Chapter 462
Chapter 462
Zagreb, located on the west bank of the Sava River and at the foot of Medvednica Mountain, not only has pleasant scenery, with an average annual temperature of only 9.3 degrees Celsius, but also an ancient city with a long history.
It's already July, but the temperature is still not high. The drizzle dotted the mottled streets, making the whole city shrouded in coolness.
The University of Zagreb is the oldest and largest university in Southeastern Europe, and it is also the pride of the city and the country.
During this time, the players of the Yugoslav national team are training in the gymnasium of the University of Zagreb. Since these professional players from all over the country have finished their journey in their respective leagues, the school team on the campus is also on vacation. Empty down.
Therefore, in order to prepare for this year's European Basketball Championship, the national team put this year's training camp here.
This Yugoslav basketball team can definitely be regarded as one of the strongest basketball national teams in Europe in recent years, and even for many years to come. The potential new stars in the team are like dumplings, one after another. It makes people feel that a genius never fights alone, and always likes to report to the group.
Well, it's just a literal meaning, and it's not aimed at a certain proud son of heaven.
"Drazen, why don't you go? I've already taken a shower." The young Kukoc is only 20 years old this year, and looks very handsome, which doesn't match his height at all.
However, Kukoc started playing basketball at the age of 14. As early as 87, he participated in the European Championship with the national team.
"Wait a little longer, I'll finish right away!" Petrovic greeted Kukoc, then continued to shoot, looking very focused.
Kukoc stood aside, did not step forward to disturb, but stood there quietly, watching Petrovic practice more.
Don't look at Kukoc who already holds the title of "European Magician" at a young age, but when he faces Petrovic, it is more of a feeling that he is watching a superstar.
At this time, Petrovic was already a basketball superstar in Europe. Known as the "Basketball Mozart", he scored 112 to [-] points in every game like picking something out of a bag. He even once played in the Yugoslavia domestic league. A record of [-] points in a single game.
But when Kukoc got along with Petrovic, Kukoc realized that, unlike most geniuses, the reason why Petrovic can achieve such achievements is that he is talented, but it has a lot to do with his dedication to basketball. big relationship.
Since the national team training camp, Petrovic has been the first to come almost every day and the last to leave. It is said that he has been training like this since he was in school, no matter it is windy or rainy, he has never stopped.
Faced with such a talented and hard-working person, Kukoc, who has always been proud, cannot help but be impressed by him, and has become Petrovic's out-and-out little fan.
"Hey, I knew you were here!" Just as Kukoc was waiting for Petrovic to practice more, a voice with a strong Serbian accent came from the door.
"Hi, Vlad! Hi, Donny! Are you here too?" Kukoc saw Divac walking in at a glance, and at the same time saw Donny Nelson who was following Divac. Kukoc naturally knew that Downey was an NBA scout, so he greeted him.
"Hey, Tony's here too? Long time no see!" Seeing that Kukoc was there, Downey took the initiative to greet Kukoc.
"Stop practicing, Drazen! I have good news for you!" Divac shouted cheerfully to Petrovic, ignoring Kukoc.
"Tch, your good news, I don't even know what it is!" Petrovich replied, but his hands didn't stop.
"Oh? Can you guess what I'm going to say?"
Finally, Petrovich stopped what he was doing, picked up the basketball, and came to Divac and said, "Donnie is coming with you, why don't I know what to do? Isn't it just about to sign a contract! "
"Awesome, you are right. The general manager of the Warriors, Mr. Attles, has come to Europe. He said he will go to Zagreb tonight, and then sign with the two of us!" Divac was so excited that he could not help himself. suppress.
"Really? That's great! Congratulations, it's amazing that you can join a championship team as soon as you enter the NBA." Kukoc on the side heard the news and was equally happy for the two of them.
However, unlike others, Petrovich didn't react when he heard the news. Instead, he calmly picked up a towel to wipe his sweat.
"What's the matter? Drazen, you don't seem happy?" Divac saw that Petrovic was not happy, so he asked with concern.
Petrovic glanced at Downey, and then did not answer Divac, but asked Downey: "Donnie, you said that if I join the Warriors, how much playing time can I get this year?"
Hearing Petrovic's question, Divac on the side immediately pricked up his ears. After all, Divac is also very concerned about playing time, although he also knows that he will not have much playing time.
"Uh, Drazen, I can't promise you this either. Although I know your strength, the team's coaching staff doesn't. You also know that the circle of the NBA is very closed, and it doesn't matter to the basketball world outside of the United States." Concerned, but I think with your strength, you will soon be able to get enough playing time." Downey did not directly answer Petrovic's question, but explained from the side.
"Oh, don't lie to me, I know, I join the Warriors, I'm afraid I can't even guarantee 5 minutes of playing time in a game, right? Let me count, how many shooting guards your Warriors already have, Rich Mond, Hornacek, Curry, oh, by the way, is the Lithuanian Sarunas also going to join the team this year? I really don’t understand why the Warriors need so many shooting guards? They plan to play five Guard lineup?"
Speaking of this, Petrovic was so angry. In fact, as early as 1986, he was selected by the Warriors. At that time, he gave up his plan to join the Warriors immediately in order to help his mother team stand on the top of Europe. .
The Warriors also understood themselves very well and expressed their willingness to wait for their contract to end before signing. Unexpectedly, in just three years, the Warriors have changed from a small team to a championship team.
What made him even more unexpected was that the management of the Warriors didn't know whether they were crazy or something, they actually selected a lot of shooting guards, and they had to join the team by themselves.
I went to the NBA to prove the strength of European players, not to be a drinking fountain manager and follow the team to win the championship!
What's the point of such a championship ring if you can't even play the game?He, Petrovitch, was not to be eaten.
(End of this chapter)