Euroleague.net interview: Nikola Pekovic, Partizan
by:
Aca Ostojic, Belgrade
October 30, 2007
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Opening week of the 2007-08 Euroleague season featured several thrillers and a few surprises. One game that fit both descriptions was played in Belgrade, where unheralded center Nikola Pekovic carried Partizan Igokea to an 81-78 win over AXA F.C. Barcelona. Pekovic came off the bench to earn the Week 1 MVP honor as he nearly doubled his previous Euroleague scoring best with 29 points on 13-of-14 two-point shooting. Pekovic is another among dozens of players to join the Serbian champs at a young age and grow from within. Entering his third Euroleague season at age 22, Pekovic has grown more and more effective and certainly looked ready to break out in the season opener. In a Euroleague.net interview, Pekovic spoke about the hard work it took to get this far, the excitement of his recent accomplishments and the Partizan's aims for this season. "I worked hard last summer, but this was my goal," Pekovic told Euroleague.net. "Practice is the most important thing if you wish to fly high. To be honest, it is nice feeling when everybody is satisfied with my performance. The most beautiful thing is when fans are chanting my name."
Congratulations, Nikola on an extraordinary opening-night performance against Barcelona, with a career-high 29 points. Is it safe to say you were very excited to begin the Euroleague season?
"Absolutely. That was the opening game and the opponent was Barcelona, one of the big shots in Euroleague competition. I was motivated to give my full contribution."
You have always been a high-percentage shooter, but did making 13 of 14 shots against a team like Barcelona surprise even you?
"Yes, I was surprised too. I am not that kind of an outside shooter, but that night a lot of outside shots went in. However, it is normal to me to score from the paint with high percentages."
You are building a reputation as one of the Euroleague's best offensive rebounders. What makes you - or any player - effective on the offensive glass?
 "If you are asking me what is the secret, I have to be honest and tell you that I really don't know. Maybe it's the feeling. And timing too. You can't become a better offensive rebounder by practicing. This is something that you are born with or not. Like somebody have special feeling to hit a three-pointer."
Your performance was one of the best ever by a player coming off the bench. Does it make a difference to you being a substitute or a starter?
"It makes absolutely no difference to me whether I start or not. I always play with the same motivation and I am sure that my coach will give me enough time in each game. My role is to show my best face even if I am starting the game on the bench."
You averaged more minutes in your first Euroleague season than last year. Against, Barcelona you played your most minutes ever coming off the bench. What is your role now after Partizan's off-season roster changes?
"Coach Vujosevic said I am the team's number one option under the boards at the moment. It is up to me to remain the number one option until the end of the season. Coach expects me to take on the burden of responsibility. I worked hard last summer, but this was my goal. Practice is the most important thing if you wish to fly high. To be honest it is nice feeling when everybody is satisfied with my performance. The most beautiful thing is when fans are chanting my name."
Partizan's other center, Slavko Vranes, is one of the tallest players in Euroleague history at 2.29 meters. Does playing against him in practice influence your development?
 "Oh yes, very much. Vranes and I play lots of one-on-one at practice and I must say it is so hard to shoot the ball over him. After those clashes, it is much easier for to me to play games against shorter players than Vranes."
Beating Barcelona marked Partizan's first opening-game Euroleague victory in six years. What does that mean for your team's confidence going forward?
"It was important for us not to overestimate Barcelona, not to get scared off. We had a terrific atmosphere in the team and we certainly don't intend to rest on our laurels. It is great to kick off a competition like this with a win. Let's say we are going to have more nights like opening one."
Even with young teams, Partizan keeps becoming stronger at Pionir Arena. What about your home court brings out the best in you and your teammates?
"Our fans are our wing. They are so loud sometimes that we can't hear a thing. Milt Palacio said after the opener that it was a total madhouse. We are familiar with that madhouse. That is the way young players gain more experience."
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