By Antonis Stroggylakis/ info@eurohoops.net
Bosnian national team director Sinisa Kovacevic said that Buducnost forbids guard Nemanja Gordic from playing in the first two games of Round 2 of the World Cup Qualifiers, held in September.
“Nemanja Gordic had said that he will arrive (at the national team camp) on September 9. But unfortunately, he’s not coming. Not because he doesn’t want to. But because Buducnost isn’t allowing it,” Kovacevic said to Bosnian website Sportspot.ba.
Bosnia begins the second stage of the World Cup Qualifiers tied with Bulgaria at the last spot of Group K with a 2-4 record. The upcoming matches vs. Finland (September 13) and Czech Republic (September 16) are critical regarding the national team’s chances of qualification since the top three teams from each Group advance to the World Cup.
Kovacevic used some pretty harsh words against Buducnost. “They are very wrong in Buducnost. I can’t understand the behavior of these people. They insist that he [Nemanja Gordic] stays with the club and just forbid him (to play for the national team) while allowing others.”
French national team guard Edwin Jackson, Montenegro guards Nikola Ivanovic and Petar Popovic, swingman Suad Sehovic (also Buducnost captain) and forward/center Filip Barovic, are among the players of the ABA League champions that have already joined their national teams and are expected to play in the upcoming Qualifiers games.
“We called the coach of Buducnost and the president of the club but they won’t let him. Jasmin Repesa [Bosnia head coach] also contacted them. I have contact with him [Gordic] many times each day and he wants to come, 100 percent, but Buducnost doesn’t let him,” Kovacevic said.
Kovacevic also mentioned that Gordic’s absence is crucial for Bosnia due to the lack of other players in the team’s backcourt. He also said that the federation is ready to take the matter to FIBA.
“We are shorthanded in the position of a playmaker and we have no one to replace him. “We are ready to report this to FIBA and seek justice. They are scared to lose that fight. We are shorthanded in the position of a playmaker and we have no one to replace him.”
Photo: FIBA