Fenerbahce coach Sarunas Jasikevicius discussed the challenges facing European basketball, including FIBA conflicts and NBA Europe interest. He emphasized his love for the EuroLeague, the need for club growth, and the importance of protecting the fan experience amid ongoing uncertainty.
Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul head coach Sarunas Jasikevicius spoke at length about the current state of European basketball, the growing interest from the NBA in Europe, and the challenges posed by FIBA regulations.
"You can say whatever you want, but the club needs to do the choices that is best for the club. I think that's what we will do. Everybody understands that this is the most difficult situation. It's very difficult choices to be made," Jasikevicius said about Fener's interest in NBA Europe during a post-game press conference after a 79-73 loss to Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade.
The Lithuanian coach, a longtime fan of European basketball, admitted that while he enjoys watching the NBA playoffs, his heart remains with the European game. Jasikevicius also discussed the need for growth and modernization within European clubs.
"You have to understand that we cannot be standing in one place, you know. You need to improve, clubs need to make more money, everything is money, money, money, you know. So, this is life," he explained.
On the topic of FIBA and NBA Europe, he was clear about the challenges facing European basketball.
"This is what we speak, now European basketball is up for grabs. Everybody is complaining, obviously, FIBA is the factor that we're staying behind, you know. I mean, I don't like FIBA. They are really behind in everything. But as I said, we need to find a way, even with FIBA, to move forward. I mean, we need to get better if the clubs are complaining about the financial side, this is probably the reason why NBA is here to improve."
Credit IMAGO/Seskim Photo TR - Scanpix
He added that the long-running tension between FIBA and the EuroLeague has left the landscape uncertain.
Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul / Schedule
"FIBA and EuroLeague been fighting for 20 years, now FIBA goes closer to the NBA. It's logical, everybody's trying to do the best for themselves. And like I said, I'm just worried about fans. So like I said, if the fan base is like here, like everywhere, it will be changed to the fan bases of Manchester and I don't know where is the logic?"
Jasikevicius emphasized that decisions about the future ultimately lie with the clubs.
"I'm just a coach, you know, and the clubs will make a decision. Like I said, the EuroLeague is trying to find a solution, FIBA is trying to find a solution. You know, there's so much uncertainty, too. So many rumors, and nobody really knows what's going on. I think it's not gonna be much better if NBA shows up. It's just not logical. There's TV markets, there's fans, you know, how much you can improve. Of course, NBA has experience, probably will help bring new ideas and everything. I'm just worried about fans and the, you know, the essence of the European game."
Earlier, Fenerbahce General Manager Derya Yannier confirmed that discussions with NBA Europe are still ongoing.
Despite the off-court uncertainty, Fenerbahce remain dominant in the EuroLeague, currently holding the No. 1 seed with a 22-8 record.
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