Carlik Jones: No Room for Red at Partizan, Respect for the Derby

Partizan point guard Carlik Jones talked about his career, his life in Belgrade and the team's difficult period on the EuroInsiders podcast. Jones recalled that he came through the Summer League in Dallas, was not drafted, and played for a development team. He said that after brief stints with the Denver Nuggets and Chicago Bulls, he went to China despite being named G League MVP, giving up his NBA goal. He joined Partizan after his performance for South Sudan at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Describing his arrival at Partizan, Jones said his agent Željko wanted to work with him. He noted that knowing Dwayne Washington, Sterling Brown and Frank Ntilikina also played a part in his decision. Among the memories he shared were a motorcyclist recognizing him at a red light in Belgrade and being recognized at a restaurant.

On objects thrown onto the court by fans, Jones said he was affected by it but has gotten used to everything. He recalled that during a Cup game, a lighter flew past his face as he was about to take a free throw, and he missed the shot. He said that during the team's difficult period, fans forced their way into the training area, and they felt concerned for their safety. He also said that being booed in the Bayern game was one of the craziest things he had ever seen.

Speaking about the Red Star derbies, Jones said winning away is sweeter. He said he respects rival fans and does not hate their players, while adding that he does not like the color red, so he is not interested in anything with red on it.