FIBA Basketball

    Maljkovic makes a return to the helm of 2019 co-hosts Serbia

    BELGRADE (FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019) - Serbia have turned back to the most successful play-caller in their history as Marina Maljkovic takes up the coaching reins for FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019.

    BELGRADE (FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019) - Serbia have turned back to the most successful play-caller in their history by handing Marina Maljkovic the responsibility of coaching them at FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019.

    The co-hosts will be expected to post a strong challenge at the tournament, with Maljkovic having famously led them to a historic first title in 2015 and then a maiden Olympic appearance and medal when they took bronze at Rio 2016.

    Having stepped down from the position after those two incredible high points, the wheels subsequently came flying off for Serbia at FIBA EuroBasket Women 2017. They not only meekly relinquished their crown by failing to reach the Quarter-Finals, but in doing so, missed out on a spot at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2018.

    Now expectations have been raised that Maljkovic can get them back on a winning track and land more success on home soil.


    She declared: "My presence and return is not a whim. My decision to take over the team is not made after deep thinking either - I would call it a feeling as it was my duty to do it. My duty to Serbia, to my city of Belgrade and to the Federation.

    "Few people would make a decision to return to a place of great success. I am aware of that, even if everyone is expecting medals.

    "As always, nothing will change. The principle is the same, we will still try young players, always consider some new players who have good statistics and those who did not play for the team at all previously or who have not done so for some time.

    "We know which of our players will make the spine of the team, but it is most important for me to try every Serbian woman who can potentially play for the national team.

    "In front of us is the first official game in a year-and-a-half (as hosts, Serbia do not have to play in the Qualifiers). What is most important is to inform the public about everything, what the situation is and what awaits us, and not ask what our ambitions are. I've already shown what is expected of us," concluded Maljkovic. 

    FIBA