NBA: Ilyasova: “Doncic is a message to young people who want to go to the NBA” | NBA 2019

Turkish Ersan Ilyasova, who plays a regular NBA league game in Paris against the Hornets with the Bucks on Friday, praises Slovenian Luka Doncic, who considers an example for young people who want to succeed in the United States.

“Watching Luka play is incredible and it's a message for all young Europeans who want to start their NBA career,” said the Turkish in statements distributed by the NBA. “It's tremendous, it's one of those guys that you can never expect everything he can do. Especially when you see the game dominate that way to someone who comes from Europe like l or Giannis (Antetokounmpo),” he added.

Ilyasova said that the image of Europeans has changed in the NBA “thanks to guys like Dirk Nowitzki, Pau Gasol or Tony Parker who opened the doors for us,” which allows young people to “feel more confident.”

On the decision of Nikola Mirotic to return to Europe, to Barcelona, ​​Ilyasova said he respects him and wishes him all the best. “You have to respect his decision, he now has the opportunity to win the Euroleague with Bara and I really wish him the best because he is a good partner. I have known him for a long time and we have played a year together, here in Milwaukee. He is a great guy, “he said.

The Turk said his decision was a “relative” surprise because “if you don't feel completely at ease, it's always a decision you can make.” “It depends on your family and if you have it clear enough if you are not comfortable,” he considered.

As to Pau Gasol, I say that “he is a person from whom you can learn many things, with all the championships he has won.” “Only being able to have a person with his experience and have been able to meet him is incredible. In addition, he is also the ambassador of Bara in America, isn't he? It's incredible, he has achieved everything in his career,” he said.

“Sometimes you have to know how to make the decision and take the step (of withdrawal). And for a guy as competitive as he sure hasn't been easy at all. But injuries are also a part of the game and it's not easy to have to endure them, “he said.