Serbia must do without Nikola Jokic for this 2023 World Cup, but they can count on Nikola Jovic.
The Miami rookie, who played very little in his first season in the NBA, recalls all his talent at the start of the World Cup, with 17 points against Puerto Rico, then above all 25 points at 5/5 from afar against South Sudan. !
“He’s playing amazing, he’s an integral part of our team and he has a great future”, explained Nikola Milutinov on his young teammate, recalling that the objective was to qualify for the Olympic Games.
Man of the match against South Sudan, in a match marked by the injury of Borisa Simanicvictim of an elbow in the kidneys which forced him to undergo emergency surgery and put an end to his competition, Nikola Jovic reminded him that he was only a finisher in this team of Serbia.
“It was my game in terms of shooting, but I’m not the star, we have more experienced and more mature players than me”
On counter-attack as soon as he has the opportunity to run or at 3-points as soon as his teammates create gaps.
“It was my shooting game, but I’m not the star, we have more experienced and mature players than me, and they are doing a great job” he soberly commented. “Stefan Jovic found me whenever I was alone, and when Milutinov draws help, I finish. They are the ones who help me achieve all this. »
Serbia has also benefited from a group largely within its reach with China, Puerto Rico and South Sudan. The really serious things will start against Italy and the Dominican Republic in the second phase.
Nevertheless, even without Nikola Jokic or Vasilije Micic, Novak Djokovic for his part reminded that we should not underestimate Bogdan Bogdanovic’s Serbia. And so of Nikola Jovic…
“It certainly won’t be easy, but we have great chemistry in the squad, and great chemistry in the dressing room and hopefully that will help us get through to the next round.” thus concludes the 20-year-old strong winger.
