By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
MANILA, Philippines –Luka Doncic got disqualified during the game against Canada, however, he was in total control in the press conference after, when he openly accused the referees of the game of not wanting to call fouls on him.
As he explained: “I think everybody knows what my frustration was. The refs told one of the guys ‘We’re not going to call a foul on him because he’s coming at us’ I know I complain a lot but I don’t think this is fair. They were playing physically against me, but that’s not fair, to say something like this”.
Coach Aleksander Sekulic supported his star: “It’s difficult to play a game when you get hit constantly all game long. We work a lot on this, but it’s very difficult and it’s frustrating. You get tired of this. I don’t know if you understand, I know it doesn’t look good. It’s very, very difficult and that makes Luka so special because it’s tough to guard him in a legal way”.
Before that, Sekulic talked about the conditions of the tournament which were good, but “there were a couple of guys that didn’t like us”.
Doncic clarified that this has nothing to do with Dillon Brooks, but with the way, the refs treated him: “I respect Dillon, he is very physical, People may not like him, but I respect him for what he does. And he does that really good.”
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The Slovenian star gave credit to Canada and also to his team for the run they had: “First of all congratulations to Canada. They played a great, very physical game. They have one of the best players in the world. I am proud of my team, everyone gave 100% we should go back to the locker with our heads up. I am proud”.
He also has a good word for Philippino fans: “I appreciate the love, It’s been amazing, so many fans, and I hope we can get them the win in the next game”.
So what must change for Slovenia in the future in order to be in the medal round? “We were close honestly, it starts with me, I have to control my emotions better”, said Doncic.
Coach Sekulic also gave credit to Canada: “They have great players, great coach. We had a great first half, but we lost concentration in the third quarter. We didn’t score some open shots and in the end, their athleticism prevailed. I am proud of the guys, what they did is beyond amazing. Not just Luka, but everybody played much better than I expected them, considering the circumstances. We somehow controlled the game and the fast breaks. In the third quarter, we gave them too many transition opportunities, we gave them this advantage that seemed crucial in the end. They can match the US. I said before the start of the teams that Canada is one of the favorites to win the medal”.
PHOTO CREDIT: FIBA