(Read this interview in Serbian language)

We talked to Milica about her basketball plans, her views on certain aspects of young athlete’s life in foreign country, and finally about conditions and opportunities to live and work in Turkey.

ISM -To get started, tell us how did you start you basketball career abroad?

Milica: It was unexpected, my contract with my previous team, K.K. “Herceg Novi”, expired at the end of June, and I received a very tempting offer form Turkish club. I didn’t have anything to lose, so I decided to take this offer.

ISM - Why did you decide to continue your basketball career beyond the borders of Serbia and Montenegro?

Milica: Every athlete languishes to play in foreign country. I was offered an opportunity to practice and improve, which is something that I really needed. I gave it a shot, and it turned out that I did the right thing.

ISM - How did you feel when you singed a professional contract?

Milica: I was just singing a paper at the moment, but I also felt like an independent person. However, at the same time I felt the anxiety knowing that I have to prove myself and justify the given confidence.

ISM - What were your wishes and yearnings when you were leaving SCG?

Milica: As I said before, I was afraid of a possible disappointment because I left my country as a young player; however, the head coach and coaching staff were full of understanding. My wishes were to prove myself as a player, earn a spot on the team, and to improve my game, which would open lots of possibilities in the future.

ISM - How were you accepted by the team?

Milica: I was surprised by the hospitability and assiduity of the peopled that welcomed me. It seems to me that everyone gave their best effort to make me feel welcome. I didn’t have hard time adjusting to new surrounding, foremost because of my teammates and my coach.

ISM - How much your country people's mentality differs from Turkish mentality?

Milica: People’s mentality can differ within a country, and differences are more obvious between separate countries. Apprehensions are different, and at the beginning it took me a while to get use to new environment.

ISM - Do you miss your food and what do you like to eat in Turkey?

Milica: Fortunately I’m not too picky about the food, Turkish food is very seasoned which bothered me at the beginning. However, everything is ok now; I think that chicken in Turkey is the best one I have ever had.

ISM - What do you do in your spare time?

Milica: Practices are usually hard, so most of the time I’m resting, listening music, or watching movies. Moreover, sometimes we all go out for a walk or to get some coffee. During the evenings I usually talk to my friends and family.

ISM - Many young adults think that “east” is something that is behind the west, is this really true?

Milica: Honestly, I thought that too. Everything that is “new” comes from the west; therefore we tend to think this. For the most part, the more I’ve learned and more people that I’ve met I realized that I was wrong.

ISM - Do you have any recommendations and advices to young athletes who are thinking to play abroad?

Milica: Everything you need is confidence and same luck. Majority of athletes think that everything is easier once you leave, but the real battle is just starting.

ISM - Now, let us talk about your basketball plans?

Milica: I don’t like to make long term plans. I would like to finish this season in the best possible way, and then everything else will be easier. In any case, I wouldn’t mind to play in Turkey the following season.

ISM - Would you like to play in WNBA? Since you play with a lot of players that are in WNBA, do you think that you have enough quality and talent so that you can maybe try out one day?

Milica: Of course, I would like to try to play there, but I’m still very young for WNBA. I’m aware how challenging WNBA is, but maybe one day it becomes a zenith of my professional career.

ISM - Do you have any advice to young girls following your steps?

Milica: They have to be aware that nothing comes over the night, and that there is a lot of hard work behind every successful athlete. Once, a coach of mine told me that a medal you receive at some competition is shiny on one side, but dark on the other. That dark side represents everything you have to sacrifice and give up to be where you are. I remember his words very often.

ISM - Perfume ?

Milica: Angel-Thierry Mugler

ISM - Food ?

Milica: Chicken

ISM - Singer ?

Milica: Ceca Raznatovic

ISM - Actor/Actress ?

Milica: Nikola Kojo

ISM - Cell Phone ?

Milica: Samsung

ISM - Fashion designer ?

Milica: I'm not in the world of fashion.

ISM - Country ?

Milica: Italy. (I haven't visited yet, but I hope I will, soon)

ISM - City ?

Milica: -

ISM - What are you afraid of ?

Milica: Sickness(Disease).

ISM - What makes you laugh ?

Milica: My brother’s jokes always make me laugh.

ISM - Finally, tell us why are you with ISM, and tell us something about the agency that represents you.

Milica: They are extremely professional, and full of understanding. Here, in Turkey, they are my second family. Thanks to their advices I’ve overcome all bad things that have happened.

ISM - Thank you on you time and best of luck in the future.

Milica: Thank you for everything you have done for me.

International Sports Management team