By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
From a wave of reactions, especially in Serbian and Greek media, Svetislav Pesic clarified a recent statement about Andrej Stojakovic selecting Serbia for his senior international career, citing a misunderstanding. He was talking about Tristan Vukcevic, the 21-year-old forward/center of the Washington Wizards in the NBA instead of the 20-year-old winger of California in the NCAA.
“It was a misunderstanding,” he talked to Serbian outlet Danas about the situation emerging from his appearance on the Kida Show, “There was a question about our plan for young players from all around the world whose parents have dual citizenship. Those players grown up have become interesting prospects for the senior national team of Serbia. In that context and about the scouting of youngsters with passports in their respective countries of birth, the case of Andrej Stojakovic was mentioned. Upon the question, Dusko Vujosevic referred to a similar case with Tristan Vukcevic. My statement was about Vukcevic, not Stojakovic.”
Vukcevic was born in Italy, during his father’s stint with Montepaschi Siena. He was also eligible to play for Greece as his father Dusan holds Greek citizenship. Multiple international options stretched to Sweden via his mother, Jade Cicak. However, his plan is to represent Serbia in FIBA tournaments, as confirmed by Pesic.
Similar to Dusan Vukcevic, fellow retired player Peja Stojakovic holds Greek citizenship and his son was born in Thessaloniki, Greece. It remains unclear whether the promising upstart in Andrej will play for Greece or Serbia.
Photo Credit: FIBA