By Alen Obrez
It is amazing how such a small country like Slovenia has managed to produce so many great players during the years. You have probably all heard of Jaka Lakovic, Jure Zdovc, Erazem Lorbek, Radoslav Nesterovic, Sani Becirovic and many others. Currently one of the brightest prospects in Slovenia, who could walk on their road to success, is young 6'3'' shooting guard Klemen Prepelic ('92), who is playing for Helios Domzale, under the supervision of Zmago Sagadin.
Klemen made his debut on professional level last year, when he joined Helios from Maribor. In his first senior season he averaged 6.3 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1 assist in 16 minutes and he also played quite a big part in their road to playing Adriatic league this season. In the last game of Slovenian U19 Final Four last year he ended with a 58 valoration (link) and of course the MVP award. Last summer Helios board decided to sign arguably the best Slovenian coach Zmago Sagadin, who is known for his ability to create young players. Zmago offered Klemen a leading role in the team, which was probably the best decision Sagadin could have made. Klemen is playing really well at the moment, averaging 14.5 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 31 minutes of playing time in Adriatic league, and 16.3 points, 2.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 31 minutes in Slovenian league. Last summer Klemen was also called to Slovenian national team preliminary squad, but did not manage to qualify to 12-men roster. This year he is going to be a leader of Slovenian U20 team on European championship, also next summer he will surely be a serious candidate for Slovenian senior national team.
His biggest advantages are excellent long range and free throw shooting, speed and reliability, so he is that kind of player you would give a basketball to in the last seconds of the game. We had a chance to talk to him after his last Adriatic league game, in which he scored 28 points, grabbed 7 rebounds and dished out 7 assists. He also won the MVP award of this round with the index valorization of 40.
-How are you satisfied with your performances so far?
I am quite satisfied with my performances in this season, but I am also aware that I can still improve my game.
-What are your goals for this season?
My personal goals are always based on team performances. That's why my goals for this season are playing in the finals of Slovenian championship and cup, our big goal is also to stay in the Adriatic league next season.
-This summer you are going to be one of the biggest weapons of Slovenian U-20 national team on U-20 Eurobasket that will be held in Slovenia.
Coach will determine my role in the team, so it is up to him to assign my responsibilities. Surely I will do my best to help our team reach as high as possible. My personal wish is to win one of the medals, especially because the championship will be held in Slovenia.
-What about senior national team? Last year you were already part of preliminary squad.
Playing for national team is one of my biggest wishes and I will do everything to be part of it next year on Eurobasket 2013 in Slovenia.
Twitter of the author: @alenobrez
Photo: FIBA Europe
