BELGRADE (Serbia) - The upcoming FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Belgrade, which runs from June 29 to July 4,  will be a high-level basketball festival featuring a collection of the best European and NBA players. We present some that you should pay extra attention to during their six-day battle for just one Olympic spot.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Vasilije MICIC - Serbia

There was hope that the Serbia national team would have the Most Valuable Player of the Belgrade OQT from five years ago, Nikola Jokic, on the roster. But after a grueling campaign campaign in the NBA with Denver, one in which he was named the league MVP, Jokic is skip the event. So the leader on the court, along with Milos Teodosic and Nemanja Bjelica, will be Vasilije Micic, this season's Euroleague's MVP. 

Micic played for Serbia at the FIBA Basketball World Cup in China

Affectionately known as Vasa,  the 27-year-old is playing the best basketball of his life, both in terms of scoring and passing, and he's doing so with tremendous confidence and maturity.

At the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 in China, Micic wasn't at his best, primarily because of personal problems. But in this OQT campaign, head coach Igor Kokoskov will count on him to be turning on all cylinders and fans are going to enjoy it.

Nicolo MELLI - Italy

After a rough season in the NBA, one in which he didn't play much and was also traded from New Orleans to Dallas in March, Melli is eager to rejoin his national team to try and help it clinch a spot in the Summer Games for the first time since 2004 while at the same time return to his top form. 

Melli has been one of Italy's fiercest competitors since EuroBasket 2013

When he is at it best, Melli is undoubtedly one of the best power forwards in Europe, with an ability to dominate the game both inside and outside the paint.

The "Azzuri" will not have three key players from past tournaments in Marco Bellineli, Gigi Datome and Danilo Gallinari, so Melli's leadership and talent will be more important than ever.

Pierria HENRY - Senegal 

Among the best point guards from America in Europe in recent years, Henry was a part of Baskonia's title-winning run during the pandemic-interrupted 2019-2020 campaign. An excellent defender, Henry excelled this season with Baskonia as well. 

A player that likes to push the tempo and find that little additional energy on the defensive end, expect Henry to bring his customary effort and style of play in a green jersey to help the "Lions" spring an upset, win the OQT and play at the Olympics for the first time since 1980. 

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Dwight RAMOS - Philipines

He is a go-to guy in the new Gilas generation, which is still on a mission to find a new leader after the departure of Andray Blatche. Ramos' performances in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers show that he is on the right path.

Michael Torres CUEVAS - Dominican Republic

The Spanish-born point guard continued his growth this season for Coosur Real Betis. The best game of the year he had with his national team was when he finished a rebound short of triple-double in the Dominican Republic's 103-99 win over the US Virgin Islands in February's AmeriCup Qualifiers. Look for national team coach Melvyn Lopez to rely on a similar form from Cuevas in Belgrade next week.

The Dominican Republic need Cuevas to be a leader in Belgrade

Gian CLAVELL - Puerto Rico 

With veteran JJ Barea having played in the FIBA AmeriCup 2022 Qualifiers but not making himself available for the OQT, the Boricuas are looking for a new leader. The perfect man for that role is guard Gian Clavell, a player with European experience and member of the side that played at the World Cup. He will certainly be one of the primary weapons in coach Eddie Casiano's team, which is a dark horse.

DON'T SLEEP ON

Ognjen DOBRIC - Serbia

Just two days after he finished the season with the Serbian powerhouse Crvena Zvezda (Red Star Belgrade), where Dobric was a crucial player during their triple-crown run and MVP of the Serbian League finals - he joins a stout "Eagles" squad. Immediately, Dobric found his role.

Dobric has brought energy and quality to the Serbia team

He shone in friendly games to help make up for the absences of Bogdanovic, who is still competing in the NBA playoffs with Atlanta, along with injured trio Vladmir Lucic, Marko Guduric and Nemanja Nedovic.

Dobric's three-point shooting, combined with his fanatic way of playing defense and improved drives that often end with floaters, have brought the Serbian team new life, new energy and strength. So, be sure to pay attention to his skill set in Belgrade's Aleksandar Nikolic Hall.

FIBA