By Antonis Stroggylakis/ info@eurohoops.net
Even though Pero Antic has been retired from the national team of FYROM, his name appeared in the preliminary roster ahead of the EuroBasket Qualifiers.
That’s why the three-time EuroLeague champion was kinda surprised seeing his name among the other players called by head coach Jordanco Davitkov.
“I’ve been retired since I was 30!”, Antic told Eurohoops. “They just put my name because they want to… prove something.”
Apart from Antic, there are three naturalized players in the squad: Jordan Theodore, Richard Hendrix, and Bo McCalebb.
Of course, only one is allowed to join the 12-man roster and Antic wants to see McCalebb wearing the national jersey again. Small wonder since the 32-year-old point guard was his teammate in during the miraculous run in EuroBasket 2011.
The two of them made history for FYROM in that tournament, by leading the team to the semifinals for the first time in the country’s history.
“I want to see McCalebb in the final selection. He has contributed much to the country’s national team”, Antic said.
Apart from McCalebb, Antic believes that the squad should be compiled mostly by young players. “It’s an opportunity. They should use the young talent”.