By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
The Slovenia national team is waiting for the Luka Doncic decision and whether their top player – and one of the best in the world right now – will join the efforts to qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games.
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After an intense NBA season with 92 games overall under his belt and while dealing with injury problems and pain through the playoffs and during the Finals, Doncic has yet to decide if he will participate in the Olympic Qualifiers with Slovenia or take some time off to rehabilitate.
“I don’t think anyone can blame him, especially after such a busy season,” Slovenia and Denver Nuggets forward Vlatko Cankar said per Sportal Slovenia. “I mean, I didn’t play at all and I came in and got injured. You never know what can happen. If he needs a rest, he should take it.”
Cancar is back in action after sitting out 2023-24 due to a torn ACL injury in a prep game against Greece last August ahead of the 2023 World Cup.
“We have to understand the decision of both Luka and every other national team member,” commented Slovenia coach Aleksandar Sekulic. “We don’t know what his medical condition is. He never said that he won’t play for the national team. But it depends on what his medical record is.”
Slovenia will participate in one of the toughest Olympic Qualifying Tournaments: The one held in Piraeus, Greece.
Led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, Greece will look to return to the Olympics for the first time after 2008. Another strong opponent for Slovenia will be Croatia, that is expected to feature a strong roster, including players like Dario Saric, Bojan Bogdanovic, Mario Hezonja and Ivica Zubac.
Doncic led Slovenia to the 2021 Olympic Games after winning the Olympic Qualification Tournament of Kaunas in the Final vs. host Lithuania. The Slovenian team finished fourth in Tokyo.
Photo: FIBA Basketball