The journalistic cliché mandates quite often we write sayings like “legend“, “huge“, “giant» to describe a great athlete. Between us, we often do it… rabies with the exaggerations us for many – who don’t particularly deserve it – with the result that the words somehow lose their essence.
There are, however, cases where whatever you say, whatever you write, are not mere exaggerations. Because, for example, Dino Raja and legend is both huge and giant! For “split mountain”, one of the top players who ever passed through our country, arriving, finally, to change the entire Greek basketball, possibly not enough words, with which we could talk about him. And they can confirm this, more than any other, his friends Panathinaikou and his Olympiakou.
Raja belongs to a very closed group of players, who managed not only to play in both, but to be loved by both. Until today. Where Dino, now 56, enjoys life away from the courts, as he himself admits. But he watches everything! That’s why we asked his opinion about the incredible things that are happening in European basketball this year – and not only that!
The Croatian speaks in sport-fm.gr about Slukas’ decision to do the… reverse route from what he had done, he explains why it is not so simple for Panathinaikos to reach a Final 4 again simply by making big transfers, he emphasizes that Olympiacos will be this year as well good, he talks about the ‘5’ position, picks his top five and remembers the… unforgettable 2001 fifth final!
Interview with Nikos Ralli:
What is Dino Raja doing today?
Nothing special to be honest. I’m just enjoying life away from basketball. Now I have much more time for my family and friends.
You are a man who made the journey from one Greek basketball legend to another. What do you think of Kostas Sloukas’ decision to go to Panathinaikos? Is there, after all, emotion, or betrayal if you will, in professional sports? Why is Sloukas now called a traitor by Olympiakos fans, just as those of Panathinaikos once called Spanoulis a traitor… You have experienced it, after all, you too.
He is a professional and should be respected for his decisions. Why he didn’t sign or why he signed is his decision alone. Many things go into this decision of his. I understand, however, that for me, being a foreign player, it was easier. Nor was just one person involved in the negotiations. I don’t know exactly what happened so I can’t really comment further.
Do you think that Panathinaikos, based on the moves it has made so far, can star next year and return to a Final 4?
Panathinaikos is a great team, but it is not so easy to get back to a Final 4. A lot of work needs to be done. It’s not that simple. In other words, just buy players and be done.
Check out this Instagram post.
Panathinaikos was looking high after the departure of Papagianni for Fenerbahce. As a tall person, what differences do you think there are now in modern basketball at this position compared to your own era?
The “5” position has recently changed in basketball. The dominance of the past, of the players who freed up the shot for everyone else, is over. Today is the generation of shooting by big guys. I miss the old basketball.
The best tall man in the world right now, who has also changed the position with what he does, is Jokic, who already won the NBA championship this year. Does he remind you at all of yourself? Granted he’s not the super athletic player, like you weren’t either, but he’s got a shot, pass and awesome 5-point moves…
Jokic is a terrible player. Brilliant, a basketball mind. There are some similarities, but it’s hard to compare different generations. Different times, different rules, different game.
How much, do you think, will the loss of Sluka and especially Vezenkov affect Olympiakos?
Olympiacos will be a good team again. Some adjustments have to be made, but the same applies to Panathinaikos: The most important thing is that a lot of work has to be done to adapt the new players to the system.
Check out this Instagram post.
What happened, finally, in the famous 5th final of OAKA in 2001?
The answer is very simple. They didn’t allow us to win! I was charged five times with steps in one game. A 34-year-old player with tons of experience. The message was clear.
I’m going to take you to something sad now. Drazen Petrovic. Is it true that you had a childhood fight just before he died? What was it, after all, that made him great?
Drazen was truly great for one reason only: He worked harder than anyone else!
Who are the top five players you’ve played with.
Drazen Petrovic, Toni Kukoc, Vlade Divac, Yuri Zdovac and me. But I have to say, too, that Bodiroga-Rivers were players I enjoyed playing with.
Although I’m giving you a hard time now, I want you to describe to me a very strong memory from Panathinaikos and one from Olympiakos.
With Panathinaikos, of course, I will never forget the titles we won, especially the one in Piraeus. In Olympiakos, unfortunately, I have to remember the game, which was stolen from us. Very bad memory, but on the other hand I had a great time playing in Piraeus and staying in Glyfada.
What do you think of Giannis Antetokounmpo?
Giannis is a beast! An incredible player with rare power. A pleasure to see him.
Basketball has changed a lot and is constantly changing. You’ve said in the past that there is no comparison between Michael Jordan and LeBron James or any other athlete. Would Jordan still be the best today?
I still believe that Michael Jordan is the one and only GOAT. But the comparisons are not fair. In any case, I think that no one was, is not and will not be greater than Jordan. However, I like the Euroleague better than the NBA.
NBA or Euroleague?
I much prefer to watch Euroleague…
The World Cup starts in a month. Do you see any team as a favorite? How far can Greece and Croatia go?
Mundobasket will be interesting. Many teams can become World Champions. Today basketball is really growing in a way that everyone is so close.
Source: Sport Fm
I am currently a news writer for News Bulletin247 where I mostly cover sports news. I have always been interested in writing and it is something I am very passionate about. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family and friends.
