By Antonis Stroggylakis/ info@eurohoops.net
Dallas Mavericks guard and reigning EuroLeague MVP Luka Doncic wrote a message of support directed to the players of the Slovenian national team ahead of Round 2 of the World Cup Qualifiers, in light of his absence from the games.
Doncic confirmed that he’ll miss Slovenia’s upcoming matches (vs. Latvia on September 14, and Turkey, three days later) something which essentially means that he won’t play in the Qualifiers at all since the games will be concluded on February.
Here’s the message Doncic posted on his social media profiles:
“The last weeks following my arrival in America have been an incredible carousel of cravings and new excitements. It is difficult to describe how eagerly and enthusiastically I’m waiting for the games with Dallas Mavericks and to begin the hard work to achieve the goals that we have set up with the team. Before that, I want to share my feelings with you, my teammates, my “brothers”. I know that everyone knows that there’s no greater honor for me than playing for my homeland. My thoughts are with you who preparing for the World Cup Qualifiers. Although I can not be with you, I’m sure you will do your job well. One of my most important achievements in my life was being part of the winning team that won the first and only gold medal in Slovenia. My intention is to be one of the leading members in our next battle in an elite level competition. Next month, I’ll be watching and cheering! But to my boys: Show them who you are! Continue what we healed together! I’ll be with you soon.”
Doncic said that he plans to be one of the leaders of the team in an “elite level competition”, implying that if Slovenia advances to the World Cup, then he will play in the tournament. For this to happen though, Doncic’s teammates have to win what is pretty much an uphill battle in the Qualifiers.
Slovenia, the EuroBasket 2017 champion, is currently the straggler among six teams in Group I with a 2-4 record. They will have to finish at least third in order to qualify in the World Cup, otherwise, they will just move to the 2021 EuroBasket Qualifiers. Currently, Spain (6-0), Turkey (4-2) and Latvia (4-2) hold the top three spots and thus an advantage over fourth Montenegro (3-3), fifth Ukraine (3-3) and Slovenia.
Doncic averaged 14.3 points, 8.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists in the EuroBasket 2017, helping Slovenia win the gold medal with an undefeated run. He was named in the All-Tournament Team.