''Everyone wants to play for national team'' says Sweden's Jerebko as he gears up for February

STOCKHOLM (Sweden) - Jonas Jerebko has expressed his desire to play for Sweden in the next window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 European Qualifiers.

The 34-year-old forward last suited up for the national team during the FIBA EuroBasket 2022 Qualifiers - averaging 14.0 points per game across two appearances in February earlier this year.

Sweden opened their current campaign with victory at home to Finland in Stockholm before a narrow defeat to Slovenia to close the window at 1-1. They next face a potentially crucial double-header with Croatia in February as they look to boost their chances of advancing to the Second Round.

And, Jerebko confirmed his availability to return to the national team in an interview with Bankvarmarna - a Swedish podcast.

"Playing for your national team, in your home country, is something everyone wants to do so I'm really looking forward to the games against Croatia. I expect a sold-out Avicii Arena," said Jerebko. 

"It's going to be really, really fun to come home and play. Of course, I saw the games in the first window, it's a young team that plays hard - I’m happy to come in and hopefully add something to the mix."

Jerebko also expressed an interest in playing in the domestic league in Sweden having spent a number of years in the NBA since being drafted in 2009.

The Kinna native made his national team debut for Sweden as a teenager and was part of the historic roster that competed at FIBA EuroBasket for the first time in 2013.

Now there is the chance to create more history with Jerebko hoping to help Sweden make it on to global stage with a debut appearance at a FIBA Basketball World Cup.

FIBA