Zach LeDay, one of the key players for Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade, recently shared an eye-opening story about the time when legendary coach Željko Obradović threatened to send his teammate, Mathias Lessort, home during a preseason game. The story, shared in a conversation with Chima Moneke on The Triple Threat Show, gives fans an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the intense nature of Obradović’s coaching style and the significant impact it had on Lessort’s performance.
Mathias Lessort’s Preseason Struggles
During Partizan’s preseason preparations, the team faced a challenging game against a team like Borac Čačak. While it may seem like just another exhibition match, it turned out to be a pivotal moment in the relationship between the players and their head coach. The team had suffered a heavy loss, and tensions were high the following day during their film session.
LeDay recalls that during the film session after the game, Coach Obradović, known for his tough and demanding nature, was visibly frustrated with the team’s performance. His main target at that moment was Mathias Lessort, the talented forward who was having a rough outing. According to LeDay, Obradović didn’t hold back and issued a stern warning to Lessort.
“It was preseason, we are playing Borac Čačak or someone like that, they win by like 20, can’t really remember now. We watched film the next day and Zeljko started going crazy,” LeDay explained. “Mathias didn’t have the best game, it’s preseason, we are trying to get in shape, man he told Mathias he’s going to send him home. He told him if you don’t play good the next game I’ll send you home.”
This strong statement from Obradović was a wake-up call for Lessort, who had to deal with the added pressure of proving himself after a subpar performance. It’s clear that the coach’s approach was meant to push the players to the limit and motivate them to elevate their games, but at the time, it was a tense and uncomfortable moment for Lessort.
The Transformation of Mathias Lessort
Despite the intense pressure from Obradović, Mathias Lessort showed a remarkable response. Instead of backing down or becoming disheartened, Lessort used the coach’s harsh words as fuel to improve his performance. LeDay goes on to explain how Lessort responded in the most dramatic way possible — by turning his game around completely.
“We went to Barcelona, preseason game, Mathias has something like 20 points and 12 rebounds,” LeDay said with admiration. “Zeljko knows how to press people, and Mathias got mad, you know Mathias already, he got mad, and the rest is history.”
Lessort’s explosive performance in Barcelona is a testament to his character and resilience. He took the challenge head-on and delivered an outstanding performance that not only silenced the critics but also proved his worth to his coach. This moment marked a turning point for Lessort, and it would go on to define his career at Partizan.
The powerful response to Obradović’s ultimatum is a perfect example of how the coach’s demanding style can bring out the best in his players. In Lessort’s case, the pressure became a motivating factor that led to one of the best performances of his career. It was a turning point in his relationship with Obradović, and from that moment on, Lessort would go on to become an indispensable part of the team.
The Significance of Obradović’s Coaching Style
Željko Obradović is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball coaches of all time, and his ability to push players to reach their maximum potential is one of the key reasons behind his success. His demanding nature and high expectations have earned him both praise and criticism, but one thing is certain: his methods work.
Obradović’s coaching style has often been described as tough love, where players are pushed to their limits and challenged to perform under pressure. While some may view his approach as harsh, the results speak for themselves. His ability to motivate players like Mathias Lessort to perform at their best, especially under difficult circumstances, has been a hallmark of his long and successful career.
For Lessort, the preseason incident was just one example of the type of pressure Obradović places on his players. It was a moment that showed how the coach could use adversity to bring out the best in his team. And for Lessort, it was a reminder that, no matter the circumstances, he had the ability to overcome challenges and thrive.
Mathias Lessort Growth at Partizan
The preseason incident with Obradović was just the beginning of Mathias Lessort’s growth as a player at Partizan. Over the course of his time with the team, Lessort continued to develop both his skills and his mental toughness. His performance on the court improved drastically, and he became one of the key players on a team that was looking to make a deep run in the EuroLeague and other major competitions.
Lessort’s versatility as a forward allowed him to contribute in multiple areas, whether it was scoring, rebounding, or providing solid defense. He quickly became a fan favorite due to his high-energy style of play and his ability to perform in clutch moments. It was clear that Obradović’s intense coaching methods had paid off, as Lessort had transformed into a dominant force on the court.
The growth of Mathias Lessort at Partizan was not just a result of his natural talent, but also the guidance and pressure applied by Obradović. Through tough love and consistent pushing, Lessort was able to take his game to the next level, and the results were evident in his standout performances during crucial matches.
Lessons Learned from the Obradović-Lessort Dynamic
The dynamic between Željko Obradović and Mathias Lessort offers valuable lessons for players and coaches alike. It shows how difficult situations and intense pressure can lead to incredible growth if handled the right way. Obradović’s approach of challenging his players to rise to the occasion is a reminder that growth often comes from discomfort and adversity.
For Lessort, the preseason incident was a turning point that shaped his career and his mentality as a player. It taught him that, even in difficult moments, he had the ability to rise above the challenge and prove his worth. This lesson will undoubtedly stay with him for the rest of his career, and it will continue to inspire him as he faces new challenges on the court.
Conclusion: A Relationship Built on Respect and Growth
The story of Mathias Lessort and Željko Obradović is a prime example of how a strong coach-player relationship can lead to growth and success. Obradović’s tough coaching style may not always be easy to handle, but it’s clear that it can bring out the best in players like Lessort. The preseason incident, which could have been seen as a low point, ultimately became a defining moment in Lessort’s career and solidified his place as one of Partizan’s most valuable players.
Through hard work, determination, and the guidance of a legendary coach, Mathias Lessort was able to transform his game and become an integral part of the team’s success. The relationship between Obradović and Lessort remains a testament to the power of coaching and the impact it can have on a player’s development.
