By John Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Serbia launched its preparation stage ahead of the 2019 FIBA World Cup set to take place at China between August 31st and September 15th. Sasha Djordjevic talked about his National Team’s high goals in the competition during the press conference at Belgrade admitting that securing a medal is always the target for Serbia.
“I hope we can avoid injuries and travel to China with the strongest squad possible” he noted and stressed: “All of the players desire a medal. It is always our goal, our obligation as well. We will do our best to return with one of the medals.”
Aside Nikola Jokic who will join his teammates on August 2nd and Ognjen Kuzmic who was involved in a serious car accident and replaced by Nikola Jovanovic, the rest of the players picked from the 51-year-old Serbian coach are already available. “It is in extremely demanding tournament. We want to test ourselves against the strongest teams in the world” the National Team head coach mentioned.
On leaving players like Nikola Kalinic and Nemanja Nedovic out of the preliminary squad, he admitted: “I carry the responsibility for those decisions. Looking at the team, I think we are ready and full in every position. It was a tough decision.”
Serbia will face Angola, the Philippines and Italy in Group D action at Foshan. If the Serbians secure one of two top positions, the will continue going against two of Spain, Iran, Puerto Rico and Tunisia in the second round at Wuhan.
Photo Credit: FIBA