Dylan Osetkowski – The “secret” about Presley and Pavarotti, work ethic and childhood role models

Dylan Osetkowski signed with Partizan this summer, marking his return to the EuroLeague after three years.

The American, who also holds a German passport, has spent his entire professional career in Europe. He played in the Bundesliga for Ulm and Gottingen before joining Asvel. From 2022 to 2025, he starred for Unicaja, establishing himself as one of the team’s key players.

During his time with Unicaja, Osetkowski won two FIBA Champions League titles, two Copa del Rey trophies, and a Spanish SuperCup. Last season in Liga Endesa, he averaged 11.3 points and 4 rebounds per game, demonstrating that he is ready to compete once again on Europe’s biggest stage.

In this article, we take a closer look at some lesser-known facts and fascinating details from Dylan Osetkowski’s life and career.

Texas, Cory Osetkowski, Kevin Durant…

Dylan’s biggest “rival” growing up was his brother Cory Osetkowski, who later played NCAA basketball for the Columbia Lions. Their mother, Sabina Osetkowski, shared in an interview with the Houston Chronicle what it was like to witness her sons’ development firsthand.

,,It was ugly (she laughed), there were many a time it was World War III in the driveway. As a mom it was just like, oh my gosh. Dylan was always the bruiser. Dylan would get very frustrated with the height advantage Cory had, so he was a little more of a bully, aggressive is an understatement, let’s put it that way. Cory would come in the house and was like, ‘I’m done! I’m never playing with him again.’”

Dylan Osetkowski has reportedly always been a big fan of Kevin Durant, and in 2017 his dream came true when he got the chance to play for the same college as “KD” – Texas.

Dylan Osetkowski delivered one of the most emotional performances of his Texas career against TCU. On the day the team learned that their friend and former teammate Andrew Jones had been diagnosed with leukemia, Osetkowski hit a clutch three-pointer in double overtime to seal the 99:98 win. The Longhorns dedicated the win to Jones, turning a tense game into a heartfelt tribute.

The relationship between Dylan Osetkowski and Matthew McConaughey

Matthew McConaughey, the Academy Award-winning actor known for Dallas Buyers Club and Interstellar, has long been more than just a Hollywood name. Over a career spanning decades, he’s earned critical acclaim, an Oscar, a Golden Globe, and countless other accolades that have cemented his place in cinematic history.

But McConaughey is just as well-known for his connection to the University of Texas. A proud alumnus and lifelong supporter of the Texas Longhorns, he’s become a true symbol of school pride, regularly showing up at games and championing the university’s athletic programs.

His passion for Texas sports has made him a lasting figure in the Longhorns community, bridging the worlds of Hollywood and college athletics.

For Dylan Osetkowski, that connection to McConaughey started early. Growing up in San Diego, Dylan admired the culture and legacy surrounding the Longhorns, and seeing McConaughey involved added an extra layer of inspiration.

,,My relationship with Matthew McConaughey. Hands down. I hear from my mom all the time like, ‘You talk to him? You talk to him?’ Yeah, I talk to him every now and then” – Dylan Osetkowski said.

Kevin Garnett, Hakeem Olajuwon and an incredible work ethic

Dylan Osetkowski has stated that his role models were Kevin Garnett and Hakeem Olajuwon.

,,I watched a lot of young Kevin Garnett when he was with the Timberwolves just a lot of his back to the basket stuff. Some Hakeem Olajuwon stuff out of the long post, face-up. Both of those guys are just extremely crafty down there. They know how to use angles, know how to use their feet.

I’m not really a guy that’s just going to just back you down and rise up and dunk. I’ve got to use my pivots, shot fakes, ball fakes, all the stuff they did. My dad was always big on me, when I was younger, to pass the ball, find my teammates” – Osetkowski said.

Texas head coach Shaka Smart has spoken about Osetkowski’s strong work ethic.

,,He’s really transformed his body and has worked at the areas of the game that he needs to continue to grow and develop in. Dylan was on the bike at 6 a.m. in the hotel to make sure his training is where it needs to be.

I think it’s added a level of confidence, he’s been arguably our best player in practice. We want Dylan to be a guy that goes after something, as opposed to playing with avoidance… We want him to have fun and attack and go after having a great year” – Smart said.

Luciano Pavarotti and Elvis Presley

In an interview with Malaga Hoy, Dylan Osetkowski explained why he chose to tattoo Luciano Pavarotti and Elvis Presley on his leg.

,,I love music. When I was a kid, I tried my hand at the saxophone. I didn’t like it, but my brother was incredible at it. My brother played guitar, I played drums. Music has always been a part of my life. With my family, I’ve always been surrounded by music. My brother listens to music. My dad always plays music during family dinners. My dad is someone I associate with Pavarotti. During dinner, he loved performing Pavarotti.

My grandmother adores Elvis, so every time I hear something by him or see an image she likes, it triggers thoughts of my family. They knew this was something I wanted to have tattooed on me, and I did it.”

Asked about his favorite Elvis song, he gets emotional recalling his grandmother:

,,There’s an acoustic gospel album with the song ‘Crying in the Chapel.’ It’s a beautiful song, minimal instrumentation, where you can really feel and hear the voice. That’s my grandmother in my mind. It’s our favorite album.”

Osetkowski also spoke about his travel experiences.

,,I applied some of the opportunities that professional basketball has given me here in Europe. I’ve been to Germany, France, Spain… traveling across Europe. The more I engage with life, the more I want to remain a sponge, learning new things, discovering new cultures, and meeting new people.

I traveled alone for two weeks, just going wherever, one day in Vietnam, the next in Bangkok, Thailand, planning my day spontaneously: meeting people, visiting a museum, getting some food… What do I take from this? I take whatever I can. I can wake up in a new country every day and make the most of it.”

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