If you ask Sasha Vujacic about one of his inspirations, he will most likely mention his family. He shares a special bond with them and credits them as the people that help make up who he is today.

When I talked to Sasha at dinner in November 2009, Sasha told me that his parents are his role models and they have always been supportive. In our very first team dinner with Sasha in March 2009, he told me that his mother, Ksenija, usually prepares lunch for him before home games. His stepfather, Goran, is occasionally seen at some of Sasha’s public appearances, donning a camera with him to capture Sasha’s special moments off the court. They have sacrificed so much for Sasha so he could follow his dream of playing basketball professionally and it has paid off well.

Earlier this year, Sasha had the opportunity to pose with his sister, Nina, for an article written by Tony Ciniglio for local newspaper, the Daily Breeze based in the South Bay area of Los Angeles. Nina is a senior in high school and plays volleyball for her school’s varsity team. When asked about his experience with Nina for the Daily Breeze, he said, “It was a great experience and it was good being with her.”

In addition to being an excellent volleyball player, Nina is an excellent student. According to Ciniglio’s article, Nina holds a stellar 3.8 grade point average, which is high enough to get her into top-notch universities around the country. As to where Nina will be going to college, Sasha expressed that he would like her to stay in California so she can be close by.

When Nina came to the United States with her family in 2004 when Sasha got drafted to play for the Lakers, she did not speak English and it was tough for her to learn it. Fortunately she managed and found her place.

Sasha and Nina’s younger brother Al is also in high school and like Sasha, he is a basketball player. Sasha told me that Al is “very talented, especially in sports. Everything comes easy for him.” In Ciniglio’s article, Sasha mentioned that Al possesses a high basketball IQ and they practice basketball at nights.

Of course, like most siblings do, he sometimes picks on Al and Nina. When I asked Sasha what he likes to do with his brother and sister, he told me that he likes to goof around with them and laugh. He also added that they go to the movies and hang around the South Bay, which they have called home for almost six years.

I also asked if Sasha thinks Al and Nina would follow in his footsteps and become professional athletes. He responded, “I want them to be happy and for them to do whatever they want to do.” As their big brother, Sasha is also looking out for Al and Nina’s best interests.

Some of Sasha’s childhood memories with his family usually revolve around yearly holidays and Christmas. In fact, he said that “The month of December is special for us because we are not always together.”

To Sasha, family values are important and his family is a wonderful support system. The tight bond he has with his family helps to keep him grounded. His family also helped him transition to life in the United States and in the NBA and they will always be there for him every step of the way.

And he will always be there for them.

Photo of Sasha and his sister Nina: Taken by Scott Varley of the Daily Breeze