“It’s an Honor that someone like me would and i promise to make all and my daugther proud its not just that i..” -Mavericks’ Luka Doncic to Lead Slovenia NT at Olympic Qualifier: ‘

Slovenian basketball star Luka Doncic eagerly anticipates joining his national team as they prepare for the pre-Olympic qualifying tournament in Piraeus, Greece, from July 2 to 7. He is gearing up for Friday’s exhibition against Brazil at Stozice Arena.

“I love basketball more than anything else, and I’m grateful that playing it is my profession. Every time I wake up knowing there’s practice or a game ahead, it brings me joy,” Doncic expressed. “Representing the national team is always an honor. I have a deep passion for playing for Slovenia, and whenever possible, I prioritize international duty.”

Despite his recent deep playoff run with the Dallas Mavericks, Doncic remained committed to rejoining Slovenia. Balancing his NBA commitments with the desire to compete internationally was challenging, but ultimately straightforward for him.

“Deciding wasn’t simple, especially after a demanding season and dealing with injuries, but being here now is a privilege,” Doncic reflected. “During the playoffs, I focused solely on Dallas and our games, but I always knew I’d be back with the national team. The club understands my commitment to playing for my country, so there was no doubt.”

Each pre-Olympic qualifier will determine one team that advances to the Olympics. Doncic stressed the need to concentrate on immediate opponents like Croatia and New Zealand without overlooking any challenges. Qualifying for the Olympics would be a significant achievement for him, the team, and Slovenia as a whole.

“Participating in the Olympics would be incredibly meaningful, not just for me, but for the entire team and our country,” Doncic emphasized. “Securing an Olympic berth is tough; we’ve done it once before, and it would be an honor to repeat that. We expect tough competition here, especially from strong teams like Greece, but our focus is on Croatia and New Zealand first.”

Reflecting on Slovenia’s near-medal finish in the delayed Tokyo Olympics, Doncic acknowledged the team’s disappointment but views it as motivation moving forward.

“We came so close in Tokyo; those moments still resonate with me. We faced challenges throughout the summer and aimed for a medal, but it didn’t happen,” Doncic recalled. “That experience drives us even more now.”