BELGRADE (Serbia) - Serbia missed the last FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup, but Petar Bjelica and his teammates will be ready to make up for lost time this summer in Istanbul.
Bjelica captained Serbia to the title last year at the FIBA U16 EuroBasket 2025, and the Balkan side will be full of confidence as they return to the cadet global showcase for the first time since 2022.
"Winning the U16 EuroBasket will give us a lot of confidence and prove we can compete at a high level," said Bjelica, who earned a spot on the All-Star Five after averaging 15.0 points, 9.7 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.1 blocks in the event last summer in Georgia.
"It only gives us more motivation to show the rest of the world how we play and why are we the champions of Europe."
Serbia finally reclaimed the U16 European crown after last hoisting the trophy in 2007. And it meant even more for Bjelica since he was the team's captain.
"It's a privilege to play every second on the court for my country. Winning the title is the best moment in my life and I am very grateful for the opportunity to be the captain. It's a special feeling,” Bjelica said.
The native of Piacenza, Italy was impressed with his team's resilience after losing to Spain in the final group stage game 97-95. The Serbs responded by beating Greece, Türkiye and Slovenia to reach the Final, where they fought past Lithuania 99-86 after having trailed by 12 points.
"My favorite memory (from the U16 EuroBasket) was when we lost against Spain the whole team stuck together even in tough times. We always had each other's backs and I think that's why we won it," said the forward, who collected 25 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal and 1 block in the Final.
There is no such a feeling as winning something with your country
Bjelica comes from a sports family as the son of Serbian volleyball national team player Novica Bjelica, who played for the country from 2003 to 2010. The father only ended his playing career in 2025 at the age of 42. The middle blocker won medals in the World Cup, European Championship and World League.
Petar learned from his father's successes and experiences. And that will be needed in Istanbul, where Serbia have been drawn in to Group A with Australia, Venezuela and Côte d'Ivoire.
"It's a tough group we are very excited to play against teams that are not from our continent. We're looking forward to it," Bjelica said.
About the opening game against Australia, he added: "The first game is always really important. I think that Australia is a very strong team. They didn't lose any games at the FIBA U16 AsiaCup. We are ready to give it all on the court."
Bjelica admitted that facing the undefeated seven-time reigning champions United States would be a goal for Serbia.
"It would mean a lot. We all have the ambition to play against USA - to see how would it be."
Serbia have only reached the U17 World Cup podium once, taking third place in 2014. Bjelica said he and his teammates want to end the 12-year wait.
"It just motivates us more because it a lot of time has passed," he said. "Finally winning a medal again would mean everything. And I know that everyone is ready to give their all. There is no such a feeling as winning something with your country."
FIBA