Nikola Jokic Banners Serbia, Face China At FIBA World Cup
(Press Release)
“The goal is always the same, to win a medal. Serbia is always going for a medal.”
This was a quote from Sasha Djordjevic back in 2019 when he was still the head coach of Serbia heading into the FIBA Basketball World Cup.
They looked good at the start by sweeping the group stage against the Philippines, Angola, and Italy with a combined 120 point winning margin. However, their chase for a podium spot abruptly ended with a 97-87 loss to Argentina in the quarterfinals.
Serbia still finished fifth, thanks to a win against the United States, but it was a disappointing ending as they felt they had a good enough team to win it all.
Djordjevic resigned after that to end his successful six-year stint as the Serbian national team coach.
Now, the 55-year-old tactician is set to coach in his third straight World Cup as he leads China.
The 2019 World Cup hosts had a frustrating performance at home as they finished 24th overall, losing the Olympic spot to Iran.
Now the coach and the Asian powerhouse team that both felt they fell short in 2019 are out to make statement.
For Djordjevic, there may be no bigger statement heading into the World Cup than not including superstar Guo Ailun in his extended roster.
“Everyone needs to work hard to earn a place in the national team’s training camp. I want my players to understand that only President Yao Ming and I are guaranteed a spot in the World Cup, so every player must put in a lot of effort to secure their ticket,” he said.
“We may not have a high position in the FIBA ranking, but we will give our best to qualify for the Paris Olympic Games in 2024. Therefore, everyone needs to be fully prepared from the first day of the training camp.”
China will be competing in their 10th World Cup, including their fifth in the last six editions. Their best performance was in 1994 when they reached the quarterfinal round.
The match between Serbia and China tips off at 8:00 p.m. on August 26th, at the Araneta Coliseum. Tickets are already on sale at https://philippines-ticketing.worldcup.basketball/