Milovanovic loving life as captain of Serbia
BELGRADE (FIBA EuroBasket Women 2017) – It has been an incredible ride of late for Jelena Milovanovic and things aren't set to slow down anytime soon as she leads Serbia into the defense of their FIBA EuroBasket Women crown.
The forward has been loving life as the new captain of a team who stunned the women's basketball world two years ago by lifting their first-ever title at the event and then perhaps even more so, with their historic bronze medal at the Olympics last year.
Now that high-profile leader Milica Dabovic has called time on her career, there is even more of an emphasis on Milovanovic to continue leading by example - having top scored in Rio for her country.
"Being captain of Serbia is a huge honor and feels superb," she said as her team completed a successful first stage of preparation in Zlatobor under new head coach, Stevan Karadzic, with some new faces in camp.
"I am enjoying it [the responsibility of the captaincy] and I try to ensure that the girls feel good to the maximum level. When there is a healthy atmosphere, the girls have no problem fitting in.
"The most important thing is that all the girls are in the mood for work and the adoption of new information. As always, we will try to do everything at the highest level.
"I have known the coach for a long time and worked with him on several occasions. We are gradually becoming familiar with his requirements and for now everything is going according to plan and to the program."
Serbia certainly impressed as they powered their way past neighbors Montenegro in their opening preparation game last week and now they are ready to continue the momentum as they step out in coming days at a preparation tournament in Karlovy Vary against China, Czech Republic and Latvia.
Milovanovic is also riding on a high as she contemplates proudly leading her country out in Prague next month. She has not only attained success in a Serbia vest during recent times, but signed off as MVP with Perfumerias Avenida as she led the Spanish champions to another Liga Femenina success.
All of which points towards Milovanovic being one of the top stars at The Final Round and even if there have been changes for the champions since Rio, you can't discount them with this kind of class and offensive firepower in their ranks.
Serbia will face France, Greece and Slovenia in Group D.
FIBA
