Serbia looking forward to new challenges in World Cup Qualifiers

BELGRADE (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019) – There may not be a more talent-rich pool of players in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 European Qualifiers than the one currently at the disposal of Serbia boss Aleksandar Djordjevic, who has seen little other than success since replacing Dusan Ivkovic at the helm of the team following FIBA EuroBasket 2013.

Having guided the side to silver medals at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2014 in Spain and the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, the 49-year-old playmaker turned playcaller has raised the bar extremely high for ventures with the national team.

"We have respect for each of our opponents, but our goal, of course, is to qualify for the World Cup in 2019."Aleksandar DjordjevicAleksandar Djordjevic

The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 in China is no different – anything short of swift qualification would hardly be deemed acceptable by Serbian basketball fans for the Djordjevic-coached team, who were drawn to Group G of the European Qualifiers alongside Germany, Georgia and an additional team from the Pre-Qualifiers, to be confirmed in autumn.

"We have respect for each of our opponents, but our goal, of course, is to qualify for the World Cup in 2019," said Djordjevic, stressing the importance of doing the necessary homework and not getting caught up in looking over the shoulder at opponents. "As usual, when it comes to drawing groups in competitions, I always emphasize the same thing – above all, we need to look at our own plate and just prepare the team as best as possible for the new qualification system."

Over the years, national team programs have established certain standard approaches to preparing for summer competitions in terms physical preparation and team selection. Now, the new system of competition opens up an entirely new playing field for the coaches, who will need to figure out what works best.

"Many new aspects will affect the situation and could have an impact on the final results in the Qualifiers. The new competition system, which will be a novelty for everyone involved, will require a new approach on our part," the man in charge of the Serbian national team said.

"We want to take part in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 and we will try our best to fulfill this wish, shared by our fans as well."Marko SimonovicMarko Simonovic

His sentiments of going into somewhat uncharted waters were echoed by national team member Marko Simonovic, who was introduced to the national team by Djordjevic himself in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2014.

"Both Germany and Georgia are high-quality teams. We also have to wait and see who is going to join our group from the Pre-Qualifiers. It's only natural that all of them are going to want to qualify for the FIBA Basketball World Cup in 2019. But then again, that is going to be our objective as well," Simonovic told Sportski zurnal.

With some of the country's top players already in the NBA and escalating talks of Milos Teodosic and Bogdan Bogdanovic possibly also heading over the Atlantic in the nearest future, the situation may pose some extra challenges in the Qualifiers, but Serbia has a history of producing so many talented players that it should hardly be an issue.

However, with FIBA EuroBasket 2017 ahead of them first, Simonovic is not the one to put the cart before the horse, noting it's far too early to make reasonable forecasts beyond that.

"Keeping in mind, that some of the games in the Qualifiers will be played during the season, when NBA players will not be able to join their national teams, it's hard to make predictions right now. We don't know who will play for our rivals yet and we aren't entirely sure who will be available to play for Serbia, too," he said said. "But we want to take part in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 and we will try our best to fulfill this wish, shared by our fans as well."

FIBA