Gregg Popovich was named the best coach of the season three times (2003, 2012, 2014). Gregg won NBA with “San Antonio” five times. Gregg and Tim Duncan are always winning a lot of games in the regular championship and playoffs. Popovich is a basketball encyclopedia and is always interesting to read.

Gregg Popovich was in Darussafaka sports complex (Istanbul) with “San Antonio”. Popovich brought Turkey and Europe one of the greatest teams of all time. First, the Texas club lost superfinal to “Miami” of LeBron and then “destroyed” the opponent.

Popovich was our respondent at the open training session of “San Antonio”.

- Mr. Popovich, how important is it for Miami” to win the superfinal, after failing to the same club a year ago?

- It was more pleasant than important but our main goal is to forget euphoria. The euphoria should not relax us. If we overcome the euphoria by motivation, then we will have successful series.

- How do you like Turkey?

- It is my eighth or ninth visit in Turkey. So, I know Istanbul and some other cities well. Part of the team have seen Sultan Ahmed, our coaches have walked in the streets. As an old man, I am trying to sleep well. I have lived in Istanbul for about a year and I love this city very much. Here are lots of city sightseeing and it is impossible to visit everything in three days.

- Can you ask Tim Duncan not to retire after this season?

- I do not know. We cannot control it. Tim’s body has to endure this pressure.

- What can you say about new coach of “San Antonio” Becky Hammon?

- He knows basketball very well. As a player, Becky was a leader of the team. He feels the game. Becky was with us last year, at the end of the regular championship and at the beginning of the playoff. He is a part of our organization and can bring the team a lot of new elements.

- And Ettore Messina?

- Coach Messina is my friend and he is one of the best specialists in the world. As soon as I had an opportunity, I immediately contacted Messina and suggested me to come to “San Antonio”. Messina is the best in Europe with Zeljko Obradovic and Dusan Ivkovic. We are lucky that he is with us today.

It is very important for me. I am learning a lot from him. Ettore just lives with basketball. Messina is the person who will not nod his head and agree with you just because you are his boss.

- So, Italian Popovich is coming to original Popovich?

- Yes.

- Will you be disappointed if you cannot keep the championship?

- Of course but it is impossible to win everything. No matter what happens, life goes on.

- What about the Turkish NBA players?

- I have always respected Turkish players. Hedo Turkoglu spent one season (2003-2004) with us. We are friends. He is still in good shape.

After the interview Popovich started an autograph session. Gregg is one of the greatest specialists of all time. Gregg is considered the best coach of all time with Red Auerbach and Phil Jackson.

Popovich gave us a wink and went back to the players.

Popovich is outstanding, like the entire “San Antonio”.

Eka Lolua, specially for worldsport.ge from Istanbul