McKinley Wright IV of Budućnost VOLI received his MVP award for the 2024/25 ABA League Regular Season last night, just before the first quarterfinal match against Mega in the play-off ABA league series at Mtel hall Morača. He has also been selected into the Ideal Starting Five of the season.
All that thanks to the outstanding games he played. This regular season he was averaging 12.8 points, 2.4 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 1 steal.
After the game he made time for MNE magazin to talk about this award, the season, his injury, last night's game and he also had a message to Budućnost's fans.
You are the first bearer of Dejan Milojević trophy. Dejan was a huge part of Budućnost and USA basketball as well. Having that in mind, how much does it mean to you to be the first one to win the Dejan Milojević trophy?
– It means a lot. I come to hear his history and his story, the legend he is, especially over here in Europe. It's a great honour. I'm appreciative and very blessed to be in this position. Thankful.
Mr Wright, does the MVP title come at the right time for you?
– Perfect timing. I put the work in all of our season, so, I'm glad it came right.
ABA league said that it is a true breakthrough season for you. How would you describe this season, what it brought to you?
– It's way different from the last one. In the last one, as you know, I had my ups and downs. This season, we are home and adjusted to the European style of the game. The work that I put in over the summer and the film that I watched, the film that I studied, kind of paid off this year.
You are very much loved by the fans here. They say: ,,Kin, bring us the title” What is your message to them?
– My goal is to bring them the title. We got the job halfway there, we finished as the number one seeded, so, honestly, it does not mean anything now. Now the important goal is to win the title.
What are your impressions from today's game?
– Really good game. I'm proud of our guys. Yogi played big time tonight. Rasheed played big time tonight. I'm really glad that our guys stepped up and got us a much important win.
What is your injury like? Do you expect to be back soon?
– Day to day. I'm going on rehab two or three times a day trying to get it back right. It could be the next game. It could be the game after. I'm not too sure yet, but it is getting better evey day.
Bojana Radonjić