If the absences of Nikola Jokic, Vasilije Micic, Nikola Kalinic or even Vladimir Lucic and Aleksej Pokusevski will undoubtedly weigh heavily at the World Cup, the Serbia remains a training always difficult to maneuver thanks to its experience and its collective play.
This Wednesday is the modest Porto Rico who paid the price, in Belgrade. At home, for what was their last friendly match in Europe before flying to Asia to continue their preparation and then play the World Cup, Svetislav Pesic’s men actually played out, winning calmly by 35 points (110- 75).
Like the captain Bogdan Bogdanovic, author of 15 points in the form of five winning shots, announced it, Serbia played a fast game, with a lot of movement on half-court and rhythm on transition. Around the back of the Hawks, a collective of “role-players” stood out for the Serbian formation: Ognjen Dobric with 23 stitches, Nikola Milutinov with a copious double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds but also Nikola Jovicthe young talent of the Heat, with 11 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists.
Side Puerto Rico, Tremont Waters (11 points) and Aleem Ford (10 points) were too lonely.
Note that the two teams will find themselves in the group stage of the World Cup, in Group B with South Sudan and China. A modest group, which Serbia should easily dominate before crossing, in the next round, with Group A of Italy and the Dominican Republic of Karl-Anthony Towns.
photo credit: starsport
