Beginning of a presentation
Sasha Vezenkov, a forward for the Sacramento Kings and a former EuroLeague MVP, talked about his first NBA season and the complexities of player-coach dynamics. Vezenkov addressed the difficulties of adjusting to the NBA’s demanding schedule, emphasized the significance of open communication between players and coaches, and highlighted the distinctions between European and NBA basketball settings during the 2024 EuroLeague Head Coaches Board congress in Athens, Greece.
Getting used to the NBA: A challenging experience.
In his initial year in the NBA, Vezenkov referred to his experience as “insane,” pointing out the demanding travel schedule and constant adjustment to unfamiliar surroundings. He said his first season in the NBA was insane due to all the traveling. You simply move between different hotels, then to the arena and facilities. Next, you join a new team and must review the scouting report. Next, you engage in playing and explore once more. Remembering everything is extremely difficult.
The move from EuroLeague to the NBA required a high level of mental and physical toughness. Vezenkov stressed the significance of resilience and toughness in both mental and physical aspects.
The Importance of Honest Communication
Vezenkov underscored the necessity of transparent communication between players and coaches. He recounted his own experience with a strength and conditioning coach, emphasizing that honesty is crucial for a functional relationship. “Coaches have to be honest with their players, and of course, players have to always tell the truth to their coaches,” he noted. “If I go to the coach and tell him some things and then he tells me something just to make me feel better, everything will change.”
This mutual honesty fosters a learning environment where both parties can grow and adapt. “There should be a willingness for you to learn from your coach but also for the coach to learn from you. So everything matters,” Vezenkov added.
“We athletes are difficult. Even if you play 40 minutes and lose you’ll go to the coach and tell them: ‘See, I’m tired, why did I play 40 minutes?'”
Sasha Vezenkov on “crazy” first NBA season, building relationship and trust between players & coacheshttps://t.co/sJiksp36M5
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) June 22, 2024
Challenges and Changes in Basketball Practices
Vezenkov highlighted the evolution of basketball practices over the years, contrasting his early career experiences with the current state of professional basketball. “When I started playing, everything was different. We had these long preparation periods before every season,” he said. “Now, you have 80 games, it’s almost impossible to do the practices you want. Practices are shorter.”
The EuroLeague Players Association (ELPA) has played a significant role in advocating for better practice schedules and player welfare. “Thanks to ELPA, there are different rules about double practices,” Vezenkov mentioned. He stressed the importance of individualized training programs to cater to each player’s unique needs, considering factors like injuries and personal routines.
Building a Supportive Team Environment
A key aspect of Vezenkov’s discussion was the importance of building a supportive team environment. He emphasized that the head coach should focus on on-court activities while the support staff manages the off-court aspects. “Teams have to build a good staff. The head coach should be occupied with everything that happens on the floor, that’s his job. So all the support comes from the staff.”
This approach ensures that players receive the necessary support to perform at their best, regardless of their playing time. “Whether you play much or not, you have to find balance. When you don’t play much, you have to practice more, you have to find out how you’ll work,” Vezenkov explained.
Differences Between European and NBA Basketball
Vezenkov also touched on the significant differences between European and NBA basketball. The NBA’s long season and extensive travel are stark contrasts to the more localized and shorter EuroLeague seasons. “In the NBA, everything is different, everything has been very specific for years. Here in Europe, we have to make moves to go forward and to help in the development of these things,” he said.