Fred Haus for BBC: 'Vujošević didn't want us to take the easy way'
As rain began to fall more seriously one November night in 2003, turning into sleet, and the wind blew stronger, a man walking his dog in the center of Belgrade, almost surprised, stopped in front of a tall African American who seemed familiar to him.
TL;DR
- Fred Haus met coach Duško Vujošević by chance in Belgrade during a snowy night in 2003.
- Haus had one of his best games, scoring 39 points, against Cibona, leading Partizan to victory.
- Vujošević, who passed away at 66, was a significant influence on Haus, becoming a father figure and mentor.
- Haus initially struggled with the language barrier, with only one assistant coach speaking English.
- Communication with Vujošević involved lip-reading and hand gestures due to the language difference.
- Haus chose to stay with Partizan instead of pursuing an NBA opportunity, aiming to win the Euroleague.
- Vujošević's training methods were rigorous, and he expected players to work hard and not take shortcuts.
- Haus recalls specific games where Vujošević motivated him, even in moments of frustration.
- After leaving Belgrade, Haus played in Lithuania, Spain, Russia, Ukraine, and Kosovo, the latter causing some backlash from Partizan fans.
- Haus compares Vujošević's guidance to that of Mike Tyson's mentor, Cus D'Amato.