Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic showcased his dominance on the international stage as he guided the Slovenian national team to an 86-80 victory over Brazil in a friendly match ahead of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Piraeus, Greece[2].
Despite coming off a grueling NBA Finals run with the Mavericks, Doncic was eager to don the Slovenian jersey once again, expressing his unwavering commitment to representing his country[1][3]. “It’s always an honor to play for Slovenia. I love playing for Slovenia. I always say that whenever I can, I will play for the selected team,” Doncic said[1].
The 24-year-old superstar took on the responsibility of being Slovenia’s captain after Edo Muric suffered a torn ACL ahead of the FIBA World Cup last year[1]. Doncic will continue in this leadership role as Slovenia prepares for the crucial qualifying tournament, where they will face stiff competition from Croatia and New Zealand for a coveted spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics[1][4].
In the exhibition match against Brazil, Doncic displayed his exceptional skills, leading Slovenia to a hard-fought victory[2]. The win serves as a confidence booster for the team as they gear up for the qualifying tournament, where they will face the daunting task of securing one of the four remaining Olympic berths[4].
Slovenia narrowly missed out on a medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, losing to France in a heartbreaking 90-89 thriller[1]. Doncic and his teammates are determined to make amends for that near-miss, with the Mavericks star admitting, “In Tokyo, we really fell a little short, I often remember those moments. I think we were really unlucky, we struggled all summer, we wanted to win a medal, but in the end it didn’t work out. For us, this is just another further motivation.”[1]
As Slovenia prepares for the pre-Olympic qualifying tournament, Doncic is eagerly anticipating the electric atmosphere in Piraeus, where they could potentially face the Greek national team led by Giannis Antetokounmpo if both teams advance[1]. “In Piraeus, we expect an exceptional atmosphere, we know that the Greeks are very loud, we know where we are going, we expect the same as in all the away games there,” Doncic said[1].
Despite the challenges of transitioning from the NBA Finals to international competition within a short span, Doncic remains focused on the task at hand. He acknowledged the physical toll of the lengthy NBA season but emphasized his unwavering commitment to Slovenia[1].
“It wasn’t that easy to make a decision, mainly because of all the injuries and the length of our season, but now I’m here, and it’s an honor to be here,” Doncic said[1]. “I didn’t doubt it, I didn’t even think much. I knew that in the end, I would be part of the national team. In the playoffs, I really only focused on Dallas and the matches, but I knew how it would be. The club knows that I will always play if I can, so there were no dilemmas.”[1]
Doncic’s dedication to Slovenia is evident in his impressive international resume, which includes appearances at the Tokyo Olympics, EuroBasket, and the 2019 World Cup[4]. In his Olympic debut in 2021, Doncic scored an impressive 48 points, tying for the second-highest total in any men’s Olympic game[4].
As Slovenia prepares for the pre-Olympic qualifying tournament, Doncic’s leadership and talent will be crucial in their quest for an Olympic berth. With the support of his teammates and the passionate Slovenian fans, Doncic is determined to lead his country to glory in Paris.
The FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Piraeus, Greece, will take place from July 2-7, with Slovenia facing Croatia and New Zealand in their group[1][4]. Only one team from each of the four qualifying tournament sites will earn an Olympic bid, making the competition even more intense[4].
Doncic’s commitment to Slovenia extends beyond the court, as he has become a role model for aspiring basketball players in his country. His success in the NBA has inspired a new generation of Slovenian talent, and his willingness to represent his nation at the highest level has earned him the admiration of fans worldwide.
As the world eagerly awaits the 2024 Paris Olympics, Luka Doncic and the Slovenian national team will be one of the most exciting teams to watch. With their superstar leading the way, Slovenia has a genuine chance of securing an Olympic berth and making a deep run in the tournament.