Catching up with Nikola Vucevic

By foxsports
Published

Nikola Vucevic has become one of the most underrated centers in the NBA. Now, after another great season for the Magic, he sat down with Jorge Sierra of HoopsHype to discuss his favorite European soccer teams, who is the Lionel Messi of the NBA and his new coach with the Magic among other topics. 

Here's a preview of some of the conversation:

Click here to read the full interview.

Vucevic averaged 19.3 points and 10.9 rebounds per game during his fourth NBA season, his third in Orlando. He's still just 24 years old.

(H/t to Jorge Sierra of HoopsHype.)

Photo Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

Does Montenegro really feel like home to you having lived in so many places like Switzerland, Belgium or the States?

NV: Yeah. When we lived away we always used to come back during the summer or Christmas break. I still consider Montenegro my home. This is where home is with my family and friends.

When you tell people in the States that you're from this small country in Europe called Montenegro, what do they tell you? Do people know about it?

NV: I think more and more, I mean especially people that are around. Before, they didn't know much about it. The split from Serbia happened not that long ago, you know. But there are more and more NBA players from Montenegro and people have heard about it with guys like Nikola Mirotic and Nikola Pekovic and before them Aleksandar Pavlovic... When people don't know and ask about it, I show them pictures and most say it's very nice.

What are your thoughts on the hiring of Scott Skiles as head coach?

NV: I don't know him. He's coached very good teams in the past and very good players for what I understand. He played for the Magic and he knows the game, I'm sure. I don't know much about him, but I'm looking forward to meeting him and working with him. I think he'll be good for us and can help us take the next step.