This week, I’m excited to feature a fan from Slovenia. Fifteen-year-old Blaž Knuplež lives in Sasha’s home town of Maribor, which he says is “the second biggest city in Slovenia, but it’s small compared to Los Angeles.” There is at least one thing L.A. and Maribor have in common, though – their love for number 18, Sasha Vujacic.

How long have you been a fan?

I’ve been a Lakers fan since Kobe and Shaq times. The Lakers have a great team this season and I’m sure they will win in the Finals. They are unstoppable without injuries.

I didn’t know Sasha until he got drafted by the Lakers. I woke up five minutes earlier every day and checked how he and other Slovenian players played. You could say I became a real fan last season, when he really played well and had an important role as a bench player.

What was it about Sasha that first caught your attention?

His shooting. He shot a lot of threes and many of them found their way in. Too bad he doesn’t take that many shots this season, but it’s nice to see him make a good pass, too.

What are some of your favorite things about Sasha?

His passion for the game, the fact he stays close with his fans and he is funny. I would say these things made the biggest impression on me. He has nice hair, but that doesn’t really make a big difference to me.

Do you have a favorite Sasha moment or game?

Game three against the Celtics last year, and it’s always special when Sasha dunks.

What is it like being a fan in Slovenia?

Of course we like Sasha. How can you not like him? But it’s difficult to watch him live on TV. First, there is an eight-hour time difference, so most NBA games are in the middle of the night. And there is only one NBA match on TV per week. I try to watch a couple of games online every weekend.

What do you think of Sasha playing for the Slovenian national team this year?

I can’t wait for this year’s EuroBasket. Not only Sasha, but all the best Slovenian players decided to play for the national team this year. We’ve never been stronger before. I’m sure that Slovenia is going to win a medal this year and Sasha is going to have an important role.

If you could say one thing to Sasha, what would it be?

Keep working hard on practices and giving 100 percent on the court. Go and take that Champion ring that should have been yours last season.