We usually read about Sasha Vujacic’s fans who started following him since the 2007-2008 season. This week, I’m delighted to feature Massimo Metus who has unwavering loyalty to Sasha since way back from his The Giant Killer days with the Snaidero Udine. Sasha and Massimo have gone a long ways indeed and now let’s get to know more about this devoted enthusiast from Udine, Italy.

How long have you been a fan?

I’ve been a fan of Sasha’s ever since he started playing for Snaidero Udine when he was young. Naturally, I’m also a Lakers fan ever since the “Showtime” of Magic and Kareem.

What was it about Sasha that first caught your attention?

I’ve always admired Sasha’s work ethic. He trains hard during practices and always gives 100% during games. It was clear to me from the beginning that he absolutely had to make it to the NBA.

What are some of your favorite things about Sasha?

I like Sasha’s grit, but also his politeness and willingness to speak to his Italian fans. When I was in the States (I visited LA and Chicago), he always stopped to chat with me and my wife in Italian after the games and took a few pictures.

Do you have a favorite Sasha moment or game?

My favorite Sasha moment was when he played against the Sacramento Kings — with only 1:18 to play off a pass from DJ Mbenga, Sasha made a slam dunk on his defenders. After his dunk, his teammates on the bench jumped in excitement and beamed with pride!

My favorite game was Game 3 of the last NBA Finals against Boston when Sasha managed to score 20 points in just 28 minutes.

Are you able to watch the games where you live?

In Italy, we’re able to watch the games through NBA League Pass or over the TV channel NBA TV. The only problem is the time difference. Italy is 9 hours ahead of California time, so the games are always in the middle of the night in Italy. That makes it hard to stay awake.

Do you have any game watching rituals?

Yes, my ritual before the game is to drink many cups of coffee to be awake.

What is it like being a fan in Italy? Tell us about the many Italian supporters of Sasha and the Lakers.

I’m proud to be an Italian fan of purple-and-gold and Sasha. In Italy, there is a forum called Lakers Land where many fans of the Lakers track everything that happens to our team daily. Here in this forum and in Italy, there are many fans who love the passion and commitment that Sasha puts in every game. Most of us follow every game of the Lakers live and are all very informed about the Lakers right now than in the past. Los Angeles is the most beautiful city for a Laker and the Lakers is the team that everyone wants to play for. And I can say that my friend Sasha plays and lives in the very best place in the world.

Did you watch any of Sasha’s games when he was still playing for Snaidero Udine? What’s your most memorable game of Sasha in Italy?

I’m pretty sure I watched almost all of Sasha’s games when he was with Snaidero Udine, but the most memorable one for me was his last game played at the “Primo Carnera Arena” in Udine in 2003. After two overtimes against the Lottomatica Roma, Sasha finished the game with 27 points and 67% off the 3-point line. It was incredible!

What difference do you see between The Giant Killer (Snaidero Udine) and The Machine (NBA)? How has Sasha’s game evolved so far?

Naturally I prefer “The Machine.” When he was playing for Udine, he was still young; but now with the Lakers, he has become a much stronger and better player. He has also managed to get more game time because of it and that has allowed him to become a World Champion.

If you could say one thing to Sasha, what would it be?

Just a “mandi…” and tell him you win with your heart!!!