Manila, August 27, Xinhua News Agency (Reporter Wei Hua, Wang Jingyu, Xia Liang) Three days after the start of the 2023 Men's Basketball World Cup, local basketball enthusiasm in Manila has gradually heated up. Montenegro is not in the spotlight in the basketball Philippines, but after three matchdays, Montenegro, who have won two consecutive games, have qualified from the group early, and one of the crowds carrying Montenegro silently forward is Nicolas Vučević.
Vucevic, who is over 30 years old, is a typical Eastern European player: he is never fancy, but he executes well; He is unpretentious, but technically solid; He is not a super idol, but he has supported the basketball dream of Montenegro, a small country, with practical actions.
Montenegro Vucevic in the game. Xinhua News Agency
Vucevic, who missed last year's basketball European Championship, delivered 27 points and 10 rebounds in his first official international game back to the national team, helping Montenegro win 91-71 against Mexico. During the match, the Mexican team pressed the score several times, but Vucevic always stepped up at key moments, whether it was a low singles or a high position, Vucevic used a wealth of offensive means to turn the opponent's counterattack into invisible. As a 2.08m center, Vucevic even hit three three-pointers and missed a shot. In Egypt's second game, Vucevic continued to contribute 16 points and seven rebounds in a limited 22 minutes to secure the team's right to qualify.
In a few months, Vucevic will turn 33, and to which some joked that he had gone from rookie to veteran overnight, Vucevic said: "Yes? I've been in the national team since 2010 and played almost all the big games. Maybe because I didn't play in the European Championships, maybe it will take a while for people to get used to the fact that I'm a veteran. ”
Born in a sporting family, Vucevic was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2011, in the superstar NBA (American professional basketball), Vucevic is not the best one in terms of talent or ability, but for more than ten years, he has worked hard to leave his own mark, he has been selected to the All-Star team twice, and has won "Double 20" in a row, in his peak 2020-2021 season, He averaged 24.5 points and 11.8 rebounds per game, and even now he can still average a double-double.
Montenegro Vucevic in the game. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter He Changshan
Stability is Vucevic's label and one of his magic weapons in the NBA, but after playing in the NBA for many years, Vucevic has not received attention commensurate with his ability.
"Trust me, I don't know why." Montenegrin coach Radovic said, "But I know what it means to have such a guy in the team, he has brought a lot of changes to the team, you can see for yourself, I don't want to waste my tongue." ”
"Perhaps because Montenegro is not big, there is a lack of talking points. But Nicolas [Vucevic] never pays attention to the outside environment, he only focuses on his own things, both on and off the field, he is full of confidence. With him, the work of others becomes simpler. Team point guard Perry said.
Montenegro Vucevic in the game. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter He Changshan
"We've been out of the spotlight and that's what it is, but in any case, Nicola's ability is unquestionable and he is a teammate who can be trusted." Vučevic's old teammate Ivanovic said.
Vucevic had just signed a three-year contract extension with the Chicago Bulls, and as his career entered the downturn, he didn't think much about playing time or possibly becoming a bench player, and he took on the challenge with a positive mindset. He said: "I'm in very good shape and still motivated, people used to retire at 33 or 34, but now you can continue your career as long as you avoid injuries. ”
"As long as I can be at a high level, I will keep playing. For myself, for the fans, I want them to remember what kind of Nikolai I am. He said.
Source: Xinhuanet