Sasa Djordjevic draws parallel between Luka Doncic and Usain Bolt / News - Basketnews.com

Sasa Djordjevic praised Luka Doncic's immense talent but emphasized the importance of team effort in basketball success. He compared him to Usain Bolt and noted that individual brilliance alone is not enough.

Credit: REUTERS - Scanpix, FIBA Credit REUTERS - Scanpix, FIBA

In a recent interview with Martin Pavcnik of SportKlub, current Chinese NT head coach Sasa Djordjevic discussed various topics, including the prominence of Luka Doncic, the concept of naturalization in national team basketball, and the intense rivalry between Partizan and Crvena Zvezda in Serbia.

When asked about Doncic's influence in Slovenia, Djordjevic emphasized that basketball is a team sport and not solely reliant on individual talent.

"Basketball is not an individual sport," Djordjevic underlined. "Luka Doncic is not Usain Bolt, with all respect. Everyone needs the power of a team to achieve the results they deserve and are happiest with. None of us would win medals if we didn't have fantastic people by our side. These are primarily teammates and coaches.

"Luka Doncic is a megastar, and he is becoming a world star," the 55-year-old continued. "He is still young and has immense talent. I congratulate him on everything he has achieved and wish him much success on his further journey. Luka is unique, but he will face new challenges and goals."

On the subject of naturalization in international basketball, Djordjevic pointed out that it is a topic that raises various opinions. Notably, China has become the latest national team that made a big reinforcement this summer by adding Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kyle Anderson.

"Kyle Anderson has Chinese and Jamaican blood, so his position is slightly different," Djordjevic explained. "FIBA ​​allowed the naturalization of one foreign basketball player per team. Therefore many coaches and federation presidents often call me and ask for my opinion on certain American players. What can I say to that? Anthony Randolph is not Slovenian. This is my point of view as a Serbian coach and former national team player. But on the other hand, the rules are clear. They must be accepted. I would not comment further."

Shifting gears to the intense rivalry between Partizan and Red Star, Djordjevic viewed this competition as positive for basketball's popularity in Serbia.

"This is good for the popularity of basketball," he said. "There is a lot of talk about both clubs. People support both of them en masse. Partizan and Crvena Zvezda have very competitive teams, and players are still coming.

"But I am surprised by the financial side of it. Above all, the fact that we have enough money in Serbia for all these enormous expenses. I didn't grow up in that kind of environment. The level is different. It needs to be talked about. But we'll see if it gives results."

URBONUS podcast with Thomas Walkup:

Subscribe to BN+ and get access to exclusive content.