Euroleague.net interview: Kosta Perovic, Partizan
by:
Frank Lawlor, Euroleague.net
March 13, 2007
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If there is one player who represents the progress that young talents have the opportunity to make in the Euroleague, it might be center Kosta Perovic of Partizan. Having debuted at 17 years old back in 2002, Perovic has been with Partizan for every step of a long, five-season climb to reach its goal of making the Top 16. Perovic's climb has been just as steady, to the point where at 22 he has anchored Partizan all season, ranking among the emerging rebounders and shot-blockers in the entire Euroleague. With two Top 16 games remaining and Partizan still alive, Perovic wants to continue doing what he has done all along - keep improving and entertaining his team's devoted fans. "In Belgrade, there is a full gym of 7,000 people whenever we play in the Euroleague," Perovic told Euroleague.net. "But, if we can beat Joventut and CSKA beats Olympiacos, it would be a special chance for our fans to support us against CSKA with the chance of going to the playoffs."
Hi Kosta. Congratulations on a great season so far. Partizan is participating in its first Top 16. How do you feel about that accomplishment?
"Thank you for the compliment. That was our goal, starting five years ago and trying every season, to reach the Top 16, but we never could make it all the way there. We were able to reach it this year, so yes, we think it has been a big success for all of us and the team. And we will keep trying to do our best in the Top 16."
 Of course, there are still two games left in the Top 16 and Partizan is still alive. The first is Wednesday at Joventut, a team you guys know well and beat the last time. Can Partizan do it again?
"I think that we can beat them. We played a good game here in Belgrade against them and showed, after two losses against them in our regular season group, that we can play with Joventut. If we can beat them again and other things happen in our group this week, if both CSKA and Joventut beat Olympiacos, there will be other possibilities. But it will be enough for Partizan to have a chance."
What would it mean to the fans in Belgrade if there is a game next week against CSKA and Partizan still has chances in a big showdown with the champs?
"It would be something special, for sure. Of course, in Belgrade there is a full gym of 7,000 people whenever we play in the Euroleague. But, if we can beat Joventut and CSKA beats Olympiacos, it would be a special chance for our fans to support us against CSKA with the chance of going to the playoffs. We had a few good chances in our recent games, as against Olympiacos last week, but didn't come through. First, we have to win against Joventut."
As you said, you and the club have been trying for years to get this far. Is it what you expected in terms of excitement and the playing level?
 "I don't know what to say about what we expected. What we expected was to make it to the Top 16 every single year, so that was the big challenge. Now that our goal has come through, we are just glad to keep working on it and make it better."
It's hard to believe you have played five full Euroleague seasons and just turned 22. Your numbers are better, yes, but you've always been a contributor. How much of a difference does winning make in how you feel and how people see you?
"It's hard to say, but I am always trying to play better. Every year the team changes a few players and every year we have to learn to play with others. Each year is a new effort, but yes, you realize that winning makes a difference even when you try as hard as you can every year to do your best."
What has been the influence of having someone like Predrag Drobnjak to play with every game this season?
"It has been great, yeah. He's a great guy and a great player. And he has played everywhere - from the NBA to the top teams in Europe - which has given him so much experience that we all can learn plenty from him. We're lucky to have him."
 Of course, you are part of a group of young guys - with Uros Tripkovic and Luka Bogdanovic, some others - who have been together awhile. Seeing what you've accomplished this season, are you guys ready for higher expectations?
"It's true, we have been together a few years. Uros and I came together that first season, we know each other well. I think we've been getting better every year and each new one is a challenge for us. But people keep learning their whole life. We are not young players anymore. We have grown up in, what I mentioned, is our fifth year here. But we have a lot of things left to improve."
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