Placement in the second phase, guaranteed qualification for the Olympic Games and a historic match with the United States of America - behind the basketball representation of Montenegro is a great participation in the Mundobasket, crowned today with a victory over Greece (73:69) in the last match of the second phase.
"The most important thing is that we are all healthy after this tournament, and that was the first goal. The second goal was to advance to the next stage, and the third was to make a good impression. We succeeded in all of that. We made a very good impression against Greece. Congratulations teammates, coaching staff for a successful championship and a successful summer," said Nikola Ivanovic at the press conference.
In the first stage, Montenegro beat Mexico and Egypt, and then played the weakest game of the championship against Lithuania.
"The match against the USA is certainly a moment that marked the participation in the tournament. But, the biggest regret remains for the match with the Lithuanians. Honestly, not because of the defeat, but because of the way we played. We were not at the required level," said the Russian Runa basketball player honestly.
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In February of the following year, the qualifications for the European Championship begin, and in the summer, our selection awaits the qualifications for the Olympic Games. 24 national teams participate in four tournaments, six in each, and the winners of the tournament go to Paris for the Games.
"We have to learn from this performance. A lot will depend on who will be there. But the way they treat us in the Federation, the way the selectors and the coaching staff do their work, says that many more good things could happen . Our main goal is always to leave a good impression," said Ivanovic, and his words were confirmed by coach Radovic.
Montenegro leaves Manila satisfied.
"I think that this generation has done a lot for basketball in Montenegro and that this championship is really an indicator of the quality work of the past few years. We are proud of each other and we are satisfied. I hope that it is similar throughout the country," Ivanović concluded.
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