Doncic’s recalls his participation in the national team and recalled a funny story from FIBA ​​​​EuroBasket 2022: Matej Erjavec, the President of Basketball of Slovenia react to it

Luka Doncic and Slovenia’s Basketball Journey: A Road to the 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament

As Slovenia’s national basketball team gears up for the 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament, all eyes are on their star player, Luka Doncic. The journey to international competition has been marked by both serious commitment and lighthearted moments, as shared by Matej Erjavec, President of the Basketball Federation of Slovenia, in a recent interview with Siol.net.

Erjavec began by shedding light on Doncic’s unwavering dedication to the national team. Contrary to any need for persuasion, Doncic’s decision to join Slovenia for upcoming tournaments was sealed well before it became official. “No, practically no persuasion was needed,” Erjavec recalled. “This was already agreed upon before the finals. After the Western Conference finals, Luka told both his father and me, who were watching the game, that despite the NBA Finals, he would also play for the national team.”

The commitment, however, came with a caveat – health and well-being remained Doncic’s top priority. “But of course, he always said that on the condition that everything would be fine with him health-wise. He is obviously in good condition to come,” Erjavec reassured.

Adding a touch of humor to their journey, Erjavec reminisced about a funny anecdote from the 2022 FIBA EuroBasket, where Doncic’s participation required a small concession: “We fulfilled it in 2022 when we had to install a card table in the bus. This was the only condition he set for participation in the national team,” Erjavec chuckled.

With Doncic now firmly on board, Erjavec expressed his delight at the team’s readiness and unity: “We are happy because we are finally complete. Now the preparations will really start when we’re all together. We’re still training on Sunday; we’re already traveling on Tuesday, so we’re very happy that he came.”

Looking ahead to the upcoming tournament, Slovenia finds itself placed in Group A alongside New Zealand and Croatia. This sets the stage for intense competition as they vie for a coveted spot in the Olympics. Doncic, known for his stellar performances both in the NBA with the Dallas Mavericks and on the international stage, will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in Slovenia’s quest for success.

At 25 years old, Luka Doncic has already established himself as one of the brightest stars in basketball, showcasing remarkable skills and leadership wherever he plays. His decision to represent Slovenia underscores his deep-rooted pride in his homeland and his commitment to elevating Slovenian basketball to new heights on the global stage.

As fans eagerly anticipate Slovenia’s journey in the 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament, one thing is certain – with Luka Doncic leading the charge, Slovenian basketball is poised for an exciting and competitive showing, driven by passion, talent, and the unyielding spirit of a true champion.