Bogdan Karaicic to Sportal.bg: I came to Balkan because our passion and visions aligned

Welcome to Bulgaria and to Balkan. You have a very impressive coaching resume. What made you choose this project in Bulgaria?When I spoke with Nikolay and Mayor Ivan, I saw their vision. I can say that our passion and perspectives aligned. We face a significant challenge, but if we approach it correctly, the benefits for everyone will be immense. I like to say that life is about what you give, not what you take. I believe that here at Balkan, together with the people around me, I can offer a new perspective and new things – both for the club and for Bulgarian basketball. At one point, I felt that I wanted to try and give my best to help Nikolay, Mayor Ivan, and President Sasho achieve something special and improve the overall situation.

You previously mentioned wanting to have as many Bulgarian players as possible in the squad. Do you believe they possess the necessary quality and potential to perform well in the EuroCup, considering the demanding schedule on two fronts?For me, the most important thing the guys we've started conversations with possess is the desire and passion to do it. That's the first step to reaching a level where you gain experience. It's entirely sufficient for me that they have the desire to give their all. Even if, from a results perspective, we don't win every time on the scoreboard, I believe that internally, we will feel the victory. And probably all of Bulgaria will feel it too, because we've given our best and done it our way.

What are Balkan's specific goals, and what are your personal ambitions?My personal ambition is to treat my work as a gift every day and do my best to help others develop, which in turn develops me. In that sense, this is a great challenge and opportunity, because there are many areas where we can all grow – including myself. I don't necessarily want to be remembered, but I want that at the end of this project, everyone can say it was tough, but it was worth it. This should be a springboard for future generations to keep Bulgarian basketball at a EuroCup level or even dream of the EuroLeague. I don't want to set short-term goals like "must-win or lose." I want us to have a grand vision and ambition for building a sustainable project that will last for years in Bulgarian basketball.

You are also a national team coach. How do you balance these two roles? We know there's an interesting rotation within the Armenian national team staff.Yes, there are two of us. As I said here with Jovan, we share power, but not responsibility – one is always a little more to blame than the other. I work for the Armenian national team during the season when Rex Kalamian cannot participate due to his NBA commitments. In the summer, he takes over the team, and I, due to my EuroLeague and EuroCup commitments, can cover the FIBA windows during the season. The more male strength and resources there are, the greater the success and joy. That's my mantra – we're trying to develop things there, and I'll try to bring that approach here to Balkan and Bulgarian basketball as a whole.

What do you want to see from the team this season, and what is your message to the fans and the basketball community in Bulgaria?Passion, passion, and more passion. It all comes down to passion. Whatever you do, you must do it with great passion. It transforms into positive aggression, positive energy, and great things. Passion, dedication, effort, and focus – these are the words I wake up with every day. Give effort, give focus, unleash your passion, and good things will happen for everyone.

Finally, a slightly different question: you worked with a legend like Zeljko Obradovic and even led the team to the finals last year. What is the most important thing you learned from working with him?Simplicity and that people come first. Every success comes through people. If you treat them well, good things will happen because everyone will want to be part of the organization and the project. And the second thing – keep things simple. Don't overcomplicate things just to appear smart or show off. Do things simply and treat people well. These are the two main things I take from my work with Zeljko.