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Checking in with Lubos Barton
Posted by: PaulOren on October 6, 2009 at 3:33PM EST
I recently had the chance to catch up with one of Valparaiso's all-time greats, Lubos Barton. Barton played with the Crusaders from 1998-2002 and helped stabilize the program after the graduation of Bryce Drew.

Thought to be a rebuilding year in 1998-99 after the Sweet Sixteen season, Barton and his "Young Guns" teammates (including Milo Stovall, Greg Tonagel and Jared Nuness) led the Crusaders back to the NCAA tournament. Barton returned to the postseason two more times during his four-year career and ranks 4th all-time in points (1,675), 4th in rebounds (753), 6th in assists (360), 1st in steals (190), 7th in blocked shots (74) and 2nd in 3-pointers made (244).

Since graduating, Barton played three years in the Italian League/Euro League, first with Fortitudo Bologna for a season and then two years with Virtus Roma. From 2006-2008, Barton played with Joventut Badlona in the Spanish League and has become a force in European basketball. Barton helped win the FIBA Cup in 2006, the ULEB Cup in 2008 and the Spanish Cup in 2008. Because of his success, Barton moved to FC Barcelona in 2009 and helped lead his team to a Spanish League title and a spot in the Final Four of the Euroleague. 

What are your thoughts on the NBA? Do you still hope to play in the league? Would you have done anything differently ?

I would be lying if I said I didn't want to play in the NBA. It is still the best league in the world, but there is also very good competition in Europe. I probably wouldn't change much regarding the steps I made in my career. Money is good in Europe and at least I get to play.

What is your fondest memory of your time at Valparaiso? Is there a game or two that sticks out in your mind?

I was so used to winning games at Valpo, so I probably remember more games we lost. Especially those in the NCAA tournament and the title game in the Mid-Con against Southern Utah my junior year.

Who was the toughest player you played against during your time at Valpo? Who has been the toughest in the pros?

In college, it was Mateen Cleaves and the entire Michigan State 2000 NCAA champs. In pro, it has been Dirk Nowitzki.

Do you stay in contact with any of your old teammates? Do you keep up with the current team?

I'm in contact with some players, but it is not as often. Now Facebook helps a lot. I do keep up with the Valpo team, but as time goes by, I don't know the players personally, so I don't have that much interest as I used to have the first couple years after I graduated. Just normal stuff.

Anything you want to add to the Valparaiso fans?

That I always enjoyed playing in front of them and always felt their support throughout the years. Good memories and I hope that they do remember the four years when I played.

 

 

 


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Get the scoop on everything from basketball to soccer to softball at Valparaiso University and the stats, standings and shenanigans of the Horizon League.

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