By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Nikola Jokic has been officially confirmed as part of the plans for Serbia’s upcoming national team appearances.
According to an exclusive interview given by the head coach of the country’s senior national team, Dusan Alimpijevic, to Mozzart Sport, during the 2026 Euroleague Final Four Athens, presented by Etihad, the three-time season Most Valuable Player of the NBA is expected to suit up for both the July and August windows of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 European Qualifiers.
The selector, who recently took over the bench from Svetislav Pesic, emphasized that communication with the Denver Nuggets superstar has been seamless since day one. Dismissing public skepticism regarding the big’s commitment, the 40-year-old play-caller noted that the Joker truly lives for the national team and even called his teammates to thank them for their efforts in prior windows. Barring any health setbacks, Jokic will be leading the roster.
Meanwhile, team captain Bogdan Bogdanovic faces a split schedule due to minor health issues and dealing with unrestricted free agency in the league based in North America. Alimpijevic confirmed that while the 33-year-old guard will skip the July fixtures, he will officially rejoin the squad for the August window.
Serbia currently sits at 2–2 in Group C, and is on the verge of clinching a spot in the second stage of the European Qualifiers, with pivotal games scheduled against Switzerland on July 2 and Bosnia-Herzegovina in Belgrade on July 5. Avoiding elimination will allow them to carry their current records into Group J, where they will embark on a new six-game schedule aiming to finish among the top three nations to secure a ticket to the World Cup in Qatar.
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