SRB – All in good time for Bjelica

MINNEAPOLIS (2010 FIBA World Championship) - Serbia’s Nemanja Bjelica has drawn comparisons to Toni Kukoc, the Croatia basketball great.
 
Bjelica handles the ball well, and he makes nifty passes.
 
There is a reason for that.
 
“I started playing basketball when I was seven-years-old,” Bjelica said.
 
“(Then) When I was 15-years-old, I grew about 13 centimeters. And from that, I became Nemanja Bjelica, a 6-10 point guard.”
 
That comment, perhaps more than any other, is what has the Minnesota Timberwolves reporters and fans buzzing over the possibility that Bjelica could be a gem that arrived in a draft day trade from Washington.
 
The Washington Wizards selected the youngster 35th overall but then dealt his rights to the Timberwolves.
 
Last week, sitting alongside Wes Johnson (Syracuse) and Lazar Heyward (Marquette), two other Minnesota newcomers who came from the American college ranks, Bjelica (Red Star Belgrade) was a virtual unknown to everyone in Minnesota when he addressed the media.
 
He spoke softly, and gave an honest assessment of his abilities.
 
When asked by a reporter if he was a point guard in a big man’s body, Bjelica replied: “Yes, but still I must be much stronger for this level. I have time.”
 
Someone else asked him to describe his style of play.
 
“In Europe, I play a lot in the transition game,” he answered.
 
“For me, I must learn a lot of things.”
 
Comparisons to others that have played in the NBA are often off the mark.
 
"I just want to be myself,” Bjelica said.
 
“A lot of people compare me with Toni Kukoc, who was a great player from Europe, but I must learn a lot of things to be on the next level.
 
“I don't know if I will play this year, but I hope to play in the NBA soon because it is my dream. All of my life I have dreamed to be here and I hope that I will play.”
 
Minnesota fans may not realize it, but in trading for Bjelica, they now have the rights to two of Europe’s most popular youngsters, players that could, and maybe should go on to have great careers in the NBA.
 
The team drafted Ricky Rubio of Spain last year but the point guard decided to remain in the ACB and signed with Regal Barcelona.
 
Rubio and Bjelica twice faced each other at last year’s EuroBasket in Poland, splitting the two games although Spain won the more important one, the gold-medal clash.
 
Benetton Treviso, who know a lot about the NBA after sending Andrea Bargnani to the Toronto Raptors and coach Mike D’Antoni (New York Knicks) to the league, could be Bjelica’s next team.
 
New Benetton general manager Claudio Coldebella has confirmed that Bjelica, could play for the team next season if he doesn't go to the NBA.
 
When asked about Benetton's plans in the transfer market, Coldebella said: "We are working without being in a hurry. In Italy, everything is still at a standstill.
 
"The team has to be formed with players who have enthusiasm, those who want to play for the jersey.
 
"These are the characteristics that appeal to the public and are also the hardest to find.
 
"With regards to Bjelica, we will know in a couple of days a little bit more. There is an agreement that has to be defined and if there is not an NBA team that wants him, he will remain at Treviso for the next few years."
 
This summer, Bjelica is expected to play for Serbia at the FIBA World Championship in Turkey.
 
FIBA