The sixth major competition also brought the most beautiful basketball story of Montenegro - with thoughts that they are on the 11th planet, that they played good basketball in Manila and represented their country in the right way, Montenegrin basketball players returned to their homeland.
More precisely, one group that flew via Istanbul, while the other will arrive by flight via Vienna.
"We are satisfied and proud, as of yesterday we are officially 11th in the world. What we went for and we achieved - even more than that. All in all, it was another good edition after the European Championship, played on an even bigger level," said selector Boško Radović upon his arrival at the Podgorica Airport.
Montenegro registered three victories (Mexico, Egypt and Greece) and two defeats (USA and Lithuania) at Mundobasket.
"I am proud that we made it to the end of the tournament. And we played that game with the USA, and especially with Greece, without fear, trepidation, and Greece, let's not be fooled, is a serious team. We were not afraid of winning. In any case, a positive performance and a positive score from the World Cup," added Radović.
Once again, he turned to the game with the United States of America, where Montenegro held on until two minutes before the end.
"We were in that game, their individual quality decided. Tactically, as a team, we played excellently. We didn't hit the two shots we should have, they did".
After that match, the great Steve Kerr (USA coach and creator of the mighty Golden State) said that Montenegro was well managed.
"I appreciate the praise of such coaches, but it's not just my merit. In the last two or three years, we've all been trying to create the best atmosphere and relationship - and not only during the preparations, but throughout the year," pointed out Radović.
He also pointed out that they regularly talk to all the players over the course of the year...
"We are in communication with the players, we see each other with those who play in Montenegro. We try to make everyone comfortable and to concentrate only on basketball. That basketball is the most important thing, and everything else is less important. That's how we did it and it turned out to be right formula for good results," explained Radović.
What are the plans for the future?
"This is a generation that is at its zenith. We have a lot of experienced players who are in good basketball years. We will build a foundation on the younger ones, who will grow with the older ones. I hope that these older ones will last a few years, so that we can do at least one more cycle for the European Championship championship. We will include the younger ones as well," says Radović.
He emphasized that preparations for the Eurobasket qualifiers and the Olympic qualification tournament scheduled for the summer will follow.
"I would like us to gather again in this line-up, because for the first time since I was a selector, we went with the strongest line-up, but it doesn't depend on me, nor on them, but on the circumstances, the window... We'll see," he said. Radovic.
In any case, the Mundobasket in Manila remains a piece of beautiful history...
"It's nice that you waited for us, you will wait for the other group and that's where the story ends when it comes to Mundobsketu. Let's move on," concluded Radović.
Mihailović: This is the foundation, we will continue in the same rhythm
Among those who had already arrived in Podgorica was our defender Vladimir Mihailović.
"We are proud and I think we have a lot of reasons to be satisfied. Behind us is a beautiful and successful championship in terms of results, but also the whole picture," said Mihailović.
Mundosket in Manila will also be a real launch for the next commitments.
"This is the foundation, and we will continue in the same rhythm to be ready for the obligations that await us. It is a difficult road, but a great and beautiful chance," concluded the Buducnosti basketball player.
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