Dante Exum compares Saras with Zeljko, shares advice for players / News - Basketnews.com

Dante Exum said that he has a much more open role in Partizan compared to Barcelona and enjoys being able to make decisions on the court. He advises players to compete for their respective national teams because it's an unforgettable experience.

Credit: Igokea m:tel/Marija Vuruna Credit Igokea m:tel/Marija Vuruna

Dante Exum spent the first seven years of his professional career in the NBA. In the middle of last year's season, the Australian guard decided to move to Europe where he's stayed ever since.

Points this season

50%84,3Points made:84,3Accuracy:49,9%Place in standings:3Record max:100Record min:58Best scorer:Kevin PunterTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

First, Exum landed in Barcelona where he played for head coach Sarunas Jasikevicius. This season, he's part of Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade and is being led by the legendary Zeljko Obradovic, who coached Jasikevicius as well.

Talking about the two specialists, the guard named one key difference between his experience in Spain and Serbia.

"They are similar in some things, but again quite different in the way they do their work," Exum compared the two coaches in an interview with Mozzart Sport. "Admittedly, there is a big difference with me because of the roles I had."

"In Barcelona, I played more without the ball in my hands, while in Partizan I play more with the ball. I have daily communication with Zeljko, we have created trust in each other. He knows what I can do on the field, I know what his expectations and demands are," Exum told.

Exum's two biggest marks in the EuroLeague - career-bests in points and PIR - were reached this season while playing for Partizan. The guard is sure that the added responsibility and freedom on the court contributed greatly to that.

"I like that I have the opportunity to make decisions on the court. I read the game, see where we have the advantage. I can help in many ways. Sometimes I play on the wing, without the ball, I try to help that way," the player explained. "I used to be the primary playmaker, passing the ball, organizing everything. I can adapt and the coach uses that from game to game."

Two years ago, Exum played for the Australian national team in the Tokyo Olympic Games, his first time after a 7-year break. The guard says he loved it and advises all basketball players to not neglect their countries.

"Just look at Eurobasket, which I also followed because guys like Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Luka Doncic played. They didn't win it all, and that just shows how great of a sport basketball is when everyone comes to play. My message to everyone is to play for your national team because it is a beautiful experience," Exum concluded.

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