By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Serbia have begun preparations for the upcoming FIBA World Cup qualifiers, with head coach Dusan Alimpijevic addressing several notable absences from his roster.
The national team will first face France in a friendly games before taking on Iceland and Italy in qualifying matches later in August.
Alimpijevic revealed that Vasilije Micic, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Filip Petrusev and Bogoljub Markovic were not cleared to join the national team by their respective clubs. Nikola Topic, meanwhile, is unavailable because of his health situation.
“Vasilije Micic did not receive permission from his club, without much explanation on their part. The situation is clear — Hapoel did not release him,” Alimpijevic said. “It is the same with Bogdan. He wanted to play, but his club did not want him involved during these windows because they believe he should prepare for the upcoming season, which is important for both him and the organization. Dubai did not release Petrusev, but that decision is connected to his health because he is still recovering. Bogoljub also did not receive permission. As a rookie who signed an NBA contract this summer, his club wanted to keep him under supervision at its training camp. The player had a strong desire to be with us. Topic’s medical condition does not allow him to participate in these windows.”
Talented Nikola Kusturica was originally included in the squad but was also unable to attend after failing to receive clearance from UCLA.
“Kusturica and Nikola Dzepina both made the final shortlist. We kept Kusturica’s name there until the very end because it would have been valuable for him to join us, but he is another player who did not receive permission from his college,” Alimpijevic explained. “It is not a major issue, and there is no dispute between the federation and the college. This is simply what colleges do. Kusturica stayed there, while Dzepina is here and will have the opportunity to reward himself by working alongside the best players at his position.”
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