To many NBA players, the off-season, or to some of us, “summer vacation,” tends to be just that, a vacation. Some utilize this rare time to spend with their loved ones and relax, while others take advantage and get a head start on their training and conditioning for the upcoming NBA basketball season. For Sasha Vujacic, his summer basketball season will only begin as he will return to Europe to play for the Slovenian National Team in this year’s EuroBasket Tournament and will report on July 22, 2009. He will play alongside Sacramento King, Beno Udrih, and against Los Angeles Lakers teammate and friend Pau Gasol.

Sasha was born in the Socialist Republic of Slovenia, making EuroBasket a homecoming of sorts. He took part in the Slovenian junior national team prior to being drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2004 NBA Draft. He accomplished many things including, but not limited to, being a member of the Slovenian Under-20 National Team as well as the opportunity to play in the 2002 European Under-20 Championship. He established a diverse and solid basketball foundation in Europe, a style much different from that played in the United States.

2009 marked a grand year for this Slovenian-born player, as he won his first NBA Championship with the Los Angeles Lakers. But with great success, came great expectations and it was evident that Sasha did not have the breakout year he hoped for. “It’s not a secret that I shot the ball terribly this year. I was disappointed with myself, there’s no one to blame for that, no excuses to be found.” This was revealed during his exit interview at the season’s end.

Although he did struggle, he continued with rigorous off-court workouts and enthusiasm in his new role on the team. For some players, this may be compared to changing positions, as roles are that significant to the dynamic of the player and of the team. “I was struggling all year long to find a game rhythm and to catch what I found last year, to play with the same (freedom) that I did last year. That was missing, but I and (Phil) know what I am capable of.”

Also during the interview, he displayed a sense of hope, to prove that playing professionally throughout the summer will only benefit him. “That’s going to be crucial for me. Both Mitch and Phil agreed that that’s a good idea. A summer to get away, refocus and (find) rebirth. I need to completely clear my mind. We have games in Slovenia, and to be honest with you, slowly L.A. became home to me, so that has nothing to do with it. I’m confident playing for the National Team is going to bring that back.”

Sasha’s summer goal will be to not only regain his shooting touch and confidence in the game, but to come out as another champion in a league that was significant to his development as a basketball star.

EuroBasket is known to be compared to the NBA Finals, but on a much larger scale. It refers to a men’s championship, played by the national teams of many European countries. It also may also serve as a qualifier for the FIBA World Championship and the Olympics. More in-depth information about the tournament can be found at the tournament’s official site - http://www.eurobasket2009.org.