He is one of the sensations of Europe. In the Adriatic League is first in the MVP ranking (28.9) and first in points (26.0) too. But that's not all. After two Euroleague rounds he is at the top of the scorers (21.5) with Efes guard Igor Rakocevic, even ukranian Oleksiy Pecherov nailed 23 in only one game. Our man is Cibona 2.02 small-forward Bojan Bogdanovic ('89). The croatian will be eligible automaticlly for next NBA Draft. Eurohopes contacted him. Check what he explained to us.
Two years ago you were playing in spanish LEB Bronce (4th div) and actually you are first on the Adriatic League MVP ranking. What happened since then?
"Well, I think that even was only two seasons ago I've grown as a player and as a person. And also helped me be beside my family and sign for a team that trust in me since the beginning. I'm very thankful to Cibona for that. They gave me a great opportunity after finishing my career in Spain".
Your spanish experience helped or damaged you?
"I think all the experiences help. Is obvious there were some bad things, but practicing with ACB teams like Real Madrid and Murcia is good for my formation. Sure".
What is your goal this season, as a team (with Cibona), and as a player?
"Well, is a difficult year for us because we have a very young team, with less experience. But we will fight in all the games trying to arrive the far as possible in Adriatic League and win the croatian one. As a player is a very important year for me, because I think I am one of the team references, having more responsability that last season. Hope I can do the best".
First game in Euroleague and you nailed 28 points in Barcelona. Some days later the catalan squad lost at home against ACB newcomer CAI Zaragoza. Do you think you had winning chances there?
"I didn't watch the game against CAI Zaragoza, but was also a surprise for me. I don't think many teams are capable to win at Palau Blaugrana this season. We didn't have many chances there. They are very strong this year, and are the current champions".
Croatia has been the best country this summer in the Youth European Championships. What do you think of the next generation of prospects, and specially Dario Saric?
"In Croatia they are working very well with the young prospects. Many of my teammates this season in Cibona (Delas, Vragovic, Radosevic or Zubcic) are a clear example. Saric is another of these players with great and amazing potential. He is very complete and plays like a veteran".
Last summer your declared early-entry for the NBA Draft, but you finally withdrawed. What happened?
"Between me and my agents (U1st Sports) decided to wait for this season, because I will have more chances. Also, due to the calendar (croatian league P.O.), I couldn't go to workouts in USA and the Adidas Eurocamp of Treviso either. Hope this year I can go".
Next June you will be automaticlly eligible. Taking a look to the event from the distance what are your sensations?
"It's too early to know it. If the season goes well for sure I will have my options to be choosen in a good pick or only be selected in the Draft. I'm not worry about that".
German Robin Benzing and serbian Milan Macvan could also make it. Other youngsters like Jan Vesely, Donatas Motiejunas, Enes Kanter, Dejan Musli or Jonas Valanciunas can appear. European explosion maybe?
"Sure. I also add my former Real Madrid teammate Pablo Aguilar. Is not new that the NBA looks to Europe. I hope next generations can be at the same level the european players are currently playing there".
Good luck from Eurohopes staff.
Photo: FIBA Europe / Harry Zampetoulas
