SKOPJE (FIBA EuroBasket 2021 Pre-Qualifiers) – The highway man is on the low road, but his back isn't tired of that large load just yet. In fact, Vojdan Stojanovski is putting the weight of the nation on his shoulders to make sure his teammates relive the kind of run he was a part of in 2011.

"After the (FIBA EuroBasket) Semi-Finals in 2011, many young men indulged in their interest for basketball," Stojanovski said. "Especially after seeing that there is a possibility for them to go beyond the European market and play for an NBA team."

That was the road to stardom for Pero Antic. He was arguably the biggest Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia star at the event, alongside the naturalized point guard Bo McCalebb. Vlado Ilievski orchestrated the backcourt, whilst Todor Gecevski helped Antic out under the rim.

Connecting them all were the Stojanovski twins in between the lines. We will never know if Vojdan and Damjan switched jerseys, at least for a game.

"No, we didn't. But it has crossed our minds, at times," Vojdan said and laughed.Vojdan celebrating with teammates at FIBA EuroBasket 2011

"Damjan and I have shared the love for basketball ever since we were kids. Playing alongside him is very easy, because we understand each other more than anyone else."

The twins are reunited once more for the FIBA EuroBasket 2021 Pre-Qualifiers. Eyes on the prize may soon be joined by the rest of the body, sincetje Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia are sitting at the top of Group A. A perfect 3-0 record will be tested in Switzerland, a win or a defeat by less than 15 points will clinch a spot in the Second Round for the 30-year-old and his teammates. One step at a time, and MKD could be back to European elite sooner rather than later.

"The important thing is that the (teams in) MKD League focuses more on local players. Especially the young ones, because they are the key for success in future."

But even if youngsters take over the team, you can count on the Stojanovski brothers to be there and help the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia in any way that they can. Damjan and Vojdan just followed the footsteps that their older brother Ognen – a nine-time MKD League winner – set.

"In 2011, Damjan and I were the youngest ones to be playing for the national team. The team meant something for us, it gave us the honor to achieve such a high place in  FIBA EuroBasket, and it gave us more respect as basketball players in Europe," Vojdan said proudly.

"We will always appreciate everything this country gave us as basketball players. We will proceed to defend this team's colors for as long as we can."

FIBA