By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Interviewed by SportKlub, the Serbian national team head coach Svetislav Pesic confirmed Nikola Jokic’s participation at the 2023 FIBA World Cup. “Jokic is on the representative list, as the other candidates”, the 73-year-old former Barcelona head coach said.
After winning the 2023 NBA against the Miami Heat with a 4-1 in the series and being named Finals MVP, the 28-year-old Serbian superstar will be in the Philippines, where he’ll face China, Puerto Rico, and South Sudan. “I’m proud of Nikola Jokic’s contribution for what he did for Denver, his teammates, but also for many things that are not seen like results and a championship NBA ring“, Pesic said about Jokic’s amazing achievement.
Svetislav Pesic commented on Bogdan Bogdanovic being at the 2023 FIBA World Cup as well. “You know he only started playing in December, and right now he feels good. As he likes to say, since he has a good relationship with his body, he returned to America for another check-up, to get instructions from his doctor and physiotherapist. The most important thing is that he feels good”, he said.
Finally, the Serbian head coach talked about Oklahoma City Thunder‘s 21-year-old Aleksej Pokusevski. “We are expecting him at the end of this month in Belgrade, his shoulder popped out, and he is currently in the rehabilitation process. He is under a question mark, the agreement is to see him soon in the capital”, Svetislav Pesic added.
Nikola Jokic gave his all at EuroBasket 2022, averaging 21.7 points (6th best), 10.0 rebounds (4th in the competition), and 4.3 assists per game. However, Serbia ended the competition earlier than expected, losing against Italy in the Round of 16 despite the Joker’s losing effort double-double of 32 points and 13 rebounds.