It’s the middle of September, the NBA off-season is coming to an end, training camp is yet to begin and in terms of significant action, basketball fans around the world have to look hard to get their fill.
Well, look no further than the recent EuroBasket 2017 qualifier game between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Russia.
Bosnian youngster Dzana Musa was brought to tears by his teammate, Milwaukee Bucks forward Mirza Teletovic during the game, as the pair verbally battled on court. This followed a couple of overly physical moments between the two teams that left Musa injured.
The drama didn’t end there.
As you can see from the below video, which includes Musa and Teletovic’s altercation, Denver Nuggets big man Jusuf Nurkic also went down with an injury during the game.
When the team travelled to Sweden for the next game, Nurkic was left behind, sparking questions from the media regarding his character, as per EuroHoops.net. Nurkic has since taken to Instagram to express his feelings toward the media and seemingly the Basketball Federation Of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Translation by EuroHoops’ Igor Marinovic:
“'He was injured,' they say, ‘he doesn't want to play, he has bogus injury, he's no good…' I came to play and that wasn't good. I gave my best and hat wasn't good. Whatever I do, it isn't good. Do I annoy you this much, really? Anyway, I'm going to stay with these guys till the bitter end, but after all these things you did to me, next time I will think twice about playing for national team or not, you bunch of liars! And one more thing: How and when I travel with the national team is not my decision, but the decision of the Federation and the coaching staff. And one more thing: If I wanted to be separated from the team, I wouldn't bother to come here anyway!”
This animated response from Nurkic will create further debate within his home nation and it will be interesting to see how his future international basketball career shapes up.
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