Miroslav Raduljica takes stock of his Zvezda stint, Serbia's World Cup run / News - Basketnews.com

Miroslav Raduljica looked back on his short-term spell at Crvena Zvezda and his collaboration with coach Dusko Ivanovic. He also weighed in on the Serbian NT's presence in the World Cup, emphasizing relationship between players.

Credit: Crvena Zvezda mts/Djordje Kostic Credit Crvena Zvezda mts/Djordje Kostic

Just a few days after joining Maroussi BC in Greece, Miroslav Raduljica sat with Sport Klub to discuss the change in his career.

The experienced center left Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade after a year in which he was mostly out of the roster. And even though he says he respects the decisions of Dusko Ivanovic, Raduljica regrets that he did not get a chance to play more with the team that brought him back to Europe after five years.

The 35-year-old big man said that it helped him a lot that he spent a month preparing with Crvena Zvezda and Dusko Ivanovic before moving back to Greece, where he had played for Panathinaikos in 2015-16.

"It was an interesting season," he commented. "I and the coach came to the conclusion that maybe he should have told me earlier that I wasn't going to be on the team and I would have tried to find somewhere else to play," he added.

The veteran center only got to play in 5 ABA League games, where he averaged seven minutes, 3.4 points and 0.8 rebounds on 27.3% from the field, all career-lows. He also appeared in three EuroLeague contests (mostly at the beginning of the season), which his team ended up losing.

"I'm just sorry I didn't get the chance because I think I could have used it very well," he continued.

"But the coach had a good philosophy, and I respected him very much. He was a father figure to everyone, both as a coach and as a person, and there is not much discussion. His word and decision are respected," Raduljica said of Ivanovic.

"I did what was up to me, and more than it was up to me, at least at this age. I don't think I got the chance I deserved, at least on the basis of my past achievements. But never mind. I'm not sorry I was there, I just couldn't show more in front of our fans."

Raduljica addressed the stories that he came to Zvezda to finish his career.

"That wasn't my goal at all," he clarified. "Especially not in that way. It is very stupid for someone who has always played at the top level and in top clubs to end up sitting on the bench because someone did not give him a chance."

Raduljica also spoke about the recent FIBA World Cup, where the Serbian national team won the silver medal.

"Honestly, I don't watch basketball when I'm not playing,' he admitted.

"But of course, when the tournament started, I know those guys, they grew up with us and I cheered with all my heart for them. I really can't say that I had any expectations, of course I wish they had won."

The former NBA big man joked that he thought Serbia not winning gold was a good thing because the team he played on (in the 2014 World Cup) won't stand alone as the only team that didn't reach the top.

"I'm kidding, of course," he added. "I am sorry that somehow players cannot understand that when the final is lost, that's still a success. It's an incredible success to be second in the world, considering the conditions under which our national team and clubs work. Our fans are a little bit spoiled.

I'm so happy for these guys. I'm so glad they hang out well, that's always been the most important thing to me, more important than any medal. I've said it many times and I'll say it once more: I don't know where my medals are, but I know who my roommate was and who I practiced with," Raduljica said.

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