PODGORICA (Montenegro) - When it came to determining who would represent Montenegro at FIBA EuroBasket 2025, Nikola Vucevic's commitment was never in question.
The Chicago Bulls' big man is relishing the opportunity to compete in his fourth FIBA EuroBasket this summer, where Montenegro will head to Tampere, Finland, to meet world champions Germany, as well as Lithuania, Sweden, and Great Britain in Group B.
I think after the EuroBasket, that'll be it
"It's always a joy to come and play for your country, especially at major tournaments, where all the best players gather," Vucevic said in an interview withVijesti.
"It's different from playing for a club. The feeling is different, the chemistry between players, the energy… You have one national team you play for. You represent your people - your whole country is watching. That's a special thrill."
Vucevic admits this summer could mark his final run in a Montenegro jersey, but he's ready to give it all on what may prove to behis last rodeo.
"I feel good. I’ve been training for a while, and I expect to be 100 percent ready and healthy when preparations begin. There have been a lot of withdrawals, and we don’t know what things will look like when we gather," he said.
"Right now, I have no expectations in terms of goals—I’m thinking about how the preparation period will go, how everything will look, whether we’ll be healthy. Later, we’ll have a clearer picture when it comes to expectations."
With joy and that special thrill of putting on the Montenegro jersey comes responsibility. The 14-year NBA veteran is eager to excel in a tournament where Montenegro has not advanced past the Round of 16 since its debut in 2011.
The task hasn't been made easier with the absence of Bojan Dubljevic, Nikola Ivanovic, Nemanja Radovic, Dino Radoncic, Petar Popovic, Fedor Zugic, Luka Bogavac, David Mirkovic, and Andrija Grbovic. Still, Vucevic leads a side aware of what awaits them in Tampere.
"It's a tricky group," he admits. "These are teams with quality players. Finland has the home-court advantage and will be motivated. They're led by [Lauri] Markkanen, who is an excellent player.
"Lithuania is an experienced team, yes, they've had withdrawals too, but they're still very good. They play tough and physical; it's always hard against them. Germany is one of the favorites. I don't know as much about Great Britain and Sweden."
Despite his pride and being a mainstay in the international fold since his first EuroBasket in 2011, the 35 year old has also hinted that this is likely to be his last dance for the national team.
"I think after the EuroBasket, that'll be it," Vucevic conceded.
"I'll give my best, enjoy it, and try to achieve the best result possible. I'm entering the final phase of my career. My focus will shift - to rest during summers, to be with my family. It's not 100 percent certain, but at the moment I believe these will be my last games for the national team."
Whatever Vucevic plans after EuroBasket will be decided then. Until that point, he will head to Tampere as one of the competition's biggest names.
Since making his senior debut at EuroBasket 2011, Vucevic has averaged 12.9 points and 7.2 rebounds, with a career-best 19.8 points and 8.8 rebounds at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 in the Philippines.
And away from basketball, he has made lifelong connections and friendships within the national team, most notably with teammate Vladimir Mihailovic, who, like Vucevic , debuted in 2011, and head coach Bosko Radovic.
Along with Vucevic hinting about international retirement, he also indicates that Mihailovic might join him as well, which could bring a storybook ending to two tremendous lines of service.
This might be the last time both of us play for the national team, the last EuroBasket.
"It will be a great experience for both of us, we're friends off the court, our families hang out. It's always nice when we play together - during the preparation period, we spend time together," Vucevic said of Mihailovic.
"These are experiences that go beyond basketball. Sharing the court and these memories with someone who's a great friend - that's special.
"We often talk about it. This might be the last time both of us play for the national team, the last EuroBasket. It's a beautiful story - starting our national careers together and possibly finishing them together."
Vucevic added: "I have a great relationship with the coach. We've known each other since the Qualifiers for EuroBasket in Lithuania. We've always had a good working relationship and a strong bond. We stay in touch often.
"Bosko Radovic has done a great job since taking over. Three major tournaments, good results—that shows the kind of relationship he has built with the players. The trust and the way he has brought everything together show how big of an influence he has had."
As for the victor of EuroBasket 2025? Vucevic has singled out his neighbours to go all the way.
"I would single out Serbia," he admits. "Serbia is the main favorite. The most complete team, with the most experience, they've been playing together for a long time.
"They're led by Nikola Jokic, the best player in the world. That team had a great result at the Olympics, and I think they'll win gold this year. I'd personally love that for them—they have the quality to take the title.
"After Serbia, it's Germany. France is quite weakened, and I'm not sure what kind of squad Spain will have."
Of course, Vucevic is aiming for Montenegro to progress as far as they can, after which he will begin to ponder what he will do following EuroBasket.
FIBA