SRB - Jaric issues come-and-get-me plea to Ivkovic

MEMPHIS (EuroBasket 2009) - Veteran NBA guard Marko Jaric of the Memphis Grizzlies has expressed the hope that he will be invited to play for Serbia this summer at the EuroBasket in Poland.

Jaric, a member of Yugoslavia's gold-medal winning side at the 2002 FIBA World Championship in Indianapolis, hasn't represented his national team since EuroBasket 2005.

"I haven't spoken with coach (Dusan) Ivkovic yet, but if he calls me, I'll be there,” Jaric said.

“I would be the happiest man on Earth if we gather the strongest national team for the EuroBasket in Poland.

“That includes players such as Vladimir Radmanovic (Charlotte Bobcats), Sasha Pavlovic (Cleveland Cavaliers) and Igor Rakocevic, who is having great season in Europe."

At EuroBasket 2005, the last time Jaric played for Serbia and Montenegro, the team failed to reach the Quarter-Finals.

Rakocevic, meanwhile, the veteran guard of TAU Ceramica and the leading scorer in Spain's ACB at more than 20 points per game, is to meet with Ivkovic after Thursday's game against Barcelona.

Rakocevic hasn't played for the national team since the 2006 FIBA World Championship in Japan.

“I have a huge wish to play for the national team again," he said.

"But, there are some things that can affect that - my physical condition, the schedule of national team's training camp, my next club season... we'll see what happens."

Serbia, whose primary aim heading to Poland is to qualify for the 2010 FIBA World Championship in Turkey, will take on Spain, Slovenia and Great Britain in group play.

FIBA