Marko Scekic (207-F/C-1981, agency: BeoBasket) is a 41 year old 207cm power forward that is a retired Serbian player. He began his career in 1998 with Drina osiguranje Zvornik and retired in 2015. He played many years in Serbia and Bosnia, but also in countries like Poland, Italy, Slovenia and Germany. In Germany he played 2 seasons with the EWE Baskets Oldenburg and was teammates with Rickey Paulding helping the team win the 2009 BBL title. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his memories of Rickey Paulding.

Thanks Marko for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you?

I’m very happy you reached out to me. Right now I’m an assistant coach for my home town team in Bosnia. We play in the Adriatic league and this is my fourth year with the team as an assistant coach.

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the name Rickey Paulding?

The first thing that comes to mind is kindness. He was always a true friend. He has had an amazing career. He played at a high level for one team for a long time. I’m very happy to have been part of his career.

What was your first impression when you saw him on the court?

I didn’t expect him to be that athletic. When we began training camp, he was a little shy. Everyone had heavy legs at the start, but when the first friendly games began, he had so much athleticism.

He had so many amazing games in your two years, but was his play in games 3-5 against Bonn in the finals Rickey at his best?

He had so many great games when I was there and also so many more after I was gone. I remember watching a game some years ago where he sent a game into overtime with his three pointer. But yes those last games against Bonn were the toughest and best games from him. They had so much value.

How important has Rickey Paulding been for the EWE Baskets Oldenburg in his 15 years? Where would they be without him?

He was so important for the organization. I hope they remain connected. Oldenburg is a nice city with very nice fans. I had two very good years there. It was like family for me there. Rickey is like family and that is why he and Oldenburg fit together so well. They match perfectly and are a great combination.

You played two seasons with him and helped win the 2009 BBL title. What was your fondest moment on the court with him?

I have many fond moments with him especially in those championship games. But I remember a play against Real Madrid where I passed the ball through the opponent and he missed the lay up. He ruined my assist That was my fondest moment (laughing)

What kind of a connection did you have with him? The guy was loved everywhere. Do you have a special Rickey story that shows exactly the kind of guy he was?

Rickey is a fun guy and likes to joke, but also shy. He is a very open guy and we had so much fun those two years. I can proudly say that he only dunked on me once in the two years in practice. I don’t even know why I tried to block him because he is so athletic.

What kind of legacy do you believe will he leave in the EasyCredit BBL? Do feel that there will ever be another American that will be able to reach his longevity in that league?

I don’t remember ever one player playing that long for one team. Plus he was loved on and off the court. Simply great.

Closing words for Rickey.

I wish nothing but love for Rickey and continued hard work off the court and now you will start a new chapter in your life.