Aris Barkas / barkas@eurohoops.net
PARIS, France – In the tournament of Nikola Jokic and Bogdan Bogdanovic, there was also space for Filip Petrusev to contribute to Serbia fulfilling the goal of reaching the Olympic podium.
Only two days after coming up short following an outstanding 40-minute battle with USA Basketball, Serbia won the bronze medal in last year’s World Cup revenge against Germany.
In the aftermath, Filip Petrusev spoke to the media in the mixed zone. “This was really important for us because we knew we at least deserved this bronze medal. Especially after that happened two days ago: we owed it to ourselves, we owed it to the country, to the people that supported us”, he first said. “The whole country was so proud of us, so we had to bring something that was the mentality”, he added.
Moreover, the German side was basically the same that beat Serbia in the Philippines. “That was the same team from Manila, Germany. This was also another motivation to help us overcome what happened two days ago and have an amazing game today again”, Filip Petrusev followed.
“I just hope this is not our last time altogether”, he emphasized about Serbia keeping the core together. “In the future, we can be even better, especially as a young guy. If we keep the main guys like [Nikola] Jokic, [Bogdan] Bogdanovic… I think this might be one of the best teams we have ever had. We just have to get a great atmosphere and we just let go of each other so much. That’s the key”, he continued.
Talking about what he learned from the two superstars he mentioned, he had no doubts. “Just the way they think, the way they approach the game. In high-pressure moments they know how to handle everything, think about why you can control”, Filip Petrusev said.
Finally, the big man was asked about his future in the EuroLeague, as it’s still unclear if he will continue playing for Olympiacos in the 2024-25 season too. “We will see, let’s enjoy the moment”, he replied.
PHOTO CREDIT: FIBA Basketball