Tristan Vukcevic receives unexpected call from Marc Gasol / News - Basketnews.com

Tristan Vukcevic is grateful for Marc Gasol's guidance: "He's a legend."

Credit: Getty Images via AFP - Scanpix Credit Getty Images via AFP - Scanpix

Tristan Vukcevic recalled checking into a game for Real Madrid back in 2021 and going up to then-Barcelona big man Pau Gasol to inform the Hall of Famer that he loved watching his highlights on YouTube.

Tristan Vukcevic

Position:PFAge:20Height:209 cmWeight:99 kgBirth place:Siena, ItalyProfileNewsStatistics

"It's a pleasure to play against you," Vukcevic told Gasol.

Fast forward two years, and Vukcevic, a Washington Wizards draftee in the second round, received a surprising call from Marc Gasol, Pau's brother.

"He just called me, he said he loves my game and wanted to give me advice," Vukcevic told NBC Sports Washington. "He just told me the differences in the NBA and how life is in the NBA, like how to get adjusted. Whenever I'm wondering or have any specific questions, to feel free to always call him. I feel grateful for that. He's a legend."

Throughout his basketball journey, Vukcevic has been influenced by several NBA greats, including the three-time All-Star Peja Stojakovic, who has acted as a supportive mentor to him.

As he looks ahead, Vukcevic is hopeful that his next destination will be in Washington, D.C., where the Wizards are considering him for a roster spot in the upcoming season.

Vukcevic said after a Las Vegas Summer League game his hope is to play in the NBA right away.

In case the Serbian talent doesn't get an NBA contract, he will return to Europe, wherePartizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade own his rights. Given the EuroLeague team's stacked roster, it won't be a surprise if the club sends him on loan. According to Live Sport's Sotiris Vetakis, that is bound to happen, as the 2.13-meter big man will be loaned out to Peristeri.

The team coached by Greek legend Vassilis Spanoulis has reportedly made the moves to add the player to its roster. That particular choice of club serves all intents and purposes, as Vukcevic's father, Dusan, is an assistant coach at Peristeri, while his brother (born in 2008) is playing with the youth team.

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