SRB - Two more out of Serbia's EuroBasket plans

BELGRADE (EuroBasket 2007) - Serbia captain Igor Rakocevic and New Jersey Nets youngster Mile Ilic have both confirmed they will not play at this summer's EuroBasket in Spain.

Rakocevic, a shooting guard who captained the team at last year's FIBA World Championship in Japan, is not fully fit after a hard

season with Tau Ceramica in Spain while Ilic is troubled by an ankle problem.

"My muscle pains caused me to visit the club doctor several times after the season in Spain had finished," Rakocevic said. "I was

in contact with (Serbia coach Zoran) Slavnic all the time, and although I waited to try and get into condition, the pains are still

there."

Ilic is also disappointed.

"Several days ago I tried to run for the first time since spraining my left ankle in April," he said.

"But bruising showed immediately so I came to training to thank our head coach for the call."

Ilic did not make an impact as a rookie with the Nets and spent a large part of the season in the NBDL.

Slavnic, who is also missing injured duo Nenad Krstic and Peja Stojakovic of the Nets and New Orleans Hornets, respectively, said:

"Igor told me that because of his injury he is not in any condition to travel with us to Spain.

"He was captain of our team at the last World Championship, but I must respect his decision.

"Ilic came to Belgrade (training) despite an injury which sidelined him during his season in the USA.

"He didn't play much there but I wanted to check him out and unfortunately he'll be out of the national team, too."

FIBA