Respect, motivation pave Montenegro's return path

MUNICH (FIBA EuroBasket 2017 Qualifiers) - In the wake of Friday's FIBA EuroBasket 2017 Qualifiers Draw, the man charged with leading Montenegro back to the big event, legendary coach Bogdan Tanjevic, referred repeatedly to two concepts.

Tanjevic, who assumed the reins of the Montenegro national team after they failed to qualify for EuroBasket 2015, focused on motivation and respect.

The motivation of key players could be the key to Montenegro fielding a full-strength squad in the Qualifiers from 31st August to 17 September, for the first time in years.

Respect is what Tanjevic wants Montenegro's players to both show and earn in Group F, where they will clash with Georgia, Slovak Republic and Albania for a berth at FIBA EuroBasket 2017.

"Montenegro is a small territory and most players play outside the country," Tanjevic said.

"They are all motivated, I have spoken with them.

"We have of course two guys playing in the NBA (Nikola Vucevic of Orlando Magic and Nikola Pekovic of Minnesota Timberwolves).

"They have both called me and they were as motivated to play as everyone else."

Regardless of whether Tanjevic will be able to count on two of the NBA's best centers in Group F, he will still expect his team to be built on respect, both inwards and outwards.

"I think the competition will be very strong, I have great respect for Georgia as well as for the Slovak Republic," the Montenegro coach said.

"Albania is a little bit less strong but they have ambition and we cannot go and play there thinking anything less, we have to play at 100%.

"Our young players will bring us something for sure, when younger players see the big stars give 100% in practice there is no chance they will not do the same.

"The rule is that they will follow the example.

"The great players have to give the good example but at the same time they have to behave modestly and gain respect."

Tanjevic, a 2010 FIBA World Championship silver medallist (with Turkey) and a EuroBasket 1999 champion (with Italy), is among the most qualified people to appreciate the new competition system which comes into place precisely after the EuroBasket 2017 Qualifiers.

"I was the coach of the Italian national team the last time we had this kind of competition system," he said.

"We played in November and February, more or less like what is going to be the case now.

"So I know this system well and I like it."

FIBA