Zvezda GM comments on Campazzo, Dobric and Mitrovic rumors / News - Basketnews.com

There were rumors about star guard Facundo Campazzo joining Real Madrid, but Vasiljevic stated that they want to retain him and have already presented him with an offer for the next season.

Credit: ABA League/Dragana Stjepanovic Credit ABA League/Dragana Stjepanovic

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade general manager Nemanja Vasiljevic addressed several important topics concerning the team in his recent interview with Mozzart Sport.

Luka Mitrovic

Team:Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet BelgradePosition:PFAge:30Height:205 cmWeight:102 kgBirth place:Novy Sad, SerbiaProfileNewsStatistics

First of all, he emphasized the significance of the Serbian League for his team amidst a schedule conflict.

Vasiljevic believes that playing the Serbian League finals before the ABA League finals is the only logical solution.

"Our priority is winning the domestic league, and we'll always participate there, along with the Serbian Cup," Vasiljevic said. "We've never backed down, even when we were in a worse position, while others haven't played [in the Serbian League] for two years. Should there be a date change in the Serbian League now? Absolutely not.

"Our statement was clear, and those who view things realistically must have recognized it as the only logical solution. Otherwise, we would find ourselves finishing the ABA League on June 22 and then immediately starting the Serbian League, concluding the season in early July.

"It's unusual to have a seven-day break between the second and third games of the semi-finals. The NBA has 30 teams and will finish their season before the ABA league."

Crvena Zvezda are still uncertain about their participation in the EuroLeague next season, but a common opinion suggests that the elite competition will feature the same teams as the recently concluded campaign.

"If we had finished the ABA League and emerged as champions, it would have been certain that we would play in the EuroLeague," Zvezda GM underlined.

"However, due to the delay, that possibility no longer exists. It's not the same when you secure your place and when you enter the market. When speaking with agents, the first question is always, 'Do you play in the EuroLeague?'

Ognjen Dobric

MIN:23.67PTS:9.87 (47.52%)REB:2.52As:1.58ST:0.52BL:0TO:1GM:31ProfileEuroLeague2022/2023

"We haven't received any official or unofficial information," Vasiljevic stressed. "During the Final Four, EuroLeague President Dejan Bodiroga mentioned that the same clubs should participate, and I believe they will. But we have to wait for the official confirmation. We'll see. Since we're not shareholders, we don't have the right to vote. There are individuals and clubs who make the decisions, but we've been here for 10-11 years. We've proven our capabilities. I'd love to have a definite answer regarding our participation, but that's not the case yet."

Eurohoops recently reported that Crvena Zvezda star guard Facundo Campazzo has reached a three-year agreement with Real Madrid.

"There have been rumors about him agreeing to join Real Madrid. We really want to keep him," Vasiljevic said. "We presented him with an offer for the next season a while ago, and he said we'll discuss it after the current season. He's focused on the ABA League and wants to win it. Regardless, we'll assemble a strong team, but, again, our focus is on having as many local players as possible."

There have also been speculations regarding the future of long-time Crvena Zvezda players Ognjen Dobric and Luka Mitrovic.

"We want both of them to stay. We're in talks regarding new contracts, and we're hopeful for a positive outcome. They are Zvezda's children," Vasiljevic concluded.

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