Can Serbia win Eurobasket?

A Serbian win against Czech Republic propelled them to the semifinals of the 2015 Eurobasket. Even when players who have NBA experience have a hard time facing the Serbs, who went out with passion and fiery all the time. What I saw through their games is simply a testament of their continued hardwork on the court.

Miloš Teodosić is the clear leader of this team. Setting up plays for teammates and has the range anywhere on the court, it's also the task of the likes of Miroslav Raduljica, Nemanja Nedović, Nemanja Bjelica, Bogdan Bogdanović, veteran Zoran Erceg and the rest, with team effort and superb unselfishness.

The last time they won the Eurobasket Gold is way back 14 years ago, who were having Dejan Bodiroga, Peđa Stojaković and others coached by legendary coach Svetislav Pešić.

It now depends on Miloš's efforts to avoid another Silver medal, since his playing career he never won the gold medal or in professional leagues, championships(only has VTB League championships though.)

But if this unit can make it all the way to the gold with Sale Nacionale Aleksandar "Saša" Đorđević coaching with passion and fiery as well without prioritizing what his predecessors did(Dušan Ivković notably), they have a better chance to win it all.

The evolution of Nemanja Bjelica

Last night, Nemanja Bjelica was the architect of the Serbian comeback against Spain and making the crucial shots that doomed Spain, along with Bogdan Bogdanović and Nemanja Nedović making those trojkas(3 pointer in Serbian) but it was Bjelica's efforts that was standing out. It was a bit surprising since he plays Power Forward but his style of play was really that of a point-forward and his natural position is the Small Forward.

I first saw his style and play, I was amazed. He is in line to become the next point-forward in the NBA if he is given that playing time. Before, he wasn't given the playing time in the national team when Novica Veličković

And recently, sinking Germany with the game winning shot. Now, he could become a star not just in Europe but also in the world, when he dominates with that style of play.

When there be the next Serbian Big Thing?

Yes, they came out big by 2014 and have the true best basketball system after America. But why they don't have an NBA player? Personal or lack of scouting maybe. The world instead wanted to see Dario Šarić or Mario Hezonja. Little did they know about Dejan Kravić or Dušan Ristić or even Bogdan Bogdanović who was named the best young player in Euroleague while playing his last season for Partizan.

Some players like Miloš Teodosić would play for the higher competition in Europe, citing lack of playing if he signs for an NBA team. Only as of January 6, 2015, Ognjen Kuzmić plays for the Golden State Warriors but lacks playing time even if the team lacks a big man in the regular rotation.

I would try to suprise if the San Antonio Spurs franchise would try to bring Nemanja Dangubić. As we know, San Antonio is one of the best for developing foreign talent and Nemanja could bestfit their. Speaking of Nemanja, Nemanja Nedović, who is the European Derrick Rose cannot crack the rotation despite that raw talent. That is he not given the playing time even 20 minutes! 

Serbs are better players without the referees' help or without those fancy American moves. Can't they be worse? They finished 7th in Eurobasket 2013 and Nemanja Nedović, Nenad Krstić and Nemanja Bjelica were their only gunners because Miloš Teodosić was injured leading to Eurobasket.

So, don't they deserve to enter the NBA and contribute?

Better to watch the KRS games

Something went into my mind. Aftet seeing the Serbs having a difficult time against Iran's Hamed Hadadi, they went on to win by 13 points by the final score of 83-70.  Sure Miroslav Raduljica is 7'0 and Hadadi is 7'3 or 2 but, the Serbian defense and his illegal pick late in the 2nd quarter was the key for the Serbs to take control of the game. Like the Greeks did, the Serbs were implementing one of their best half-court pressure. Miloš Teodosić is somewhat unselfish, almost having a double-double(8 points, 9 assists) while flashing and passing the ball to make his team much better. Nemanja Bjelica had 18 and 10 while for Iran, Hadadi did scored 29 points but got that fourth foul after an illegal pick late in the second quarter.

Meanwhile, the Philippines lost another heartbraker to Argentina. The score 85-81, is somewhat my country needs to restructure it's own basketball system. Either foreigners should go through the youth system or get some with Filipino descent through careful selection. When your point guard is 5'11 that shoots first than passing and depending on American imports, we will be doomed.

Košarkaška reprezentacija Srbije

 

Time to break away a bit from politics and religion and my life. This entry focuses on Serbian Basketball. As more than three months will pass by, i am hoping and rooting for this team to make it all the way to the finals at least, if it makes an improvement on its roster.

Yet during the 2011 Eurobasket and 2012 Eurobasket qualifiers, the national team had a hard time finding it's rhythm, chemistry and  finding better shots. The coach that time, Dušan Ivković, had a hard time to have them gel in just a short period of time, unlike the Yugoslavian dream team he coached during the late 80's and 90's. In the ESPN 30 for 30 film Once Brothers, he compared that generation to the ones he is coaching and he is in favor of the earlier one.

There are a few bright spots in the national team this past Eurobasket 2013.

                          

                                                  Nemanja Nedović

Bogdan Bogdanović

 

Nenad Krstić

 

Nemanja Bjelica

 

And others. But with Miloš Teodosić, Vladimir Lučić injured and some players like Boris Savović, Tadija Dragićević, Dejan Musli and others who deserved a chance to play for the Beli Orlovi.

We, supporting Serbian Basketball all the way will keep tracking the personnel moves that will be made and will cheering for no team but Serbia.

SRBIJA SRBIJA!