Corriere di Siena’s Interview with Milosan Rakovic

Milosan Rakovic is officially one of the pillars in the project that will take Mens Sana through the next three years. The Serbian center had already confirmed signing a three-year agreement with Siena in the Novosti, but he can only claim to have a green-and-white jersey to wear since yesterday. We’re talking about a huge, heavy market hit, especially if you consider that there was practically no competition, as president Ferdinando Minucci admitted the day after the title win. The continent’s market virtually ignored him, despite the fact we’re talking about the best center in Russia’s Superleague, who was on roster at Spartak San Pietroburgo. Rakovic doesn’t hide how pleased he is about this upcoming adventure.

"It’s fantastic,” he exclaims, “Siena is the strongest team in Italy and is at top level in Europe, so it’s an honour that such a prestigious club thought of me. This is a great opportunity for my career.”

Have you ever seen Montepaschi play?

"Certainly, I’ve met up with them two times as an opponent and I must say they impressed me both times. I saw great basketball and a group lead by an excellent coach, able to motivate his him and give them a precise identity.  Working with him will be exciting."

Have you already spoken with Simone Pianigiani or has your contact so far only been with president Minucci?

"I’ve had the chance to speak with both. It’s important to me to be able to talk to the coach so I can understand what he expects of me. It’s only right talk to management to discuss the contract and reach an agreement, and it also is to know what happens on court, in the gym and in the locker room.”

Mens Sana is at the start of a new cycle. Do you already know some of your new teammates?

"I know that there are some changes underway, but player value aside, I think that what’s most important is not to lose the team identity which, as far as I know, has been the key to success in recent years. As for the guys, I know Eze and I’ve played against Marconato, but both have left. And I’ve seen how Zisis plays. I had him as an opponent when I played for Cska Moscow and he’s really good. I’ve also been up against Ksistof Lavrinovic and his brother many times back when they were in the Russian League. The fact that there’s someone who speaks Russian will help me get acclimated, at least at the beginning, but I know I won’t have too many problems in that area because I do pretty well with English and I intend to learn Italian quickly.”

What’s your mindset heading into this and what do you hope to bring to the team?

"I’m really enthusiastic and I’ll do my best to contribute to Montepaschi’s success. I can already promise that I’ll never hold back – neither in games nor in the gym.”

When is your expected arrival in Siena to get used to the new environment?

"I think I’ll come early next week to take care of the most urgent business and start doing what’s necessary to make the move. I’d say I’ll be here Monday – Tuesday at the latest.”