By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Nikola Jokic, Vasilije Micic, and Nikola Kalinic won’t be assisting the Serbian national team in the upcoming 2023 FIBA World Cup, shifting the focus onto the new captain, Atlanta Hawks swingman Bogdan Bogdanovic.
A former player of Partizan, Fenerbahce, and the Sacramento Kings, Bogdanovic will assume the role of leader on Svetislav Pesic’s team on the court. This marks his return to the National team for the first time since the 2019 World Cup in China.
“I’ve forgotten a bit what it’s like on European courts; I’m getting used to it,” Bogdanovic stated to Meridian Sport.
The Serbian team has completed the initial phase of their preparations, engaging in two closed-door matches against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Poland. They are now moving to Greece to participate in the Acropolis Cup.
“Given that it’s a relatively young team, we’ve managed well. Preparations have proceeded smoothly, without significant injuries, which is of paramount importance. We’re prepared to compete and continue our preparations for the World Cup. We play a fast and attractive style of basketball; I can assert that beforehand and hope for the best, as always.”
Bogdanovic will be joined by Marko Guduric, Nikola Milutinov, Aleksa Radanov, Aleksa Avramovic, Stefan Jovic, Nikola Jovic, Dusan Ristic, Filip Petrusev, Nemanja Nedovic, Ognjen Dobric, Vanja Marinkovic, Dejan Davidovac and Borisa Simanic in Athens and his teammates are scheduled to face the host nation, Greece, as well as Italy.
“We are familiar with their basketball culture; each player exhibits their own distinct style of play. This will serve as a valuable test for us, and we’ll also gauge the audience’s perspective.”
Bogdanovic assures that the team is entirely focused on their current composition rather than dwelling on the absent players.
“To be honest, our time has been limited. We underwent intense training in Pazova, and various commitments kept us occupied. We didn’t excessively dwell on it; everything is proceeding as expected. Our main emphasis is on the championship itself, rather than who is present or absent.”
Notably, the Serbian U18 team recently clinched victory at the European Championship, triumphing in all tournament games in Nis and defeating Spain in the final. This success bodes well for the senior team as they prepare for the World Cup.
“We closely followed their progress, particularly in the elimination matches. They deserve full credit for their display of chemistry and teamwork. As the championship advanced, their performance improved—an attribute of great teams. We extend our congratulations on their gold medal,” Bogdanovic concluded.