Luka Doncic is a respected basketball superstar today, but he has been on a long journey in the sport. In front of him Donsic, who played the Euroleague game, went through a lot, as he said in his conversation with Steve Nash.
As a person who grew up in Slovenia, Luka Donsic played multiple sports. He loved soccer/soccer like many Europeans, but gradually followed his father’s footsteps. His father, Sasa, was a professional basketball player for the Euroleague.
Donsic fell in love with basketball as basketball became taller, which led to his further development. He joined his beloved team, Real Madrid, at the age of 13.
Donsic was active at his youth, as seen in the various sports he played. But he continued to focus on basketball. His father’s presence helped him develop as basketball was always there.
During his conversation with former two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash, Don Sic spoke about his past in sports.
“Yeah, I played a lot of sports. Tennis, soccer, basketball was the main one. I played volleyball, so it was fun to play sports. I went out every time after school.”
“I went to his game. I started to become a ball boy. In the Euroleague game, I was Olipija’s ball boy. That’s how I used my time to play basketball. They let me play before, halftime and after the game.
Donsic’s family wanted Luka to continue playing basketball, so they continued to encourage him. It worked because he is now one of the best players in the world. He is in the NBA but did not rule out his future return to Europe.
Many view basketball as a sport exclusively for North American players. Players like Doncic, Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo are proving that wrong, so this is not the case.
The NBA has been a global league for the past few decades and we have no denying it. Doncic is a great example of a route to creating leagues outside the US system.
Players like Victor Wembanyama could become top players in a few years. He developed outside the US, and this trend continues as sports become global.
Basketball continues to grow as Donsic and other international players continue to show off their talent. The NBA holds good hands with players to move the game forward.