CRO – Loncar, Croatia celebrate return to Olympics

ATHENS (FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament) - Kresimir Loncar is jumping for joy and for good reason.

Croatia will play at the Olympics for the first time since 1996.

After five consecutive defeats in international competition to Germany, Jasmin Repesa's men held their nerve to win 76-70 in Saturday's first semi-final at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Athens to clinch a place in Beijing.

The 25-year-old center spoke to FIBA.com after his team's famous triumph.

FIBA: Congratulations Kresimir. Did you ever believe that you would have the opportunity to play at the Olympics?

Loncar: First of all, I couldn't believe I would play for the national team after eight years playing for the national team and after all my injuries. I think this is one of the best days of my life.

FIBA: Croatia showed a lot of concentration and focus to beat Dirk Nowitzki's Germany. What was the key to this triumph?

Loncar: Everyone gave something for this win. We don't have a big star, but we have a team and that is the most important thing. We have good chemistry and our guys played great in this tournament.

FIBA: It was a close game with Germany always proving tough opponents. Do you think Germany will make it to Beijing?

Loncar: Germany is a great team. Sooner or later we had to beat them and after 11 years we have succeeded. I like the way they play and I believe they will go to the Olympics and I wish them all the best.

FIBA: Dirk Nowitzki got 30 points and 13 rebounds in a heroic performance. How difficult is it to play against him?

Loncar: For me, he is one of the best players in the history (of basketball). He is first of all a great guy and then a great player. I like him. He was my idol when I started to play basketball at Dirk's former club Wurzburg. You can only play if he misses a shot.

FIBA: Croatia will have to replace injured Damir Markota in the team before heading to Beijing. What can we expect from Croatia at the Olympics?

Loncar: We need to rest and then keep working as we have done this summer. For us it was important to reach the Olympics and in Beijing you will have two groups and we have our chances.

FIBA: How do you like playing for coach Jasmin Repesa?

Loncar: He is a very smart coach and he knows what he wants from each player, he did it with his team. Everyone respects him, I think he is one of the top coaches in Europe.

FIBA