LJUBLJANA (Slovenia) - Goran Dragic is set to make a first national team appearance in five years after being included in Slovenia's squad for the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 European Qualifiers.

The 36-year-old retired from international basketball after leading Slovenia to a historic FIBA EuroBasket title as the tournament's MVP in 2017, and will link back up with familiar teammates including Luka Doncic, who also features in the initial squad of 15.

Doncic has taken over the mantle as Slovenia's leading star on the international stage after some huge performances last summer helped his country qualify for the Olympics for the first time.

The squad is also bolstered by the inclusion of Vlatko Cancar after his season with the Denver Nuggets, while Mike Tobey has made a fast start to his national team career. However, Slovenia are without the influential presence of Klemen Prepelic, who misses out through injury.

"We have a very demanding June and the beginning of July ahead of us, as we have two extremely important games ahead of us," said head coach Aleksander Sekulic. "We're excited to be able to count on all three NBA players. The great news is that Goran Dragic wants to help the national team again."

Slovenia have a 2-2 record in Group C of the European Qualifiers and they open the third window of the First Round by hosting Croatia on June 30, before visiting Sweden three days later to conclude their campaign.

FIBA