SLO - Doncic salutes title triumph

DOMZALE (Kosarkarska Liga) - Helios Domzale captain Sasa Doncic has hailed his first-ever Slovenian Championship as the highlight of career so far.

The 6ft 7in guard, who has not been included in the Slovenia squad for the EuroBasket 2007, insists he could not have dreamt of such an amazing domestic campaign.

"It has been a wonderful, but tough season, topped with two trophies," said Doncic, whose side beat Union Olimpija 3-2 in the final series.

"Before the season we could only have dreamt about this and we achieved more than we realistically expected - it means a lot to me and you could say this season was the peak of my career.

"I have been disappointed many times before, but this season has brought me satisfaction for all the big defeats that happened to me before.

"It is also proof that hard work pays off and I have worked really hard for this to happen."

The 33-year-old admits, however, that he is uncertain as to where his future lies, and claims he is waiting to hear where he will be playing next season.

Doncic said: "I have not received any concrete offers so I have not yet decided on anything.

"We will see what will happen when I return from Serbia where I am going on holiday to fish on the Danube with my father."

Doncic is rumoured to have at least two offers for next season: one is to remain with Helios and the other one is to join Slovenia's most famous club Union Olimpija.

Doncic had a spell with Olimpija in the youth ranks, but never got the chance to play for club as a senior player although he still has a lot of respect for
Slovenia's best-known club despite them being on the verge of bankruptcy.

"Without Olimpija, basketball in Slovenia will not be the same," Doncic said.

"Olimpija is a symbol of Slovenia's basketball, a guideline for everybody else.

"I know the situation is not very good, but I do hope that the people that are in control at this moment will keep their promises and save the club."

Doncic narrowly missed the cut to feature for Slovenia in Eurobasket but is optimistic over his country's chances in the competition in Alicante.

He said: "I think Slovenia has a team that can win a medal although we will need some luck, but the teams in Europe are so equal at the moment: everybody can beat everybody.

"If Slovenia will combine a bit of luck with being at the right place at the right time, everything is possible."

Luka Maselj
FIBA