By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Serbian captain Bogdan Bogdanović shared his thoughts on leadership, his teammates, and the challenges his team will face in the upcoming EuroBasket 2025, speaking to FIBA.
Serbia is set to compete in a tough group with hosts Latvia, Turkey, Czechia, Portugal, and Estonia, and is considered one of the tournament’s biggest favourites.
Bogdanović praised his teammate Nikola Jokić, three-time NBA MVP, highlighting what makes him such a special player.
“Everybody knows about his IQ and feel for the game, but what really makes him special is his basketball shape for his size—his ability to run and his conditioning,” Bogdanović said.
He added that Jokić’s “front vision” allows him to almost predict the game steps ahead. “He brings probably the highest confidence that I’ve ever had playing with anyone else,” he added.
The Serbian star also reflected on other elite players.
“Giannis is pure athleticism. You can’t make mistakes against him because he punishes them all the time. His defense is incredible, and running in transition makes him unstoppable,” Bogdanović said, and ss for Luka Dončić, he noted, “He can kill anyone in a tournament. He can go for 50, 60 points… that’s what makes him special.”
Discussing the intensity of EuroBasket, Bogdanović emphasized the tournament’s unique pressure.
“It’s very different because it lasts only for a short time. Quickly after the group phase, you have elimination games, which brings another level of difficulty and leaves less room for mistakes,” he explained.
When asked about the mental challenges, Bogdanović said: “You have to stay focused all the time and try to peak at the right moment. You feel everything—pressure, excitement—and you just have to handle it like a champ. Celebrate wins, don’t get too down on losses, and keep moving forward.”
As captain, he also addressed the responsibility of leading a team considered one of the favorites.
“It’s a privilege to be the focus of the tournament. It’s another challenge in life, and we’ve already been through this. Hopefully, we end up with better results this time.”
Regarding Serbia’s long wait for a EuroBasket title since 2001, Bogdanović acknowledged the weight of history but insisted on focusing on the present.
“We are aware of it, but our focus should be on the upcoming tournament. Do we feel it? Yes. But that’s part of the game. You have to embrace it and push through.”
He praised his teammates, noting the group’s character and resilience.
“We have really good character. Fighters. They never quit. It’s an honor to share the court with these guys and be part of history with them.”
On the level of competition in their group, Bogdanović stressed the difficulty of EuroBasket.
“It’s always the hardest competition. European fans follow the game closely, so there’s a lot of pressure. Every group will be difficult. We’re just focused on competing and giving our best.”
Finally, Bogdanović identified several potential threats in the tournament.
“Former champs like Spain, young but dangerous France, and Germany. There’ll be a lot of strong teams and challenges.”