Slovenia – Page 3 – Syndication Server

Goran Dragic: I’M BACK ….. #TheDragon …

I’M BACK ….. #TheDragon @kzs_si @EuroBasket pic.twitter.com/ebV1VnnqM6

— Goran Dragić (@Goran_Dragic) August 5, 2022

Blazic has also talked about the Slovenian national team’s chemistry, where the humbleness of Luka Doncic despite being one of the best players on the planet helps. “He [Doncic] is a world star. But it’s relaxed atmosphere between us. He enjoys it. You’d be surprised how humble he is,” Blazic explained. “I am sure that it will be like this in the future as well,” added the Slovenian guard. “But on the court… Well, you can see for yourself,” Blazic concluded.

Goran Dragic still hasn’t yet made a decision on whether he will participate in the EuroBasket or not. “We’ll see. First I have to finish some personal things and we’ll see,” Dragic said. “There’s a desire to play in the EuroBasket, now that I returned after five years. I was a little emotional, especially in the last game in front of our fans. But what makes me happy was that it wasn’t just a farewell game but a must-win game. It was very nice, full arena with fans. Now there’s a little pressure on me to play in the European championship.”

The reigning European champions had no problem dominating the game from the second quarter onwards, making a statement against an opponent with many offensive issues. In the end, Slovenia won 90-71 ((27-23, 26-14, 24-11, 13-23). Luka Doncic was the winner’s first scorer with 12 points (4/12 FG), plus 7 rebounds and 5 assists, while Goran Dragic added 11 (3/5 FG, 4/4 FT, 4 AST). Italy played with many new faces and were competitive only for ten minutes.

Luka Doncic and Goran Dragic are ready to help their country in the upcoming FIBA window, but the Slovenian basketball federation (KZS) faces unexpected hurdles. At the beginning of May, KZS’ president Matej Erjavec told that the amount of insurance for Luka Doncic’s contract for FIBA World Cup qualifying games is still unknown. However, the situation remains the same to this day.

KZS’ Secretary General and legendary Slovenian basketball player Raso Nesterovic didn’t hide his frustration while talking to STA. “We have one of the biggest stars in the basketball world on the team, who are ready to sacrifice their days off in the middle of summer, but we have not yet received information on where, how, and by when we have to register and insure celebrities such as Luka Doncic and Goran Dragic,” Nesterovic said.

Siol.net also reports that the insurance cost will be even higher due to the new Doncic contract with the Dallas Mavericks, which is worth 207.1 million US dollars. KZS will reportedly need to cover 100 000 dollars for Doncic’s insurance and 15 000 for Dragic’s.

Goran Dragic returns to the Slovenian NT this summer for the upcoming FIBA World Cup qualifiers window in late June – early July. Dragic, the MVP of the 2017 EuroBasket, is likely headed for the “last dance” with the Slovenian national team. Featured on Aleksander Sekulic’s roster is also Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic, who will also join the team for the games against Croatia and Sweden.