Doncic says he'll play for Slovenia, not Spain

MADRID (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019) - You know the name, Luka Doncic. And you know he's got the game.

The Ljubljana-born basketball player, who is still only 17, is already an important member of the Real Madrid squad.

The 2.00m forward had so much promise that in April of 2015, he became the youngest player to make his debut for Real in the Liga Endesa at the age of 16 years, two months, and two days.

Montenegro-born Nikola Mirotic, now a leading player in the Spain squad, once played for Real Madrid, too. But unlike Mirotic, Doncic, envisions himself playing for the country of his birth one day.

Doncic took to the social media to make that clear following remarks by Spanish Basketball Federation (FEB) President Jorge Garbajosa, after he was asked about the young Real player potentially playing for Spain.

"If he wants to play with Spain, we're delighted, but it's not up to us, it's his decision," Garbajosa answered.

The clarification by the teenager that he wants to play for Slovenia - just as his father Sasa once did - has set the social media abuzz.

Strong performances this season might earn Doncic a chance to play for Slovenia at the FIBA EuroBasket 2017. He will also have a shot of representing his homeland in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 qualifying campaign, which tips off in November of 2017.

FIBA