Slovenia Grateful for Luka Doncic's National Team Pride: 'We're Very Fortunate’
DALLAS – Luka Doncic is still many weeks away from beginning training camp with the Dallas Mavericks in preparation of the 2023-24 NBA season. In the meantime, though, he is representing his country, Slovenia, in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
Currently, Slovenia is in the midst of playing out a schedule of seven exhibition games before competing against Group F in Okinawa, Japan. Doncic participated in his first structured game since Apr. 10 when the Mavs sat him after about a quarter of action as they determined tanking the end of the season had a greater outlook than hanging on to compete for a play-in spot.
With Doncic's presence in the fold, Slovenia is optimistic about their chances to accomplish anything. As the team plays out exhibition matches before group play begins, the national team holds "high hopes" for what could be in store.
"As long as we have Luka, we have high goals," Slovenia's national team coach Aleksander Sekulic told BasketNews. "We want to compete for the medals, but a big number of teams want to do the same, and they have the quality to make it. We have high hopes."
Doncic remains motivated to lead Slovenia to success after a disappointing outcome in EuroBasket last summer, especially given how the Mavs' season turned out, too.
"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."
Slovenia is grateful to have such a dynamic talent like Doncic who eagerly represents the country without the need for persuasion.
"We do nothing to persuade him or force him to come," Sekulic said.."It's mostly up to him. We're very fortunate to have such a player, not only because of his superb quality but also because of his mindset.
"He's always ready to help his country and national team," Sekulic explained. "He wants to return something back to basketball when he plays for this team. He plays for pride and joy," Sekulic stresses.
Given Doncic's status as an NBA star, Slovenia's national team views his participation as additionally meaningful since his presence can serve as a role model for future generations to learn from.
"He commits every time to play for the national team," Sekulic said. "He shows what kind of personality he has. He can be a role model for younger generations for how he acts and reacts on and off the court, and how he shows his patriotism."
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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