The Chicago Bulls of the 1990s are often regarded as the greatest team in NBA history. When people think of the 90s Bulls, the names that come to mind are Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, and, thanks to his successful coaching career, Steve Kerr.
One player who doesn’t get talked about enough is Toni Kukoc. The Croatian star was pivotal in the Bulls’ last three championships. If it wasn’t for Kukoc’s three-point shooting, the Bulls might not have gotten out of Game 7 vs. the Indiana Pacers in the 1998 Eastern Conference Finals.
The Bulls led 48-45 against the Pacers at halftime, but in the third quarter, the Bulls team looked tired, especially their stars, Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. Kukoc carried the Bulls’ offense in the third, scoring 14 of the Bulls’ 21 third-quarter points, as he shot 5-5 from the field and 3-3 from three.
Kukoc would go on to win three NBA championships and was named the 1995-96 Sixth Man of the Year. But did you know Kukoc had a unique pregame meal?
Toni Kukoc’s Unique Pregame Meal
Every NBA player has a meal they enjoy before a game. Most players have a simple meal, while others have a meal that some may scratch their heads at.
Toni Kukoc has a huge pregame meal that may stun you. According to his former teammate, Steve Kerr, Kukoc’s pregame meal should be enough to make one feel sluggish before running around on a basketball court.
Kerr told his story on NBA TV’s Open Court:
“But I’ll tell you a quick story about Toni Kukoc when he came over to the NBA,” Kerr said. “First game of the season, I asked him if he wanted to go grab a bite to eat. It’s about three o’clock in the afternoon, four hours before the game. He orders this feast: salad, appetizer, huge plate of pasta, chicken, glass of red wine, a dessert like tiramisu, and then he follows it up with an espresso. And I’m just in awe.”
This is certainly a lot to eat before a game. Also, the fact Kukoc has a drink of wine followed by an espresso surely would have one feeling energized while also sluggish. Kerr went on to explain what Kukoc said to him after Kerr asked him about his rename meal.
“I’m like, ‘Toni, this is your pregame meal,’” Kerr recalled. “He [Kukoc] goes, ‘In Europe, we eat a lot, we drink a little wine, we have espresso, we go back to hotel, take big sh*t, and then we go [play].’”
As Kukoc explained, European basketball players have different rituals and pregame eating habits compared to American players. It’s always interesting to hear different players’ habits in getting ready for a basketball game, and Toni Kukoc is no different.
We sincerely appreciate and respect you as a reader of our site. It would help us a lot if you follow us on Google News because of the latest update.
Thanks for following us. We really appreciate your support.
