By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
The 2025 EuroBasket is right around the corner, and one of the tournament’s favourites, Serbia, is set to start the group phase in Riga against Estonia.
Ahead of the opener, head coach Svetislav Pešić shared his expectations and stressed the importance of tempering the hype surrounding his team, led by Nikola Jokić, which is aiming for the highest honors.
“We are playing in the toughest group, against the hosts, so respect must be shown. In our group, there are two very serious medal contenders, including Turkey. Six to eight teams are fighting for a medal, and then comes a ninth or tenth—so that’s how it is. I want you to convey this to the fans and experts, to shape it, refine it, and tell them that we are not the best in the world—here plays the world champion. Only the fans have the right to get euphoric. Just tone down your high expectations a bit. Our expectations are far bigger than you think, but we focus only on the tasks in front of us each day. So, once again—the group we’re in is the toughest in the tournament,” Pešić said during the pre-event press conference in Riga.
He also spoke about Serbia’s first opponent, Estonia.
“I don’t know how other coaches or players think about EuroBasket, but we have tremendous respect for every opponent. We prepare in a way that it doesn’t matter who is on the other side. We work on tactics, individually… We represent Serbian basketball, and we always, always focus on ourselves while respecting others. We know Estonia will play against us with special motivation, so we must at least match Estonia’s level of motivation if we want to stay in control.”
Serbian tennis great Novak Djokovic sent a message of support to the basketball team, and Pešić responded warmly.
“We wish him the same as we wish ourselves – and even more. Just like we go from game to game, we want him to be healthy and ready, because when Novak is healthy, he can achieve a lot. First, we wish him health, and for everything else, let him take care of it.”
Captain of the Serbian team, LA Clippers guard Bogdan Bogdanović, emphasised that their focus is on teams, not individual opponents.
“When we prepare for other teams, especially at the European Championship, it’s all about team basketball. That’s also our style. We stay focused on ourselves. The first game is coming. Obviously, it will be tough—the first game always is. We will respect Estonia as much as possible,” Bogdanović said.
He acknowledged that Turkey is one of Serbia’s toughest opponents in Group A, where they will also face hosts Latvia, Portugal, and Czechia, besides the opening match against Estonia.
“One of the biggest opponents. This is basketball; anyone can win, anyone can have a good day. But right now, we are focused on Estonia. One game can mean more later, but right now the most important thing is the next game.”