A new era of Montenegrin basketball begins

New team, new coach(es), new cycle - the Montenegrin national basketball team is starting a new beginning, and today (18) they play the first match in the November "window" of World Cup qualifications against Portugal. The second match is on Sunday (18) against Romania in Pitesti, and Greece is also in the group.

Senators Nikola Vučević, Nikola Ivanović, Bojan Dubljević and Vladimir Mihailović have finished their national team careers, Nemanja Radović said in an interview with "Vijesti" this summer that there is little chance of him being in the national team again, and that "that's probably it", and national team director Dragan Vukčević said at a press conference on Monday that Danilo Nikolić, who played his last matches in the EuroBasket 2022 qualifiers, has also finished his national team career.

The selectors, Andrej Žakelj and Zvezdan Mitrović, will not be able to count on David Mirković, Luka Bogavac, Andrija Grbović and Fedor Žugić, who are in the NCAA league, at least until the summer. And Igor Drobnjak and Petar Popović, who were on the extended list, will not compete for tonight's match against the Portuguese due to injuries.

One of the leaders of the rejuvenated selection is Marko Simonović. The Turk Telekom basketball player is the new captain of the national team.

"I didn't expect anything new for me, because there are people older than me. I'm proud and honored," Simonović emphasized.

The team gathered on Monday, there is little time to prepare, so adjustments are necessary.

"As is known, we gathered three days ago. Some joined earlier, some later, it's not easy, but we have to adapt. A completely new dimension has begun in the national team, there are no experienced players who have been there for years. We have rejuvenated the team, there is also a new coach. We are trying to fit in as best as possible in this short time. To prepare for the match in the best possible way. We are playing at home, we want to win in front of our fans and thus start a new cycle," said Simonović.

The first match is against Portugal. Coach Mario Gomes' roster includes the core of the previous EuroBasket, with the exception of NBA star Nemijas Kete and European Championship captain Miguel Queiroz. Portugal surprised everyone at the continental championship, reaching the round of 16, where they were defeated by Germany.

"They are a tough team, they were a surprise at Eurobasket. They play atypically, they run a lot, they go for the rebound in attack. But, we are playing at home, we have to be focused from the first minute and to achieve victory," said the Turk Telekom player.

Coach Andrej Žakelj can count on Jovan Kljajić in the November "window", who missed the European Championship due to injury.

"I always have a great desire and honor to play for the national team. Even though we are rejuvenated, a lot is expected. We will do our best to live up to expectations and try to win both games," said Kljajić.

Entrance to the "Mtel Morača Hall" is free, the Granada basketball player hopes that Montenegro will triumph with the support of the full stands.

"Portugal plays good, fast basketball, they've been together for a long time. They're awkward, but I expect that with the help of the audience we'll get the desired result," concluded Kljajić.

Montenegro's squad for tonight's match: Aleksa Ilic, Danilo Ivanovic, Andrija Slavkovic, Emir Hadzibegovic, Marko Simonovic, Zoran Vuceljic, Djordjije Jovanovic, Ognjen Carapic, Zoran Nikolic, Jovan Kljajic, Maksim Brnovic and Kendrick Perry.

Three teams from Group B advance to the second phase and face off against teams from Group A, which includes Spain, Georgia, Ukraine and Denmark. Three teams from this new group will qualify for the World Basketball Championship.