By Cesare Milanti / info@eurohoops.net
MANILA, Philippines – For the third straight year, Serbia and Italy will face each other in a decisive game during FIBA tournaments. First in the 2021 Olympic Qualifying Tournament, then at EuroBasket 2022, and now at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, opening the second round.
Talking to the media on the game’s eve, the Serbian head coach Svetislav Pesic spoke about the upcoming clash against Gianmarco Pozzecco’s team. “It will be a very difficult game for both sides. Italy is a team with continuity, They’ve played for three years in a row together, and they didn’t change practically anything game-wise and roster-wise. Our situation is totally different as we have a new team. Some guys are playing for the first time in the FIBA World Cup, but from day to day, everybody can see how much we’re improving”, the former Barcelona leader said.
“We are very motivated, and the most important thing is to control our emotions, think about the game plan, and not bring too many emotions. They can help, but patience and concentration in the same part of the game – for example defense and defensive rebounds, because they have one of the best transition teams in the tournament, taking more than 30 threes in one game. We respect them”, Pesic added.
Closing Group B on a high note by crushing South Sudan 115-83, Serbia counted a lot on Nikola Jovic, who responded with 25 points while being perfect from the field with 9/9. Talking about him, Svetislav Pesic had nothing but great words.
“Nikola is one of the best-talented players out there from the 2003 generation. For most of the fans, this is new, but we’ve known it for a lot of time. He’s very talented, he likes to play for the national team which is additional motivation for him. He didn’t play so much last season, but he played really hard, he practices very well, and Miami believes in him. They know how to improve a talent like Nikola. No more, no less”, the Serbian head coach commented on the 20-year-old.
“He made progress in every part of the game. He made all the shots against South Sudan, and to make this he needs to follow other important game details: defense, rebounds, he can bring the ball in fast-break, he has great vision, he can assist and attack to the basket, he can play for others. He’s young, he must want a lot to improve his game. But he made a step up in every part of the game”, he added before explaining how he deals with coaching young players.
PHOTO CREDIT: 2023 FIBA World Cup
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