San Antonio Spurs guard/forward Danny Green was one of the first Spurs players to take the leap to play overseas when he signed with Union Olimpija back in August,
Green had no clue where to find Ljubljana on the map or likely how to spell it, but in a recent interview with Siol.net, Green said he is adapting to his new surroundings.
Green said the experience has been much the same as his moves from high school to college in North Carolina, meeting a new group of friends and getting to know your teammates.
The real challenge is to merge into a new environment and to contribute its share to the greatest possible form.
I’m adapting to Olimpija Ljubljana and happy. Clearly, it is not without problems. A basketball has to be fought. I am satisfied with the current situation.Building the right team chemistry.
Green said he looks forward to the first game, but every game will be special.
While Green has moved from North Carolina to Cleveland, Reno and then San Antonio, moving out of the country presents its own set of challenges.
I did not know to what culture is, what are their eating habits, level of life … On the other hand, I obviously did not even dream about it, in what league I played. I liked it when they heard that FC plays in a strong competition, especially when they told me that this is a club with tradition.
While there will be a transition from the NBA to the Euroleague, Green says it is similar, but his training schedule may be a little more challenging, including two-a-days.
If not for the NBA lockout, Green would be in training camp with the Spurs. So what does Green think about the chances he’ll trade his Green Olimpija jersey for the silver & black any time soon.
Currently, only thinking about Olympia. I want to move forward and help the team. I do not know when I’ll be back in the U.S..
I do not want to comment in detail. I just hope that the situation is resolved favorably for both negotiating parties.
Green’s first regular season game will be against FC Barcelona on October 20. For more on Green, be sure to read Jeff Garcia’s interview with him earlier this summer.
