By John Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Serbia holds high hopes for the 2019 FIBA World Cup and Peja Stojakovic concurs via interview to FIBA. The former player and current director of player personnel and development of the Sacramento Kings was a leading member of the Yugoslavian National Team that landed the gold medal in the 2002 World Cup.
Looking back on the success at Indianapolis, he mentioned: “The way we were playing was very good” and furthered: “We had a super solid defense and a very efficient offense, so both ends of the floor were doing pretty good for us. It wasn’t an easy task to win this title, but with resilience, focus and hard work, we did it.”
“We worked hard to get ready for the competition and when we got some wins and in a good rhythm, we knew that we could go far” the 42-year-old Serbian-Greek said remembering Svetislav Pesic’s squad and went on to the Final against Argentina: “Their defense was so solid and intense.”
“They play with their pride and their heart, and those teams are always the hardest to beat. Oberto had a gigantic game and he almost carried his team on his shoulders. We had a good overtime and were able to push them to their limits and win the game. I remember when I heard the final buzzer, it was such a relief for all of us, and such a moment of joy, it was very emotional” he also mentioned.
Seventeen years later, Serbia is gearing up for the 2019 World Cup and Group Stage games versus Angola, Philippines and Italy. “I love the talent and chemistry in the National Team. There are so many guys, so much talent on this team. I’m looking forward to seeing them play in China and I think that they have every reason to be ambitious after what they’ve done the last couple of years.” he took out of the current squad.
Diving in the National Team, Stojakovic said: “With guys like Bogdanovic, Bjelica, Teodosic, Jokic and all the others, you can go far in the competition and bring something back home” and added: “They’re one of the best teams in the world and they are going to have a great campaign this summer.”
“The competition is going to be so interesting as so many teams can reach the top spots and fight for a medal and for the title” he admitted and explained: “Teams like France, Canada, Lithuania, but also Australia and Spain, for example, can reach the top three spots and have very good campaigns in China.”
In conclusion: “It’s interesting to see how the competitiveness in the world of basketball has been growing so much. There aren’t any easy games anymore and almost every team can go to the knockout stage and have great runs. The favorites will have to be careful and play every team with high intensity to not get any surprise.”
The 2019 FIBA World Cup will take place at China between August 31st and September 15th. Serbia has already announced its preliminary squad.
Photo Credit: FIBA