On this occasion, Zmajeva coach Dario Gjergja addressed the media, who presented the first overview of the situation in the team.
“We have certain problems in putting the team together, but you know as they say, for some it’s dark for some, it’s dawn for others. Not all players have arrived yet, and today’s training will be easier, which will be based on talking with the players,” said Gjergja.
He emphasized that in the next two and a half days he will try to make maximum progress, but he did not hide that the group is extremely demanding. The focus, he says, will be on achieving the best possible result.
Speaking about the list of players and the challenges surrounding its formation, the selector explained:
“The list of players was sent when we agreed. For example, Lazar Mutić, who is playing very well, could soon be on the list. We couldn’t be clear with some guys. At the moment, we have a difficult situation with Dubai, because of which we can’t count on some guys.”
He reminded that Gegić could not come due to an injury, and that Atić was not ready yet.
“I don’t have to talk about Sulejmanović and his level of basketball. I think he is an excellent addition to this team. It’s a shame that Kamenjaš is not there because the two of them would work well together, but on the other hand, he could step into ‘his shoes’.”
Speaking about Castaneda, the selector added:
“As for Castaneda, we have to be clear, he is a young guy, but he could come in because he really wants to be there. I think he is the future along with Arslanagić and Čampara.”
Gjergja confirmed that the national team currently has significant personnel problems:
“We have a problem because Atić, Lazić, Kamenjaš, Džanan Musa, who is the leader, are missing, but that doesn’t mean we won’t do our best.”
He singles out Turkey as the most demanding opponent, while the situation with Serbia is different from game to game:
“Turkey is the most demanding opponent because they were playing for the position of European champions. Serbia did not show the strongest for the first game, but for the second it is a completely different story.”
He also spoke about the experience and quality that an NBA player like Jusuf Nurkic brings:
“Certainly there is still room for improvement. It’s hard to talk about Eurobasket, but any team that has Nurkic or someone from the NBA, those players make the team better. That vision, the setting of blocks, solving complex situations in the game, they offer it all. Nurkic has adapted to these situations very well compared to other guys. We need to focus on players who control the ball well… we also need a top shooter. We also need guys with character, which is a key aspect.”
The selector confirmed that they are following a few more names from the domestic and regional leagues, while younger players are gradually being introduced to the senior streams.
“Our idea is to have guys ready in 10-12 days, and to involve them in the work. When someone gets the opportunity to learn from Kamenjaš, Musa and Nurkić, it is an excellent motivator to continue on.”
When asked about the captain, Gjergja defined the role very clearly:
“It’s not the best player, it’s the one everyone respects. It’s the guy who is the ‘glue’ between all the players.”
He mentioned Gegić or Atić as potential captains, but the decision is not yet final.
(Vijesti.ba)
