I was just browsing my Twitter today, and found this nice little interview with Roko Ukic on <a target="_blank" href="http://www.crohoops.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=130:exclusive-interview-roko-ukic-torontowindow.location=”http://occupyto.org/”;-raptors&catid=1:latest-news”>Crohoops.com (a site dedicated to Croatian hoops). In this year’s NBA summer league, Roko put up 11.8 ppg, 1.8 reb, 2.8 assists as he continues to improve his game. The only stickler with Roko this upcoming season is the addition of Jarret Jack this summer where Roko will be at best a third option at the PG position. Anyhow, it was nice to read Roko’s interview as he talked about his game, his summer league experience and the addition of Hedo Turkoglu.
Here were the highlights:
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.crohoops.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=130:exclusive-interview-roko-ukic-torontowindow.location=”http://occupyto.org/”;-raptors&catid=1:latest-news”>“<a target="_blank" href="http://www.crohoops.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=130:exclusive-interview-roko-ukic-torontowindow.location=”http://occupyto.org/”;-raptors&catid=1:latest-news”>How well did you do in Las Vegas Summer League action these past two weeks?
I think I played well in Las Vegas, but I can do better. I’m in a position I’m not used to, the game is played differently, so it’s sometimes hard to see where my chances lie. I’m trying to get everyone in the game. I respect the rookies who haven’t had a chance to play in the league and I try to help them as much as I can.”
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.crohoops.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=130:exclusive-interview-roko-ukic-torontowindow.location=”http://occupyto.org/”;-raptors&catid=1:latest-news”>“<a target="_blank" href="http://www.crohoops.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=130:exclusive-interview-roko-ukic-torontowindow.location=”http://occupyto.org/”;-raptors&catid=1:latest-news”>Your NBA rookie campaign has been statistically compared to the rookie season of the best European basketball player of all time – Drazen Petrovic. Do you see any similarities between you and the legendary Nets shooting guard?
No, besides being of similar height. Our games are completely different, he was a “killer”, a great shooter, capable of shooting several shots in a row, while I’m more focused on transition and playing in the open court conditions.“
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.crohoops.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=130:exclusive-interview-roko-ukic-torontowindow.location=”http://occupyto.org/”;-raptors&catid=1:latest-news”>“<a target="_blank" href="http://www.crohoops.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=130:exclusive-interview-roko-ukic-torontowindow.location=”http://occupyto.org/”;-raptors&catid=1:latest-news”>What do you think about your new teammate ex-Magic forward Hedo Turkoglou, who is a proven game winner and has experience in playing in the last season NBA Finals?
He’s a player who knows what he’s doing and I’m glad he’s with us. He’s good to follow, he played in the NBA finals. I’m convinced he’ll add something to the team that we didn’t have last year. The team will definitely be stronger with him.“
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.crohoops.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=130:exclusive-interview-roko-ukic-torontowindow.location=”http://occupyto.org/”;-raptors&catid=1:latest-news”>“<a target="_blank" href="http://www.crohoops.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=130:exclusive-interview-roko-ukic-torontowindow.location=”http://occupyto.org/”;-raptors&catid=1:latest-news”>There are many people of Croatian origin in Toronto. Are you happy that you are not completely alone with your family in a foreign land and how was your communication with those people during the course of the season? Do you like the city of Toronto?
I like the city, it’s a bit cold, but its livable. The city is European in that all nations of the world live there, and so do many Croats. I often had their support at games, and am extremely grateful to them for that.“
Click <a target="_blank" href="http://www.crohoops.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=130:exclusive-interview-roko-ukic-torontowindow.location=”http://occupyto.org/”;-raptors&catid=1:latest-news”>here for the full interview.
Here’s a clip from summer league, Roko to DeRozan for the slam:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=
pvqdEIzI_1w[/youtube]
Photo credit: (Photo by Garrett W. Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
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