The Montenegrin basketball story began on August 13, 2008 with a friendly match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. That summer, the road to participation in the first Eurobasket, which was held in Lithuania in 2011, began, and until today, our selection from the continental championship was absent only in 2015.
Meanwhile, four years ago, another great result was achieved by placing in the first Mundobasket, and the ranking from China was raised this August in the Philippines. In Manila, Montenegro recorded victories in the first stage for the first time, defeating Mexico (91:71) and Egypt (89:74), so, despite the loss to Lithuania (91:71), they secured the second stage where they will receive the award today - match against the American "dream team", the best basketball team on the planet (10.40, broadcast on TV Vijesti).
RADOVIĆ: WE GET READY EASILY
When the draw for the Mundobasket was held at the end of April, it was suspected that Montenegro could play the United States in the second phase.
And in order for that duel to happen at all, it was necessary for Boško Radović's team to win one of the first two places in Group D, which was eventually done. In competition with Mexico, Egypt and Lithuania, our basketball players won a historic ranking among the 16 best in the world, which guarantees qualification for the Olympic Games, while the meeting with the Americans came as a premium.
- After a bad offensive night against Lithuania, we reduced our chances for the quarterfinals. But while there is a chance, we will play. We have two games - against the United States of America and Greece. We will try to play well. As for the match against America - we are playing against the best national team in the world. They, along with Canada, play the best basketball in the championship. They are not the top of the NBA, but they are basketball players who play significant roles in their teams. A big thing for us, the first game against the USA in history, and at the World Cup. We got ready - Radović said in the announcement of the match.
The USA, as expected, recorded three victories in the first phase, not breaking a sweat against Greece, New Zealand and Jordan.
- USA is physically perhaps the best team at the championship. We will have to spend a lot of energy, primarily in defense, to stop their attacks. They play serious basketball offensively. In terms of defense, tactical preparation is much easier than against the previous three opponents. They play simply, they have four or five moves, but with those moves, with their great talent and quality, they make a difference. There is a lot of one-on-one play. They don't need many moves to find their way to the basket. It is much easier for the coaching staff and me to prepare this match than the others - said Radović.
VUCEVIĆ: WE RESPECT, BUT WE ARE NOT AFRAID
Nikola Vucevic has been a star of the NBA for 12 years. From the beginning in Philadelphia, through performances in Orlando, in whose jersey he reached the All-Stars twice (2019 and 2021), and to the games in Chicago, the Montenegrin national team player is fighting under the basket with American stars and the best players in the world.
And after numerous games in the NBA league, it was time for the match against the Americans in the national team jersey.
- It will be a tough match. America is an excellent team, although they came with a rejuvenated team, without the biggest stars. They are all players who are holders in their clubs. They want to prove themselves, win gold and show that they can dominate even without the biggest stars - Vucevic began his analysis of the match with the United States of America.
The basketball team of Montenegro has played many important, historical matches, but considering the name of the rival, this is perhaps the biggest match.
- It is up to us to play the best we can, to do our best, not to give up no matter how the game goes. It's a big deal to play against America. We have to be focused. I expect us to prepare well and respond to their quality.
How against the USA?
- They play quite differently than in Europe. There is more freedom, there are no actions, but there are systems from which they play and read. They also play with a lot of passing and movement, which is not easy to follow. Athletically they are powerful, in transition the same. We will have to try to reduce their number of easy points. Against such teams and players, you have to be ready for 40 minutes, there must be no drops. They will always want more and we have to respond to that - said Vucevic.
In the racket, Baranin will fight with Jaren Jackson, the best defender of the NBA in the previous season. There is young Utah basketball player Walker Kessler and Milwaukee star Bobby Portis.
- Jeskon was the best defender in the NBA, he is excellent near the basket, as far as blocks are concerned, he causes problems in the endgame and we will have to pay attention to that. Kessler is a strong center, Portis is mobile, and Bankero will cause us a lot of problems in attack.
The Montenegrin representative has a clear message before this game.
- We will also have some advantages that we can use. We will have to play smart, try to get them into fouls. We have quality that we have to show. We have to respect them as much as possible, but we should not fear them. They are people too. We will have to play our best. No fear - said Vucevic.
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