Partizan forward Aleksej Pokusevski reflected on his EuroLeague comeback season, highlighted by his emergence as one of the league’s top shot blockers. And also expressed strong desire to represent the Serbian national team at the upcoming EuroBasket.
Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade made a highly intriguing move this offseason by bringing back talented forward Aleksej Pokusevski from the NBA.
Points this season
Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade
EuroLeague
The transition wasn’t easy for Pokusevski, who struggled to find a consistent role in the EuroLeague under legendary coach Zeljko Obradovic. Still, the 22-year-old believes his return to Europe was a success.
"I think we made solid progress as a team throughout the season, and personally, I believe I improved and played better and better as the season went on," Pokusevski said on his appearance on Euroleague Chit-Chat podcast.
"It definitely wasn’t easy, especially at the beginning, because I had never really played serious basketball in Europe before," he explained.
"Over the past year and a half, almost two, I was either injured or not in the rotation while in the U.S., so it took me some time to adjust—not just to the game, but also to life in Belgrade, since it was my first time living there after almost 10 years abroad."
"I had to adapt to the pace of the game, to coach Zeljko’s system, and to my new teammates. But mentally, I feel like the season was a success for me, and I feel good about how I finished the EuroLeague season. I believe I made progress, which is important for entering the next season with confidence," he stated.
Pokusevski also found himself playing at the center position this season—a role that wasn’t initially planned but turned out to be a successful experiment.
"It wasn’t really part of the plan, but Zeljko and I talked about it," Pokusevski revealed. "There were moments when he wanted to use me at the five, but it wasn’t the idea for me to play that much in that role.
Aleksej Pokusevski
Aleksej Pokusevski
Aleksej Pokusevski
MIN: 12.78
PTS: 3.85 (48.54%)
REB: 2.19
As: 1.19
ST: 0.59
BL: 0.96
TO: 0.48
GM: 27
Credit Srdjan Stevanovic/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images
"Still, it turned out to be a good fit—for both me and the team," he noted. "We have a system where the center often handles the ball during handoffs, and I’m allowed to push the ball up the court after grabbing a rebound."
"That suits me, because I like having the ball in my hands—not just to attack or shoot, but to help with ball movement and connecting the team in the halfcourt."
In addition to his offensive versatility, Pokusevski emerged as one of the EuroLeague’s top shot blockers this season, averaging 1 block per game. He attributed this ability simply to understanding the tendencies of the players he guards and reading the game effectively.
"For me, it’s more about the type of player I’m guarding than any specific name. I do best against guys who drive to the basket and are focused only on scoring," 23-year-old explained.
"That gives me a chance to come over from the weak side and block their shot. I have a good feel for those situations—especially when I know the player isn’t looking to pass after getting past my help-line. That’s when I can rotate late and still make a play at the rim," he added.
Looking ahead, the Serbian forward is eager to represent his country in the upcoming EuroBasket. While the decision ultimately rests with the coaching staff, Pokusevski made it clear that he wants to be part of the national team if he’s healthy and available.
"I said that if I'm healthy and available, I want to be there," Pokusevski said. "Now it's up to the coach to decide whether he'll pick me or not."
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