By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Two players are sidelined from the Serbian National Team just ten days before the 2023 FIBA World Cup. Alen Smailagic and Uros Trifunovic from Partizan Mozzart Bet won’t be able to participate due to their injuries.
Serbian head coach Svetislav Pesic now has 15 players at his disposal, so he will face three unpleasant decisions to finalize the roster.
“Unfortunately, we can’t rely on Smailagic. He suffered a severe viral illness and managed to recover but lost six or seven kilograms and could not train at all. Trifunovic is struggling with a lingering injury. He began training but couldn’t continue. I feel sorry for them; they are good guys. Let’s hope luck is on our side so we can qualify for the Olympic Games, and they will have a new chance,” coach Pesic stated ahead of the preparatory game against Puerto Rico in Belgrade.
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Talented Crvena Zvezda player and MVP of this year’s U18 European Championship, Nikola Topic, has recently joined the National Team.
“He’s a wonderful guy, deserving to be among the best players. He’s learning from the veterans and contributing to the senior players. He’s here to gain experience.”
Experienced Zaragoza point guard Stefan Jovic has resumed training.
“His knowledge and experience undoubtedly hold significant value for this young team. He brings stability. We are eagerly awaiting his return to the physical condition required for a tournament like the World Championship,” concluded Pesic.
After a match against Puerto Rico, Serbia will also face China and Brazil in Shenzhen before traveling to the Philippines for the World Cup, where they are placed in Group B alongside China, South Sudan, and Puerto Rico.
Photo: fiba.basketball