There were several possible storylines people were anticipating heading into the 2023 FIBA world Cup. Did USA have enough stars to win it all? Was this Canada's time to stake its claim as a supreme basketball power. Could Luka Doncic carry scrappy Slovenia to a deep run? Despite boasting some NBA talent, Serbia was under the radar.
Now, fans have no choice but to acknowledge this team after its upset win versus Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Canada in the semifinals. Serbia's captain and star player explained what it means to punch their ticket to the FIBA World Cup Final, especially with the odds seemingly stacked against them.
“I'm so tired right now, but I'm so happy as well, that we won tonight against a team that is amazing, leading with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander,” Atlanta Hawks guard Bogdan Bogdanovic said following the 95-86 victory, via Holly MacKenzie. “We have one guy, Aleksa Avramovic, who was watching {SGA's} tape for the last two days, highlights, every game. He said ‘trust me, I'm going to steal one ball,' and I think he stole two, so, props to him.”
Avramovic studiousness paid off in a major way. He scored 10 points off the bench and did in fact record two swipes off Canada's juggernaut and face of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Gilgeous-Alexander, who has arguably been the best player of this global tournament, was limited to 15 points on 4-of-8 shooting. Bogdanovic was the top player on the court on this day.
The 31-year-old scored a game-high 23 points (tied with RJ Barrett), knocked down three 3-pointers and shot a deadly accurate 8-of-12 from the field to push his country and team ever so close to FIBA supremacy. Serbia will battle fellow semis underdog Germany in the title game on Sunday at 8:30 a.m. ET.
Judging by Bogdan Bogdanovic's joy and the diligence of his teammate, expect this overlooked group to play with a visible desperation. The Serbs have come too far to take their foot off the gas now.
Follow Us
Subscribe