Four appearances at the European Championships (2011, 2013, 2017 and 2025) and two at the World Championships (2019, 2023) - Nikola Vučević has experienced many beautiful things in the Montenegrin jersey, leaving a big mark, so the sad end in Tampere cannot spoil the overall impression.
A great career in the national team jersey has come to an end, our NBA ace said goodbye to the jersey with the national emblem with a painful defeat to Great Britain and the end of EuroBasket after the first phase.
He showed how difficult it was for him after the game when he had to hold back his tears in the mix zone of the "Nokia Arena", take a minute to rest, before speaking to the media, as professionals always do.
"Honestly, I wouldn't blame the referees - there were some situations, but it's not their fault, it's ours. There were a lot of mistakes for a game of this level, especially in defense. I don't want to diminish Great Britain's victory, they played great, they had two great players, but I think we allowed them more than they could have done," Vučević told Radio Television of Montenegro.
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Somehow, the body language of our basketball players announced this epilogue from the beginning, regardless of Vučević's new great game and 31 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists.
"We didn't have the energy, desire, or focus to win. We fought, but when we needed to break through, we didn't manage to take that next step. We weren't up to par, we don't have to make any excuses because of the judges - it's up to us, we didn't justify our role as favorites. I don't know if we succumbed to the pressure, but all in all, I would like to congratulate the boys and thank everyone who responded to the call."
He expected a nicer farewell, at least one more game in a red jersey on the biggest stage.
"I'm sorry, the last European Championship, but what can you do? That's sport, sometimes it's good, sometimes not. There were good moments, but also bad ones, which is part of a career. I would like to thank everyone who was with me from the beginning, from the younger teams, thank you to all my teammates with whom I went through a lot of preparations, training, matches, travels, ups and downs. That's what I will remember forever."
The World Basketball Championship and 11th place in Manila remain the fondest memories.
"That World Cup remains in fond memories, it would have been a success if we had made it through today, it would have been a nice farewell, but sport is sometimes cruel. Thanks also to the fans who have always been with us," concluded Vučević.
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