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Although the MVP nomination Ivan Opačak got in the 23th round didn't help Široki Prima pivo in achieving a victory, Opačak once again raised among best players in a league. Born in Zenica on April 23rd 1980 he made his first basketball steps in a local BC Zenica Čelik in 1997. Only a year later he joined the Addidas camp and was named the best player among such recognized names like Tony Parker, Sani Bečirovič, Vanja Plisnić etc. That earned him an invitation to USA and camp there but despite the interest of American clubs he stayed in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In 2002 he moved from Zenica to Široki Brijeg, won the national championship and the national cup. A year later he joined Italian second division club Virtus Ragusa and played there one season before moving to Vojvodina and Zenica Čelik later. Široki Prima pivo was his next destination in 2006 – for the second time in a career.

„Already during the time I was playing here for the first time I fell in love with this small city from Herzegovina and I immediately made some good friendships here. I just couldn't resist the offer I got from the club last year. For the first time I came here I fell in the team all of a sudden. Jakša Vulić, who coached the team at that time, sent me on the court already in a game against FMP after I made only one practice with a team. We celebrated the victory in over-time which was a sensation at that time and it is still registered as the only victory of the team from B&H; over one of the Serbian ones in the NLB League,“ explains Opačak.

You surprised also Bosna in the national cup a little later, didn't you?

The play-off was played in Aleksandrovac and Bosna was the top favourite. We were outsiders. Nobody thought we can achieve something significant but then we had an excellent performance in a final, we ran over Bosna. For me the national cup trophy was a big satisfaction. I only regret that we didn't win the national championship at that time too.

You seem to be more matured this season without any ups-and-downs?

I do agree, it is my best season so far although I had a good season also in Italy where I averaged 12 points and 5 rebounds per game. While playing for Zenica I was the best scorer in a league but the latter was, of course, of a lower quality then the Italian second one or the NLB. To sum up, the NLB league is the strongest I have played in so far. When you take into account that three teams are playing in Euroleague and three others in ULEB Cup, that gives the complete picture of how strong the league is.

Which game had a special meaning for you so far?

I think the one against Bosna was my best one, maybe not from a statistical point of view but from the emotional one definitely. Bosna is the biggest rival of Široki prima pivo in the national competitions. This rivalry often exceeds a simple championship game and that is why it is a big challenge. My personal motive was also very big at that time, I wanted to prove to my ex-coach Mensur Bajramović that I am something of a player.

You will play against Bosna also in the 2007 championship, this time under the new coach Josip Vranković?

That was a very good decision the club made. Vranković was my team-mate in the previous season and I do respect him. He needed only a couple of days to prove us he is very tolerant, friendly, he understands the game itself and problems players can have on and outside the court. We relaxed. I believe he is the right one to lead us toward the national championship trophy. My biggest wish is to win another trophy before getting married with my girlfriend Tanja.

Are you planning to stay in Široki Brijeg after the wedding?

That would've be my wish since I wouldn't mind staying here forever. But I haven't thought about it yet. I have a valid contract until the summer. When this season comes to an end, I will meet with the management of the club and we will see what are our expectations. I think we are able to become a hit in the next season if Stanko Barać stays for another season. Many think he is the best young player in B&H; who came to the scene after the war.