Kevin Pader: “If I get an offer to play for the Serbia national team, I’m open, it’s a unique opportunity”

He went through Olympiakos, Red Star, Armani Milano and found his “port” in Zeljko Obradovic’s Partizan, where he has been playing since 2021. The reason for Kevin Pader, the new captain of the Belgrade team and only the second foreign player to take the burden of leadership.

In an interview with Serbia’s Vecernje Novosti, Pander spoke about his relationship with the country and the possibility of wearing the jersey of the national team of Serbia in the future.

His statements in detail:

“I have developed a special relationship with Serbia. I sincerely love Serbia and got a passport some time ago. I heard that there is talk about playing in the national team. If I am offered, I am open to the possibility. It is going to be.” I will definitely limit my free time during the season, but it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I will be the first American in the history of the Serbia national team and it will be my pleasure to respond to that. But I don’t think about it. All my focus and dedication is on my season with Partizan.”

For the leadership role in the team: “It’s a great honor and it’s not often in the history of the team that a foreign player is the captain. It gives me an additional responsibility. It’s very nice and the fact that I’m the first American captain makes it so it even more special.”

I’ll try to lead the team on and off the pitch like last season. I will bring the same energy and approach to every game. The kids know they can come whenever they want and ask me anything or talk to me about basketball or life.”