A fiery shooter with seemingly unlimited range. The kind of player who never shies away from the biggest moments. In fact, he usually embraces them.
That is probably the simplest way to describe Klemen Prepelič.
Now 33 years old, the Slovenian guard has spent the past two seasons with Dubai. His role is bigger in the ABA League than it is in the EuroLeague, but he has found something perhaps even more important: stability.
Dubai is already the 14th club of his professional career. Before arriving in the UAE, only Valencia had managed to keep him for longer than two seasons.
Along the way, Prepelič became the ACB League’s scoring champion and a member of the All-ACB First Team with Joventut in 2020. Three years earlier, he scored 21 points against Serbia in the EuroBasket final to help Slovenia win its first-ever European title.
Not a bad résumé.
In this interview with SK Week, Prepelič talks about Dubai’s rapid rise, Luka Dončić, the teammates and coaches who shaped his career, and the shots he will never forget.
Your biggest impressions after two years in Dubai? How has the club evolved, and how satisfied are you with your decision to come here?
My biggest impression is that we’re one big family. Dubai is a club built on healthy foundations, with people who know exactly what they’re doing, led by Dejan Kamenjašević. On top of that, the owner is very reasonable, ambitious and willing to invest in the club.
We took things step by step. In just two years we won the ABA League title and earned a place in the EuroLeague.
The biggest achievement, in my opinion, was having 12,000 fans in the arena for Game 2 of the ABA League Finals against Partizan. I’ve played for Real Madrid, but everything in Dubai is on a completely different level. I truly believe we can become a dynasty and one day win the EuroLeague.
Mike James Deserved a EuroLeague Title
Who was the toughest player you ever had to guard?
Honestly? Luka Dončić.
I never had the chance to guard him in an official game, but I saw all of his magic in practice. He’s a unique player and, in my opinion, the best basketball player in the world.
Besides Luka, I’d say Mike James. He’s been doing it at the highest level for many years. I’m sorry he has never won the EuroLeague because I believe he’s the greatest scorer EuroLeague has ever seen.
Your five favorite baskets of your career?
That’s a tough one. I can’t really remember specific shots, but they would all come from my time with the Slovenian national team. Some big shots from EuroBasket 2017 and the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
Those were defining moments for Slovenian basketball., so my top five would definitely come from those tournaments.
One Shot I’d Love to Have Back
If you could replay one game in your career and try to change the outcome, which one would it be?
Without a doubt, the Olympic semifinal against France.
Nicolas Batum blocked my shot. Had it gone in, we would have reached the Olympic final against the United States.
I wouldn’t change the whole game. I’d only change that one possession.
The Best Player in the World
And one game you would replay simply to experience those emotions all over again?
Not one. Two.
The EuroBasket final against Serbia in 2017 and winning the ABA League with Dubai.
I feel emotionally connected to Dubai because I’ve been here since the very beginning. At the time, I wasn’t fully aware of what we had accomplished. I’d love to experience those moments again, only this time a little more slowly.
Describe Luka Dončić in five words.
I can’t do it in five words.
He’s a phenomenon. He’s a maniac. (laughs)
As I said before, for me he’s the best player in the world. He’s dominant in every aspect of the game and the kind of talent that’s born once every 50 years.
On top of that, he’s a fantastic person and a true leader who supports his teammates and brings the whole team together.
He’s the easiest person I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with.
Three Coaches Who Shaped My Career
Which teammate helped you the most, and who is your favorite teammate?
Definitely Nemanja Dangubić.
He’s the kind of person you simply can’t help but like. Always positive, always ready with the right advice and always there to put you back on the right path.
I look at “Danga” as a brother.
Which coach helped you the most, and who is your favorite?
My top three would be Duško Vujošević, Zmago Sagadin and Igor Kokoškov.
I owe them a lot. They gave me the opportunity to become the player I am today, and they helped me improve both my game and my career.