Partizan basketball players overcame Red Star in the second semi-final game of the ABA League (89:89), securing their place in the finals, while the red and whites ended their journey in the regional tournament. Following the game, there was a particularly poor gesture from Saša Obradović, who decided not to address the media and answer their questions.

Nikola Lončar, former Partizan basketball player and official, commented on the situation:

- I don't agree with Saša Obradović's approach. He should have been braver and stepped out to speak. This isn't the KLS, it's two derby matches in the ABA League. This is a much more important trophy than the KLS, unfortunately. He should have answered questions and said 'next question' if he didn't like one. Maybe he came with instructions not to say anything, perhaps from the club or from the people advising him. He should have stayed and answered the questions. People want to hear why two losses in a row to Star were endured. It's not normal for Star to lose four consecutive games, especially these two, as Star was knocked out of the race for an important trophy. I know Saša as a brave man, but this wasn't okay, that he didn't want to answer - Lončar said.

Partizan's Triumph and Obradović's Silence

The coach's statement that "this environment is rough," was examined:

- What does it mean that 'this environment is rough'? If you're not prepared to work in this environment, don't come to work here. I know, it's truly rough. Foreign coaches have an advantage because they don't understand it, they don't read the newspapers... They avoid all that. Our coaches read everything, good and bad. The environment is rough, but before you come to this mill, you must evaluate if you are prepared for this kind of work or not. This applies to Saša Obradović and other Serbian coaches who came here and didn't perform well. But when you come, you must be prepared for everything: questions, situations, and all...

Significance of Communication in Professional Sports

The importance of media communication in high-profile matches, especially in the ABA League, was highlighted by Lončar. He emphasized the need for coaches and players to engage with the media to explain the team's performance and address public concerns.

(Telegraf.rs)