PODGORICA (FIBA EuroBasket 2017) - Montenegro's poor showings in their two previous FIBA EuroBasket appearances, and a failed attempt to reach the competition in 2015, have not dampened the enthusiasm in the squad ahead of its return to the big show.

If anything, the disappointing finishes have fueled the hunger for success.

The team is made up of top-ranked guys and great players. I think that a good and successful summer awaits us.Montenegro guard Nikola IvanovicMontenegro guard Nikola Ivanovic

The Montenegrins, 21st at FIBA EuroBasket 2011 in Lithuania, 17th at FIBA EuroBasket 2013 in Slovenia and then non-participants two years ago, are determined to have a better tournament this time. 

"The primary goal is reaching the second phase of the European Championship," said guard Nikola Ivanovic, who is now in Podgorica doing physical training with many of the players that have been selected in the preliminary squad.

Ivanovic played in the Basketball Champions League with AEK

"The team is made up of top-ranked guys and great players. I think that a good and successful summer awaits us. After a few years in which we were not among the best national teams on the continent, I'm hoping for a good result at the European Championship."

Montenegro will play in Group C, in Cluj, Romania, against Spain, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary and the Romanians.

"The key is to get as many games as possible in order for our confidence to grow," Ivanovic said.

Bojan Dubljevic led Valencia to their first Spanish league title in 2016-17

Bojan Dubljevic, Marko Todorovic, Milko Bjelica, Nikola Vucevic, Tajris Rajs and Tyrese Rice are not with Montenegro at the start of this week's preparations in Podgorica but all six players will link up with the squad on July 23 when the team switches its training base to Zlatabor.

That is when head coach Bogdan Tanjevic will also join the preparations, with assistants Bosko Radovic and Veljko Perovic calling the shots this week.

FIBA