It's a bubble thing - Life inside the Olympic Qualifying Tournaments

BELGRADE (Serbia) - Being confined in space with restrictions on movement is not natural. But, sometimes, it's necessary. That time is now with coronavirus, even if the pandemic has been brought under control to some extent. But has not been defeated yet. That is why the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament  in Belgrade is taking place under bubble conditions, similar to those implemented by the National Basketball Association in Orlando, Florida last summer.

Of course, the NBA bubble was a more extensive undertaking, especially for the team's length of stay.  Teams started play with exhibition scrimmages on July 22, 2020 and for the two teams playing for the NBA Championship - the Miami Heat and the Los Angeles Lakers - their stay in Orlando lasted until October 11, 2020. 

But what FIBA is currently doing, with 23 teams (to the NBA's 22) in the Olympic qualifying bubbles taking place in four countries across two continents taking place in Belgrade, Split, Kaunas and Victoria is a feat of planning and precision. 

Extensive hygienic cleaning and standards are being followed at all four OQT venues and hotels 

"The idea of ​​FIBA ​​has to be respected in every sense because the player's and staff's health are a priority," Serbia head coach Igor Kokoskov said. "I think that the protection of players is maximized within the given limits. It is impossible to close the space hermetically. But the players are aware of that, and I see that not only with my team. They all know why they are here, and I don't see any problem in them obeying the essential rules here. FIBA obviously used the experience from the NBA, took over, and applied it."

Kokosov was making history back in 2018 when he became the first-ever Europe-born NBA head coach with the Phoenix Suns. Last year, he was in Orlando's bubble as an assistant head coach of Sacramento Kings. So, he comes with the depth of experience to compare this two.

"The critical difference is that we were in a resort there in Orlando, the whole hotel was closed, we had no contact with the outside world. But I say it is identical in idea and intention," Kokoskov said. "The NBA, as you know, is financially more potent, so some activities for players outside the hotel were possible there. But, on the other hand, this bubble is much shorter. Some teams stayed there for more than two months, while this here lasts for ten days." 

The experience of three NBA players, who are in Belgrade right now, is very similar.  Serbia's Boban Marjanovic of the Dallas Mavericks and Nemanja Bjelica of the Miami Heat, and Italian forward of New Orleans Pelicans Nicolo Melli, are currently representing their countries in the Serbian capital.

"We spend time similarly as there - in the room,"  Serbia's power forward Nemanja Bjelica said. "Admittedly, we had some privileges there and we were in a larger space. The good thing about this bubble here is that we are in Belgrade. But, the most important thing is that everyone stays intact, stays healthy, and doesn't get infected because the danger has not passed yet. The situation with the selection of Senegal shows us that."

"I really enjoyed an NBA bubble in that Disney world. But, you know, we had that resort at our disposal, where we can walk, go to the swimming pool, use boats, go fishing... Here it is different, and it's just the gym and the hotel. But it's okay. We understand the whole situation," the NBA player-favorite teammate Boban Marjanovic told.

Nicolo Melli, leader of new Italy's team, said that this time it was different.

"It is totally different because the moment we live now is completely different from a year ago, fortunately. But, still, it's tough, but not that tough.

"Those are two different bubbles," Melli said. "The NBA is probably the best organization in the world. But, a bubble is a bubble. You are stacked at the same places."

"Everything is going smoothly here," Melli added.  "We are actually enjoying the bubble. We have a chance to play for a dream - going to the Olympics. So, a bubble is a bubble and we are hoping that we will live normally next year." 

When practices are over, there is free time free of outside distractions. So, what are players doing? Boban noted how the "Eagles" are spending their time off the court. 

"We have time to talk with each other, to share basketball stories, experiences from our clubs.," Boban said. "Everybody has some fun stories. Otherwise, we are watching movies, playing some video games.

"Also, there were nights where we watched our national team at Fiba Women's Eurobasket 2021 and cheering for them. And, it pays off - they won a gold," Boban said with a smile.

According to Melli, the "Azzuri" are currently more football-oriented.

"When we have no practice, we try to spend time together," Melli said, " We stay around for lunch or dinner for a bit longer, watch football games because the UEFA Euro 2020 is ongoing, and our guys are one of the favorites."

Serbia is lucky to have a Hollywood star and a fun guy like Boban in their squad. With him, a good atmosphere is guaranteed.

"Yeah, I am that guy. It's part of my personality. I will always bring good energy, put a smile on my face," Boban remarked. "But, it's not only me. We are the group that shares the same vibe, on and off the court. And it is a crucial thing because of the bubble."

Bjelica noted how it hasn't been easy to be in a hotel separated from your family, even if all the hotel staff have been providing them with expert service and as much entertainment that the bubble environment can allow. On that line, Bjelica and Boban's coach Kokosov has a final point.

"All praise to FIBA ​​for the idea and the realization. I don't know what it will be like in Tokyo if we qualify. But, I think it's essential to understand how important social life is to the players, outside the training hall and hotel rooms".

FIBA