To say the least Ognjen Stojakovic has had a busy few months, between NBA and World Cup.
Little known to the general public, for a year he has been one of Michael Malone’s assistants at the Nuggets, with whom he was crowned last June. For several months, he has also been one of Svetislav Pesic’s assistants in the team Serbiawith which he won a nice silver medal two weeks ago.
“Ogi” made his dream come true
An unforgettable international experience for Ognjen Stojakovic, called up and recruited in the middle of the conference final by “Kari” Pesic, as told to the Denver Post.
“ It was a childhood dream to be part of the Serbian national team “, declares the one we call “Ogi”. “ Basketball is a religion [pour nous]. When I started coaching, I was already thinking about [remplir cet objectif]. Working for the national team is a highlight of my career. »
A moment all the stronger as it was marked by a memorable success against Canada in the semi-final.
“ That moment was like, ‘Wow, okay, we’ve achieved something special, something unique.’ “, shares Ognjen Stojakovic. “ [C’est là que l’on] realizes that we are going to compete in the final. Especially since no one gave us credit before the tournament… »
A close friend of Nikola Jokic
It must be said that, even if it did not want to hear about it, Serbia moved to Asia without many executives: Vasilije Micic, Nikola Kalinic, Nemanja Bjelica, Boban Marjanovic, Vladimir Lucic and even Nemanja Nedovic. Without forgetting Nikola Jokic of course.
A player that Ognjen Stojakovic obviously knows very well, having worked alongside him throughout the season at Denverand this is the reason why he perfectly understood his absence during the World Cup.
“ I know how he felt, he had all this pressure on one side and the other… In this kind of situation, as a friend and coach, you have to accept him and support him, whatever his decision. He chose what was best for him in that moment, which I fully support. », Indicates the man who joined the Nuggets in 2013, first as video coordinator, then as an assistant.
A return to childhood
Even without Nikola Jokic, Serbia managed to climb onto the podium of a major competition for the fifth time since its independence. Which earned the “Orlovi” to be celebrated as it should be in Belgrade.
“ Being on the balcony of Parliament… You realize how much joy and happiness you brought to all these people “, explains Ognjen Stojakovic. “ For me, it was like: ‘It’s more than a sport.’ Then we go back 20-30 years, when I was just a kid in the crowd, admiring Serbian basketball players. »
Given the success of his first international adventure with Serbia, we can logically imagine that “Ogi” Stojakovic will be at the Paris Olympic Games in less than a year.
“ It’s more a question for coach Pesic, but if he calls me, I’ll be there, that’s for sure », Announces the Nuggets assistant, who will turn his attention to the new NBA season in just two weeks.
