Gëzim Morina ('92), from Olimpija Ljubljana (Slovenia) and Nikola Siladi ('92), from FMP Zeleznik (Serbia) were named MVP of last two Euroleague's Nike International Tournaments, at London and Belgrade. The forward borned in Kosovo averaged 18.8 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.6 steals, with a great performance in the final against USK Future Stars (28+11). Serbian prospect also shined, nailing 13.0 points, pulling down 8.8 rebounds and putting 1.6 blocks leading his team to the title. Both teams qualyfied for the final round in Paris. Eurohopes contacted them.
-Explain to Eurohopes fans your sensations after the tournament.
GM: The last tournament in London was a great experience for us. Since we started to practice this season winning this tournament was our main goal, and we worked hard every practice and game to be able to reach our goal. So after we won it, we all felt very very happy and it was a great feeling.
NS: Sensations are really great. For us it was very important, we wanted to win since the beggining. There were many good players, with strong teams. We kept the reputation of our club, confirming that FMP's school is one of the best around Europe.
-What do you think they can be your options in Paris?
GM: In Paris every game will be very difficult. A lot of good teams will be there, but sure we will give our best every minute. We have a great coach and we have a great team, and if we will keep playing like a team, playing smart and fighting for every ball -and supporting eachother-, I think we can be succesfull also there.
NS: Sure that in Paris we are one of the favorites, but we are used to play under pressure. Many players have the experience of last year. We should win. We practice hard, but we also are aware of the quality of the other teams. We respect them. Last FMP generations won trophies, so we know how to play in Paris.
-What players impressed you more in the tournament?
GM: In the tournament there were so many good players, and it is great to play with them and also watch them play. I am impressed with their styles of game. You can see a lot of great moves for different players. The way that they fight, and their desire to win, make games so interesting and people are having fun while watching them. The most important thing is the fair-play they showed in every game, and that is one of the reasons that we started to have contacts also out of the basketball courts.
NS: There were excellent players. It's difficult to talk about a single name. I hadn't time to watch the other teams but the player we play against who more impressed me maybe was french Mathis Keita ('92), with exellent 1 on 1 skills. And also german Philipp Neumann ('92), one of the best centers of this generation.
-Now it's time to return to your routine. What is your goal (individual and as a team) for this season?
GM: We already started with practices and now our main goals are to be succesfull in Paris, like we were in London. And also win junior's league in Slovenia. My own goals like a player are to be part of the senior's team of Union Olimpija, and as I told, Paris tournament and domestic junior championship.
NS: Of course win the maximum games as a possible with the team. I think we have talented and good players, also good coaches. We only have to work and be better from day to day. Some of my personal ambitions are to progress, work hard, and get a spot in the team for next season. MVP award give me an incentive to do all this.
-Next summer the U-18 European Championship will be held in Vilnius. Serbia is the current champion and Slovenia finished 12th on last edition. How do you see the tournament?
GM: Serbia is doing a great job with young players. Taking a look on last years we can see their achievements. I think there are one of the favourite teams also for this year. Slovenia finished 12th, but I think they had a good team and could do better job there. This year they will be more successfull. I think that will be a great tournament, with a lot of good games, and a lot of surprises.
NS: It will be a difficult tournament. They are plenty of good teams. I'm sure we will show our better face. I hope that we can repeat the last summer title.
Good luck from Eurohopes.
