FIBA Basketball

    MKD - All going according to plan

    SKOPJE (EuroBasket/FIBA Basketball World Cup) - The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (MKD) had plenty of quality in their line-up at the EuroBasket two years ago, when the team went on a run to the Semi-Finals before falling to Spain. MKD then lost to Russia in a thrilling Bronze Medal Game. Many of the plaudits went to naturalized guard Bo McCalebb, ...

    SKOPJE (EuroBasket/FIBA Basketball World Cup) - The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (MKD) had plenty of quality in their line-up at the EuroBasket two years ago, when the team went on a run to the Semi-Finals before falling to Spain.

    MKD then lost to Russia in a thrilling Third-Place Game.

    Many of the plaudits went to naturalized guard Bo McCalebb, who made the All-Tournament Team.

    While his performances weren't as explosive, the steady play of 2.10m power forward Pero Antic also showed that he was among the finest talents in the European game.

    Antic underlined his status as a great player by joining Olympiacos and helping the Reds capture the Euroleague title the next two campaigns.

    Now in camp with the national side as it prepares for the EuroBasket in Slovenia, he has demonstrated yet again that he is a huge talent.

    Antic has an NBA contract.

    The Atlanta Hawks and their astute general manager, Danny Ferry, have recognized the all-round play of the 31-year-old Antic and signed him for the forthcoming campaign.

    He will be the first MKD player to compete in the NBA.

    "Pero is a skilled and versatile big man who will add depth to our frontcourt," Ferry said in a club statement.

    "He will fit in well with what we're building and we're excited to add him to the team."

    Ales Pipan, the MKD coach, will no doubt be happy that Antic is in his team.

    The Slovenian says that the preparations are going well as MKD prepare for Group B clashes against Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Lithuania and Latvia.

    "Things are going as planned," Pipan said.

    "We've been working on the fitness and are gradually getting into tactics.

    "The atmosphere in the team is great, the commitment of the players is the maximum and I am pleased with their commitment and dedication to training."

    MKD, who played at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) last summer in Caracas, are hoping to have a top six finish at the EuroBasket.

    That would qualify the team for the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain.

    If the Spaniards are in the first six, then a top seven place will seal a spot in next year's tournament.

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