“Maybe I should have a similar conversation with some of you, too. See if I can convince you of a few things,” Ibon Navarro joked when we relayed the words of Crvena Zvezda’s new center, Christian Koloko.
The Cameroonian big man had revealed that his conversation with Navarro was one of the decisive factors behind his decision to come to Belgrade.
“It was an honest conversation. I don’t promise things I can’t deliver,” Navarro continued in a more serious tone.
“I explained to him what kind of club this is, what the city is like, what our fans are like, and how much Crvena Zvezda means to so many people. We talked about our ideas, our system, how we envision the team and what it means to play for this organization.”
Navarro Knows Exactly What Koloko Brings
At Zvezda’s practice, Koloko is going through plays with one of the assistant coaches. He will have to learn and remember a lot – and quickly.
One thing is immediately obvious: Koloko looks as though he’s made of rubber. Tall, long-limbed, with skinny legs and an enormous wingspan.
“I think he’s a different type of player from the ones we already have, from Ebuka and Jonathan (Motley). He might have similar athletic abilities to Ebuka, but he’s bigger. I think he can help us with rebounding and defense, give us more of an intimidation factor, primarily through rim protection,” Navarro explained before continuing his analysis.
“Offensively, he’s quick on the roll in pick-and-roll situations, and he’s very mobile. He’s different from Ebuka and Jonathan. I think he’s a good addition to the team.”
Still, Koloko is unlikely to be in the squad against either Maccabi or Bayern.
“He doesn’t even know his teammates’ names yet! He’s already had a practice, and he still doesn’t know everyone’s name. If he learns them all tonight, we’ll see,” Navarro laughed.
“We have to be smart.”
Koloko Called a Crvena Zvezda Hero
For his part, Koloko certainly did his homework before coming to Belgrade.
He spoke to Karlo Matković, who played for Cedevita Olimpija and Mega before becoming Koloko’s teammate with the New Orleans Pelicans.
But there was another name – one that still makes Crvena Zvezda fans’ eyes light up.
Quincy Miller.
Miller joined Dejan Radonjić’s team in 2015–16 and played a pivotal role in Zvezda’s run to the EuroLeague playoffs – their last appearance at that stage.
“He’s like an older brother to me. I talked to him,” Koloko said with a smile.
“After talking to the coach, I started watching games – against ASVEL, Paris… I noticed the differences compared to the NBA. Every possession matters here, and the game is more intense. The defensive three-second rule is a big difference.
“We’ll see how I adjust. It’s going to take time, but at the end of the day – it’s basketball.”
Blocks, rebounds, dunks – that’s what the 211cm center is expected to bring to Crvena Zvezda.
But there was one thing Koloko kept repeating throughout his conversation with reporters.
“I just want to win.”
