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Doncic joined Real aged 13 and progressed to
win the 2018 EuroLeague and Spanish league double, being named
the youngest MVP of both competitions at 19 before leaving for
the NBA.
On Monday he was honored by Madrid's regional leaders, who named
him ambassador of the Spanish capital, and will be welcomed by
thousands of fans from the European champions, who are unbeaten
so far this season, in a sold-out Wizink Center.
"Most likely I wouldn't be where I am now if it wasn't for Real
Madrid. Here is where I learnt to ... study and to play
basketball," Doncic told a press conference on Tuesday.
"I'm delighted to see my old team mates, friends, coaches. But
for sure what I'm going to take with me is the Spanish ham.
"If one day I come back to play in Europe, it will be for Real
Madrid."
Five years on from his move to the NBA, Doncic has left an
indelible mark on Spain and Real Madrid, where he made 216
appearances and won seven trophies.
Besides spearheading Real's charge to a 10th European title and
being named tournament and Final Four MVP - the youngest ever -
he won an Intercontinental Cup, three league titles and two Copa
del Rey trophies.
The third pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, Doncic signed for the
Mavericks, where he continues to display his immense talent.
He was named Rookie of the Year in 2019 and has been in the
NBA's Best Five and All Star team in the last four seasons. In
2017 he also led Slovenia to a European gold medal.
"The reception is going to be very exciting for me and I am
looking forward to it," 24-year-old Doncic said of his
homecoming to Wizink Center in front of the Real faithful.
"I've been looking forward to this game for months, it's going
to be very special for me. One of the most special, if not the
most. I have tons of beautiful memories from all those years and
I am very happy to be here."
(Reporting by Fernando Kallas; editing by Ken Ferris)
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