-season on a three-month contract.

However, the turning point in Exum's European journey came with his move to Partizan, a decision he deems instrumental in his return to the NBA. Unlike his mid-season arrival at Catalonia, Partizan allowed Exum to have a full season, showcasing his abilities and identity as a player.

"Barca was very good for me. Although actually, my time at Partizan was better," Exum said. "When I arrived at Barcelona, I did it in the middle of the season. I was trying to find myself, [with] a trial contract... In my first week, I went straight to playing and debuted against Real Madrid.

"The first three days, there were many things. I was looking for how to fit in and find my role in the team. They had been together since the preseason and some in the third season of the project," he added.

Free throws this season

87%17,0Points made:17,0Accuracy:87,2%Place in standings:1Record max:20Record min:14Most made FTs:Kevin PunterTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

"So going to Partizan later allowed me to have a whole season, show where I am and who I am. I need to thank Partizan that I am back here [in the NBA]," Exum emphasized.

One of the highlights of Exum's time at Partizan was working under the coaching expertise of Zeljko Obradovic.

"I had heard some things about Zeljko Obradovic," the Australian guard recalled. "Everyone I talked to about him, like Ekpe Udoh, said he was a great coach who understands the game. And that's the big reason he does many of those things, like shouting and telling you to do this or do that.

"He has a high expectation of his players, of what they can do with their skills. And that also happens with Partizan fans. They want to see you give 100% every night. That's what Zeljko Obradovic wants."

Exum also noted that Obradovic's coaching philosophy challenged him to take on more responsibility than the rest of the team, contributing significantly to his growth as both a player and a leader on the court.

"The big question when I came to Europe was if I could play point guard," Exum said, analyzing his journey on Old Continent. "Zeljko has coached many great point guards, and he is not the typical one who throws you on the court, gives you the ball, and tells you to lead the team. He wants to be sure what you are doing. He wanted me to take much more responsibility than the rest of the team.

"That's where I think it made me grow, not only as a player but also as a person. Knowing that I could be that leader, that point guard on the court," Exum remembered after his time in Belgrade.

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