After two opening "balloons" of the NLB ABA2 League, Podgorica's basketball players were close to two wins and three losses. Then in December, there was a "balloon" in Zlatibor and a shocking defeat by Macedonian TFT (95:93) after extra time. At that moment, with a score of 2-4, the playoffs were far away for Nebojša Bogavac's team.
But, since the match with the Macedonian representative, things have turned 180 degrees. Podgorica scored six victories, and on Thursday defeated the Slovenian Helios (79:70), inflicting its first defeat in the regional competition and securing a trip to the final tournament, which will be played from April 12 to 16 in Domžale.
Podgorica's period of good games began with the arrival of Luka Bogavac. The young basketball player arrived on loan from Mega at the beginning of December, grew from game to game, led the team and is one of the most deserving players for the good performances of the Podgorica team.
"Even before the game with Helios, we knew we were going to the final tournament. We entered the game as if it was literally essential for us to pass. We are proud - Helios is one of the best teams in the ABA2 league. This is a big wind at our back", said Bogavac at the beginning of the interview with "Vijesti".
The young combo back started the season in Mega, where he did not get any playing time. This was followed by a trip to Podgorica, which turned out to be an excellent move. In the seven-game regional competition, he averaged 13,4 points, 3,7 rebounds and 4,6 assists.
"I didn't play in Mega at the beginning of the season. After arriving in Podgorica, a period of physical and mental adaptation was supposed to pass, to get back in good shape. From game to game I grew with the team and that is a positive thing for us. I have the great privilege of being with amazing guys on the team. It was the first time I felt this kind of chemistry in a team. I know most of them from before, which helped me", says the 19-year-old basketball player.
And the most important thing in the whole story is the fact that Luka's father, Nebojša Bogavac, is the coach of the team.
"It's not easy - neither for him, nor for me. We are both characterful, but on the one hand it is a great privilege. We complement each other. When I was younger, I worked a lot with him individually. Now a little less because of time and obligations with the national team. I picked up some segments in the game from him," explains Luka.
Podgorica "balloon" in Široki Brijeg ends today (15) with a match against Pelister.
"For sure, we have to enter with maximum energy against Pelister. We will not be physically rested, because it is the last game. But that should not be an excuse. We need to be focused and finish the regular season with a win."
After the last game, the state of the standings and the opponent in the quarterfinals of the final tournament will be known.
"The first goal was achieved, which was not easy, especially if you look at the situation from two months ago. We have to play to the maximum in every game, so we can go as far as we can. We are certainly aware of what could happen if we are at the level we are now".
With these kinds of games, Bogavac is a legitimate candidate to be on the travel list of the A national team for Mundobasket in Indonesia, Japan and the Philippines.
"At the moment I am focused on the matches with the club. I give my best in every game. An invitation to the A national team and going to Mundobakset would be a great success in my career. If I get an invitation, I am certainly ready to accept it. But now I am focused on the season with Podgorica, and that is the number one priority".
The bronze was an impulse, I am proud of that period
The previous summer, Luka Bogavac was a member of the young national team of Montenegro, which won a bronze medal at the European Championship in Podgorica. The final slipped away in an uncertain match with the Lithuanians, the defeat (67:63) was painful also due to some referee's decisions, but an excellent tournament was crowned with a victory over Israel in the match for bronze.
"A great success. I am proud of that period. We had a good team and good guys. We made a historic success, but it remains regrettable that we did not enter the final against Spain. You have to be realistic and say that the bronze is a great success for us," Bogavac recalled.
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