Dubljevic ready to breathe some fire at the Final Round
PODGORICA (FIBA EuroBasket Women 2017) – If any nation has punched above their natural weight in recent editions of the Final Round then it is surely Montenegro and setting the tone for the underdogs has been the feisty Jelena Dubljevic.
The forward has been at the forefront of Montenegro's fairytale run since their debut in 2011, and Dubljevic will continue to be the centerpiece for what is a fabulous fourth straight appearance.
Her trademark fiery temperament, as well as her extensive repertoire of moves will again be on show as Dubljevic looks to harness her quality and patriotic fervor. Especially after missing the last games of the campaign in Budapest two years ago, due to an injury.
Even when she got injured at FIBA EuroBasket Women 2015, the intensity of Dubljevic still flowed from the sidelines
"When it comes to representing my country, I am putting all my emotions and all that I have on the court," explained the forward.
"Playing for my country, wearing a jersey with my country's flag on it is one of the biggest privileges one athlete can have. So it's normal for me to take take all those situations that happen in the game emotionally.
"On the other side, all the Balkan countries are known for an intense character and behavior, so I can say that my attitude on the court might be a part of my mentality.
"But I can also say that off the court, I am a very different person and I am always trying to surround myself with good people, friends, and a lot of love, so I'm always calm and smiling.
"The things that I like to do when I am not playing basketball is to be with nature as it calms me down and gives me peace," continued Dubljevic.
"I guess I need that to even out the stress that I have when I am playing. The only thing I need to be happy is to spend a few nights every now and then in a small cabin in the woods and enjoy the silence."
This time round, Montenegro want to make their usual noise at the Final Round and they head to Czech Republic with a new playcaller at the helm in Spaniard Roberto Iniguez.
"I have full trust in the people from our Federation and as they have decided to bring the new coach, I am sure it is the best for all of us," mused Dubljevic, who is a reigning WNBA champion.
OMG!! We just did it!!! WNBA CHAMPIONS 💜🏆💍🏆 pic.twitter.com/1NuJkZpfD7
— Jelena Dubljevic (@jelenadub11) October 21, 2016
"I am happy we qualified with all the ups and downs and I am sure this can be the right time to show the rest of Europe what the national team of Montenegro is capable of again.
"Every team in our group are very good and they have a lot of good players and leaders as well.
"So, all we need to do is focus on ourselves and on our own game. The key part will be to stick to the plan all the way through the competition, to keep the team spirit on this high level like in all these previous years and to play every game like it's the last one.
"We will go out there and leave our hearts on the court," she concluded.
Montenegro will play in Group D against Greece, Latvia and Russia.
FIBA
