Doncic, Slovenia primed for a run at World Cup glory

LJUBLJANA (Slovenia) - The Slovenia national team will be locked and loaded, a genuine contender for a spot on the podium at the FIBA Basketball World Cup, following the announcement that Luka Doncic and other veterans are in the squad.

Doncic, who spearheaded Slovenia's run to the Tokyo Olympic Semi-Finals two summers ago, were upset last summer by Poland in the Quarter-Finals at FIBA EuroBasket 2022 and will be looking to get back on track. 

Klemen Prepelic, one of the premier sharpshooters in international basketball who played a vital role in the EuroBasket 2017 title-winning team, experienced shooting guard Jaka Blazic, high-flying center Mike Tobey and emerging point guard Ziga Samar are in the supporting cast for Doncic, who had the highest efficiency of any player at the Tokyo Olympics at 29.2.

Efficiency is the most commonly used statistical benchmark for comparing the overall value of players.

The high-powered offensive attack of Slovenia at the Olympics averaged 100.8 points per game, No. 1 in the competition ahead of USA (99.0), Australia (90.2) and France (85.8).

Last summer, despite coming short of the last four, served as another reminder of the brilliance of Slovenia when Doncic is in the team. Against France in Cologne, he erupted for 47 points, highest mark of the modern era for EuroBasket.

 
Slovenia will play in Group F, in Okinawa, Japan, against Venezuela, Cape Verde and Georgia.

Their first game is against Venezuela on August 26.

FIBA