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Former Fenerbahçe Star Praises Coach Jasikevičius Ahead of NBA Move
🇱🇹 Lithuania /Sports

Former Fenerbahçe Star Praises Coach Jasikevičius Ahead of NBA Move

From Delfi · () Lithuanian

Translated from Lithuanian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Former Fenerbahçe star Tarik Biberović praised coach Šarūnas Jasikevičius, highlighting his significant role in the player's development.
  • Biberović, who is moving to the NBA's Dallas Mavericks, spent eight years with Fenerbahçe, winning multiple titles including the EuroLeague.
  • He described Jasikevičius as a mentor and "older brother" figure who provided crucial playing time and psychological support, enabling him to reach his full potential.

Tarik Biberović, a former key player for Istanbul's Fenerbahçe, is set to join the NBA's Dallas Mavericks this summer. Before his transatlantic move, the experienced forward spoke highly of his time with the Turkish club, particularly praising coach Šarūnas Jasikevičius.

As you know, I spent eight years at Fenerbahçe, so it was very difficult to stand out. For me, it was not just a club – it became a family. I think that even when I move to the NBA, I will represent Fenerbahçe, so I have to make the right decisions in my career.

— Tarik BiberovićDescribing his long tenure and deep connection with Fenerbahçe.

Biberović joined Fenerbahçe eight years ago, becoming a regular starter in 2020 and eventually a team leader. During his tenure, he secured four Turkish league championships (2022, 2024, 2025, 2026), five Turkish Cup titles (2019, 2020, 2024, 2025, 2026), and a EuroLeague championship in 2025. He described Fenerbahçe not just as a club but as a "family" and expressed his continued support for the team even after his departure.

When he arrived, for the first time in my career, I started getting consistent playing time, and it was thanks to him that I was able to reveal my talent.

— Tarik BiberovićHighlighting the impact of coach Šarūnas Jasikevičius on his playing time and development.

Reflecting on his experience, Biberović shared his gratitude for Jasikevičius's guidance. "When he arrived, for the first time in my career, I started getting consistent playing time, and it was thanks to him that I was able to reveal my talent," Biberović stated. He emphasized that Jasikevičius was more than just a coach, acting as a "senior brother" and offering valuable advice that strengthened him psychologically and improved his on-court performance.

He was not only a coach but also like an older brother to me. He himself was a very high-level player and gave me valuable advice. Following them, I strengthened psychologically and improved my game on the court.

— Tarik BiberovićExplaining the mentorship and personal support received from Jasikevičius.

"He is a very dear person to me because of this," Biberović added. The 25-year-old player, born in Bosnia and Herzegovina but holding Turkish citizenship, had his second double-digit scoring season in the EuroLeague last year, averaging 11.3 points, 3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game in 24 minutes over 36 matches.

That is why he is a very dear person to me.

— Tarik BiberovićExpressing his deep appreciation for coach Šarūnas Jasikevičius.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Delfi in Lithuanian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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