By Antonis Stroggylakis/ [email protected]
ABU DHABI (United Arab Emirates)– Fresh off a pair of fiery performances in the EuroLeague playoffs against Paris Basketball that pushed his team to the Final Four, Fenerbahce Beko swingman Tarik Biberovic is preparing for the greatest challenge of his career so far.
“There’s a saying: Playoffs are the place that differentiates the kid from a grown man,” Biberovic told Eurohoops on the eve of the EuroLeague Final Four. “That’s what I felt actually this year. This year, with these responsibilities, playing major minutes and having this kind of role. It required a lot of challenge and dedication, and I think I did well.”
“Last year was my first playoffs. That was a big, big challenge for me, “Biberovic also mentioned. “I didn’t understand it. The pressure was completely unlike the regular season. Coach Saras helped me a lot. We had a meeting and he told me that if I feel nervous. It’s OK. The problem is when you don’t feel nervous.”
Biberovic had 20 and 21 points, respectively, in the Game 2 and Game 3 wins. He shot 8 out of 12 triples in these matches.
After Game 3 and his 21-piece on 5-7 3-pointers, Fenerbahce tweeted a picture comparing Biberovic with Fenerbahce legend Bogdan Bogdanovic. It was quite a compliment for the 24-year-old sharpshooter.
Number 1️⃣3️⃣#YellowLegacy #EuroLeague pic.twitter.com/C6xQwhrkSG
— Fenerbahçe Beko (@FBBasketbol) April 30, 2025
While Biberovic naturally appreciates Bogdanovic and the impact the Serbian guard had at Fenerbahce, he emphasizes that he wants to carve his own path.
“I never hid this. I love the Bogdan Bogdanovic style and the way he played,” Biberovic said. “He’s a really good player, and comparisons are, of course, a nice thing. But he has his kind of story, and I have my kind of story.
“I’m Tarik Biberovic. Of course. I write my own story,” Biberovic added. “I respect his game. I used to watch his games and everything he did throughout his career. But I write my own story.”
A few weeks ago, Fenerbahce general manager Derya Yannier revealed that Biberovic, along with star forward Nigel Hayes-Davis, are attracting “serious interest from the NBA.”
This news kind of set an alarm off around Memphis as the Grizzlies own Biberovic’s rights, and the prospect of adding a machine of a sniper like him can be attractive for any NBA team.
“Right now, I don’t think too much about the NBA and all the rumors that are talked about,” Biberovic commented. “I told all my agents and everyone who’s dealing with this topic to stop. Because I have a very important weekend. Everything I was working for this year and my whole life will be summed up in this. I don’t want any distractions.”
Meanwhile, in Memphis, the media are informing Grizzlies fans on how they can check out Biberovic’s game in the Final Four.
“Of course, the more people who watch our game, the better. Bring all the fans to watch EuroLeague,” Biberovic responded.
Biberovic and Fenerbahce will enter the Final Four facing reigning champion Panathinaikos Athens. The same team that beat them in the semifinal last season.
Asked about what’s the biggest challenge about facing Panathinaikos, Biberovic pointed out at a notable team attribute and one specific superstar.
“They are a really – really aggressive team,” Biberovic said. “They are known for their offense. Of course, you don’t have to watch basketball to know that Kendrick Nunn is their best player actually. The thing that crowns their game is the competitiveness they play when they lose or when they win. They never give up. Last year they surprised us with their aggressiveness. This year we are prepared for everything they can do.”