By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
The Slovenian national team has been trying to find the perfect fit for Luka Doncic in the pick-and-roll situation. After years with the naturalized Mike Tobey, 2024 was the summer in which the country involved another naturalized like Josh Nebo to play under the rim.
However, as revealed by the President of the Slovenian Basketball Federation in an interview with Ekipa24, Daniel Gafford appeared to be the first choice. “[Daniel] Gafford was absolutely the first choice of both [sports director] Saša Dončić and coach Aleksandar Sekulić. However, it became apparent quite quickly that it was impossible to carry out the matter, and we moved on”, Matej Erjavec said.
Erjavec continued revealing a meeting between Sasa Doncic and the Mavericks’ center after a game in Dallas. “Immediately after leaving the game and still a little sweaty, he was asked if he would play for the Slovenian national team. He was really surprised at first, but he quickly reacted very positively. [He said] that he is honored, that he is flattered by the initiative and that he needs time to think”, he said.
“When he called us a few days later, he said that this summer was simply not going to work, as he had ordered individual exercises, programs, personal trainers, and some other matters. [But] he is definitely interested in the future”, the Slovenian Basketball Federation’s president added. “When the time comes, those in charge will consider how and what, and make their decisions”, he also said.
Matej Erjavec also spoke on how the negotiations went with Josh Nebo. “We always arrive at a naturalized player by making a list of potential candidates, and then analyzing their characteristics, compatibility with the national team, and also the possibilities of getting these players. [After Daniel Gafford], [Josh] Nebo was number one on this list”, he talked about the former Maccabi’s center.
“I believe that he has already added value this year and that he could be even better in the future. The actual execution of the operation was Saša Doncic’s task, and he carried it out perfectly together with [Josh Nebo’s agent] Miško Ražnatović. To the latter, he first told us that he doubted [Josh] Nebo’s readiness, and was quite surprised when things turned out completely differently”, Matej Erjavec said.
The new Olimpia Milano’s center made his International debut this summer, trying to help Slovenia qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. At the 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Greece, he promised 16.3 points and 9.3 rebounds per game but they were eliminated in the Semi-Finals.
PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images
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