By Stefan Acevski / info@eurohoops.net
Serbian National Team has gathered and begun preparations for two upcoming games in the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers.
The world silver medalists and Olympic bronze medalists are set to face Bosnia and Herzegovina at home, followed by an away game against Switzerland. In these matches, Serbia will be led by Nikola Jokic as captain.
He addressed Serbian journalists in Belgrade, where he initially emphasized feeling guilty about the failures at last year’s EuroBasket, where Serbia was eliminated in the round of 16 by Finland.
“Maybe it also comes from some guilt of mine due to the failures we had in the last competition. So I can go home without shame. To get back to where we belong.”
Regarding the captain’s armband, Jokic said with a smile, “I won’t tell you how the coach told me“:
“I received this honor and privilege. I’m not quite sure if I deserved it; many great names have worn the captain’s armband. There are guys here who are older than me, but the coach gave it to me. I’ll try to carry it on the court.”
The club season ended earlier than Jokic is used to. But now he is back on the court with the national team.
“It’s always the same. I’ve played with some of them before, meeting some for the first time. It’s always a privilege and a pleasure to come here. Socializing, enjoying… As for Denver, it happened. We were knocked out in the first round. Some say we could have done more, but if someone beats you in the playoffs – then that team is better. If we could have, we would have won.”
Jokic is aware of how much the fans love the basketball national team. He sent a message to them:
“We hope to play the game on home soil in front of full stands. We have enough motivation, we know what we’re playing for. It’s always nice to play in front of our fans, people, and flag. We would love for as many people as possible to come.”
As a captain, Nikola can surely organize team-building in Sombor, but…
“Every one of these guys has their own home, everyone wants to be at their place. But, why not. Everyone who’s come to Sombor is welcome to return. If they are nearby, they should stop by. They know where I am.”
Jokic had communication with the coach throughout the season.
“I know the coach from before, there is a circle of friends. We even played against each other when he coached Vojvodina. He lost to me then. Maybe that’s why he’s paying me back now. As for our relationship, it has always been like that with the coaches. I have a very good relationship with Kari Pesic. And I always share my opinion with Dusan Alimpijevic. There is contact, communication is always good.“
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