This summer, I spent 82 days with the Serbian national team, preparing and playing qualification games for EuroBasket 2009. At the end of that time, head coach Dusan Ivkovic told me that he was extremely satisfied with my contribution, and I am very pleased because of that. I worked a lot during recent seasons and I must say that my Euroleague experience was extremely helpful in reaching this point. I see the challenge of playing in the Euroleague again this season as a special prize to Partizan for having won the Serbian League, Serbian Cup and Adriatic League trophies last season. The Euroleague is the most elite of competitions and offers another chance for all of us to prove ourselves and our place in the company of Europe's biggest clubs. It's an opportunity to make our childhood dreams come true and to give joy to our faithful fans.

Partizan, of course, has been a Euroleague competitor for years. I remember last season for the excellent atmosphere and energy that pushed us to reach the Top 16 and then the Quarterfinal Playoffs and then within one step of the Final Four. Nobody predicted success like that for us. Compared to last season, our team has changed a lot. Our main weapons from that team moved this summer. Nikola Pekovic and Dusan Kecman opted for the color green and will wear the Panathinaikos uniform this season, while Milton Palacio moved to Khimki of Russia. I know that we cannot replace them...