Jan Vesely, veteran big man of FC Barcelona, recently reflected on his deep personal and professional connection to Belgrade and his former club Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade.
Speaking to Meridian Sport, Vesely revealed that his ties to the Serbian capital go far beyond basketball.
“I was baptized in Belgrade. I did everything, just missing the passport to become Serbian,” Vesely said. “I could do it, but I never rushed. Probably if I returned to Partizan, the first thing I’d do is get the passport.”
The Czech big man revisited his formative years with Partizan, recalling the intensity of daily training, demanding practices, and the influence of legendary coaches such as Željko Obradović. Vesely highlighted how the balance between criticism and praise helped shape his mentality and prepare him for elite-level basketball.
“The season didn’t stop. Life didn’t stop. Other players were there,” Vesely added. “Some people may disagree, but you have to play to the end,” reflecting on the professional mindset he developed in Belgrade.
Vesely also spoke about young players who remind him of his own early days, mentioning Nikola Kusturica as a talented and hardworking prospect with a similar mentality.
While fully focused on his current career, Vesely’s words underline a bond with Partizan and Belgrade that remains strong. This season in the EuroLeague, Vesely is averaging 8.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game.
“He always gives 100%, even when he’s dead tired, because he knows he has to,” Vesely concluded. “He has some of our old mentality.”
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