With Team USA and France, without forgetting Spain, Canada or Australia, the Slovenia awesome Luka Doncic will be among the title contenders when the World Cup 2023 (August 25 – September 10), and it will be able to test itself today against the United States (6:00 p.m.).
While waiting to see if the 2017 European champions will be present in Asia, the superstar of Mavericks will be especially keen to catch up after a disappointing Eurobasket 2022. Eliminated by the surprising Polish team in the quarter-finals, the Slovenians had probably seen themselves too good and “Luka Magic” had then cracked as rarely…
” I disappointed my team, I let down my whole country, it was my fault », recognisedwithout hiding, the one who had finished this meeting expelled, with 14 points and 6 ball losses (at 5/15 to shoot, 3/8 to 3-points and 1/4 to throws).
A new status this year
After this disappointment, Luka Doncic had however assured that he ” would come back stronger » and that he « would always play for Slovenia (unless injured). A year later, he proves it by being indeed available for the World Cup.
This year, and for the first time in his international career, he will be the captain of his selection.
” It’s an honor, a real pride “, he considers about this unprecedented mission. ” It was decided with the coach and my teammates. It’s not necessarily new to me, because I’ve been the locker room leader here or at the Mavericks. I don’t prepare myself differently, because it can’t be learned: either you’re made for it, or you’re not. But it will be difficult to replace Edo [Muric] or Goran [Dragic]two very great players. »
Luka Doncic’s opponents can also be scared because, physically, he seems sharper than ever…
” I feel better and you can see it “, he confirms precisely. ” My physical trainer, Anze Malek, pushed me a lot and all the credit goes to him. »
Only Slovenia occupies his mind…
Regarding his expectations at the World Cup with Slovenia, Luka Doncic wishes on the one hand to take advantage, because he missed the competition, and he only envisages the gold medal on the other hand.
” It’s been a very long summer, but I’m glad to be back “, he says as well. ” I haven’t played since April 10, so I can’t wait to get back there and the goal remains the same for me: to win, like every time I play in a competition. The reality may then be different, but [gagner] is always my goal. »
Once the tournament is over, with potentially a medal around his neck, Luka Doncic will then reactivate the NBA mode but, for the moment, he does not want to be distracted by what will await him with the Mavericks.
” I don’t see it as preparation for the NBA season “, he warns in this context. ” I enjoy being in the selection, I have a good time with my teammates, we get on well and I appreciate all that, so it’s a pleasure to come and play for Slovenia. What happens in selection has nothing to do with what happens in the NBA, they are two very different things. I don’t have the head yet dallasbut I think the right decisions have been made, perhaps waiting for other signatures… »
Remember that Slovenia will be in Pool F at the World Cup, along with Georgia, Venezuela and Cape Verde. If she finishes in one of the first two places, she will then cross with the group of Australia, Germany, Finland and Japan, to hope to join the quarter-finals of the competition.
Photo credit: FIBA.com
| Luka Doncic | Percentage | Bounces | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | GM | Minimum | Shots | 3 points | LF | Off | Def | Early | pd | party | Int | bp | CT | Points |
| 2018-19 | DAL | 72 | 32 | 42.7 | 32.7 | 71.3 | 1.2 | 6.6 | 7.8 | 6.0 | 1.9 | 1.1 | 3.4 | 0.4 | 21.2 |
| 2019-20 | DAL | 61 | 34 | 46.3 | 31.6 | 75.8 | 1.3 | 8.1 | 9.4 | 8.8 | 2.5 | 1.0 | 4.3 | 0.2 | 28.8 |
| 2020-21 | DAL | 66 | 34 | 47.9 | 35.0 | 73.0 | 0.8 | 7.2 | 8.0 | 8.6 | 2.3 | 1.0 | 4.3 | 0.6 | 27.7 |
| 2021-22 | DAL | 65 | 35 | 45.7 | 35.3 | 74.4 | 0.9 | 8.3 | 9.1 | 8.7 | 2.2 | 1.2 | 4.5 | 0.6 | 28.4 |
| 2022-23 | DAL | 66 | 36 | 49.6 | 34.2 | 74.2 | 0.8 | 7.8 | 8.6 | 8.0 | 2.5 | 1.4 | 3.6 | 0.5 | 32.4 |
| Total | 330 | 34 | 46.6 | 33.8 | 73.9 | 1.0 | 7.6 | 8.6 | 8.0 | 2.3 | 1.1 | 4.0 | 0.4 | 27.6 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Shots made / Shots attempted; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def= defensive rebound; Tot = Total bounces; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost bullets; Ct: Counters; Points = Points.
