Luka Doncic 'Can't Wait' to Lead Slovenia in 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup
While the Dallas Mavericks are still months away from beginning the 2023-24 NBA season, Luka Doncic will soon be competing with Slovenia in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup. Currently, he is training with the team in Ljubjana.
"It was a long summer for me, I'm happy to be back," Doncic said, via rtvslo.si. I'm looking forward to training and matches. I'm honored to be the captain, we decided that with the coach and players. It's a pleasure to play for the national team, I haven't played since April 10, I can't wait for the games."
With Goran Dragic not participating and Edo Muric sidelined due to injury, Doncic will step into a captain role with Slovenia. It's not unfamiliar territory as he is the franchise cornerstone for his NBA team — the Dallas Mavericks. His presence matters all the more this year.
"It's not exactly a new role, it was already my role with Dallas and also with the national team," Doncic said. "How am I preparing? I don't know, we'll see when to raise my voice and when not."
Doncic's goal remains to lead Slovenia to a championship. He is additionally motivated after the Dallas Mavericks' disappointing finish to the 2022-23 season and following Slovenia falling short in EuroBasket last year.
"The goal is always same — to win the championship," Doncic said. "Of course, this is a wish, but what actually happens in the competition is another matter. I am very motivated myself, and I was additionally motivated by the failure of my team in the NBA and the failure of Slovenia last year.
"But you always look forward," Doncic explained. "We don't care what happened last year."
Doncic has clearly channeled added motivation when it comes to his physical preparation. He credits the fitness coach with Slovenia for pushing him to achieve greater results.
"I'm feeling better this year, you can see it," Doncic said. "The fitness coach pushed me well, he deserves praise."
The focus for Doncic remains on playing for his country with the NBA season months away. However, he was asked for his thoughts on the offseason moves the Mavs made. While the team could still make changes, he views the acquisitions that have been made as being a good step in the right direction.
"I'm with the national team now, so I don't think about it," Doncic said. "We can still make signings, maybe not. It was a good step for us."
Mavs coach Jason Kidd traveled to Ljubjana to connect with Doncic as Slovenia trains. Both sides discussed what Doncic has been doing during the offseason.
"He was interested in what I did in the summer," Doncic said.
Slovenia is scheduled to play friendly games ahead of playing against their Group F opponents in Okinawa, Japan in late August. Among Slovenia's preparation games include matchups against Greece, Montenegro, Spain, USA, and Japan.
Grant Afseth is a Dallas Mavericks reporter for DallasBasketball.com and an NBA reporter for NBA Analysis Network. He previously covered the Indiana Pacers and NBA for CNHI's Kokomo Tribune and various NBA teams for USA TODAY Sports Media Group. Follow him on Twitter (@grantafseth), Facebook (@grantgafseth), and YouTube (@grantafseth).
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