BELGRADE (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 European Qualifiers) - Serbia got their FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 European Qualifiers campaign off to a perfect start with emphatic home wins over Austria and Georgia, which highlighted a pair of talented youngsters who boosted their hopes of featuring in FIBA's flagship competition in China.

Point guard Stefan Peno and small forward Dejan Todorovic stood out alongside some experienced stalwarts, as the former racked up 17 points and 9 assists in a 105-87 win over Georgia while the latter scored 8 points in each of the two games.

But, more important than their contributions in the boxscore, the pair also provided much-needed energy to complement the vast experience of tried and tested big man Miroslav Raduljica, who poured 28 points against the battling Georgians.

The athletic Peno, born to a Serbian father and a Guyanese mother, got the start in the backcourt against Georgia and displayed an array of skills at both ends of the court on his way to finishing with 17 points, 9 assists and 3 steals.

The 20-year old kept his feet firmly on the ground after his all-around display.

"Things opened up for me against Georgia and someone else will step up in another game because we work as a unit," he said. "I had a high-scoring game against Georgia because I felt a bit more relaxed on the court than in the opening match with Austria. I was more confident after overcoming the early stage fright."

The experience of putting on a phenomenal individual performance was all the more memorable for Peno as it came in a win in front of the home fans that packed Belgrade's Aleksandar Nikolic Hall.  

"I am just very happy to be here in the first place. It's a phenomenal and surreal feeling to play and win in front of our home fans. I am overjoyed with my performance but what really matters is team victories."

"IT'S A PHENOMENAL AND SURREAL FEELING TO PLAY AND WIN IN FRONT OF OUR HOME FANS" PenoPeno

Peno credited Serbia's team culture which made it easy for youngsters like himself and Todorovic to fit in.

"We have a fantastic atmosphere because the senior players are going out of their way to make us feel comfortable. They never looked down on any of us, they are treating us as their equals and that is a massive impetus to work our socks off for them and for the team."

The 6ft 6in (1.98) guard explained how valuable it is for Serbia's young players to progress under coach Sasha Djordjevic, the former iconic playmaker whose trophy cabinet is filled with honors.

"He is a Serbian basketball legend. He knows his basketball down to the bone and we are very fortunate to have him as a mentor on and off the court," he said.

Todorovic seconded Peno's assessment of the atmosphere within the group and of what it's like playing for the former FIBA World Cup champion - in 1998 with Yugoslavia.

"It's great to be part of this big family. Working with Djordjevic is a valuable experience and a pleasure," he said.

Todorovic provided Serbia a lift off the bench against Austria and Georgia

"I am very happy with the way I played. It means a lot for me to play for my country.

"I want to thank the fans for turning up as we felt their energy."

FIBA