Turkish Ersan Ilyasova, who will play a regular NBA league game in Paris against the Hornets on Friday, praised Slovenian Luka Doncic, who considered an example for young people who want to succeed in the United States.

"Watching Luka play is amazing and it's a message for all the young Europeans who want to start their NBA career," said the Turkish in statements distributed by the NBA. "It is tremendous, it is one of those guys that you could never expect everything he is capable of doing. Especially when you see someone who comes from Europe like him or Giannis (Antetokounmpo) dominate the game."

Ilyasova said that the image of Europeans has changed in the NBA "thanks to guys like Dirk Nowitzki, Pau Gasol or Tony Parker who opened the doors for us," which allows young people to "feel more confident."

On Nikola Mirotic's decision to return to Europe, to Barcelona, ​​Ilyasova said she respects him and wishes him all the best. "You have to respect his decision, he now has the opportunity to win the Euroleague with Barça and I really wish him the best because he is a good teammate. I have known him for a long time and we have played a year together, here in Milwaukee. He is a great guy, "he said.

The Turk said that his decision was a "relative" surprise because "if you don't feel completely at ease, it's always a decision you can make." "It depends on your family and if you have it clear enough if you are not comfortable," he said.

As for Pau Gasol , he said that "he is a person from whom you can learn many things, with all the championships he has won." "Just being able to have a person with his experience and have been able to meet him is incredible. Besides, he is also the Barça ambassador to America, isn't he? It's amazing, he has achieved everything in his career," he said.

"Sometimes you have to know how to make the decision and take the step (of the withdrawal). And for a guy as competitive as he sure has not been easy. But injuries are also a part of the game and it is not easy to have to endure them, "he said.

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