George Blagojevic on his big night against the Breakers

A career night by George Blagojevic has proved again he has the mettle to mix it in the NBL, but the Taipans forward will not rest on that performance as the team prepares for a month in Melbourne.

A CAREER night by George Blagojevic has proved again he has the mettle to mix it in the NBL, but the Taipans forward will not rest on that performance as the team prepares for a month in Melbourne.

Confusion at Kouat Noi being benched early in the 84-69 win against the Breakers made way for one of the biggest cheers of the night when Blagojevic hit his first NBL triple just 30 seconds later.

Taipans George Blagojevic. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)

The roof almost popped off the Taipans’ temporary home at the Snag Pit when he sunk the three, on his way to arguably his best performance in a NBL game, which featured 10 points, two steals and a block.

“It felt good,” Blagojevic said. “I know the Orange Army is behind me. It was good to get a good three for them, and then the win.”

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Blagojevic has quietly gone about his business on the practice court, and despite limited minutes during games has proved time and again that he will get his job done.

Former NBL playing duo and broadcast team members Peter Hooley and Cam Tragardh both talked up Blagojevic’s impact in Monday night’s win, praising the way the 24-year-old got straight to work.

“I was given a bit of an opportunity. I was waiting for it, so gave as hard as I could and it worked out well,” Blagojevic said.

“I knew with Mirko (Djeric) out I’d be given more of a chance to play, so I was ready to go, whether it was in the beginning or later in the first.

“It’s a long season, there’s more games than last year, so I’ve got to be ready to play at all times. Whether that’s every game, select games, I’ll be ready to go.”

Coach Mike Kelly highlighted some of the work Blagojevic has done in his limited court time, particularly at the defensive end, and was clearly happy with the way the Geelong product took advantage of the opportunity.

“There’s been times he came off the bench, just for a short defensive possession or two and done really well,” Kelly said.

“But I think in extended minutes, he got to the bucket, knocked down a three, made his free throws - he’d be feeling really good about himself right now, but he defended really well.

“I trust him.

George Blagojevic. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)

“Sometimes it’s hard because Jordan Ngatai, Kouat Noi, Mojave (King) and Mirko are in the 2-3, so when he gets his opportunity I hope he takes advantage of that every time.”

Blagojevic said he wasn’t put off by his early injection into the action, stressing the importance of being ready to play at all times.

“It’s just staying ready for those positions and being confident,” Blagojevic said.

“You don’t want to be coming in and not knowing what you’re doing, and being shy for the ball. You want to be going after the ball every time, making plays defensively is probably the most important.

“You’re not going to get the ball all the time on offense, we’ve got some great ballhandlers, some great scorers, so we try to make an impact where we can.”

The Taipans will travel to Victoria on Friday for a clash with Melbourne United at Bendigo on Saturday. They will remain in Melbourne until at least mid-March to complete the NBL Cup.

Follow @MMcInerney89

Originally published as George Blagojevic on his big night against the Breakers