Luka Doncic is preparing for the biggest season in his professional career as the Slovenian is making the difficult jump from Europe to the NBA. According to Antonis Stroggylakis of Eurohoops.net, the Dallas Mavericks rookie is skipping his country's World Cup Qualifiers in order to prepare for his rookie season in the United States. The Mavs prodigy posted a message to his social media profiles detailing his decision to skip the qualifiers.
“The last weeks following my arrival in America have been an incredible carousel of cravings and new excitements. It is difficult to describe how eagerly and enthusiastically I’m waiting for the games with Dallas Mavericks and to begin the hard work to achieve the goals that we have set up with the team. Before that, I want to share my feelings with you, my teammates, my “brothers”. I know that everyone knows that there’s no greater honor for me than playing for my homeland. My thoughts are with you who preparing for the World Cup Qualifiers. Although I can not be with you, I’m sure you will do your job well. One of my most important achievements in my life was being part of the winning team that won the first and only gold medal in Slovenia. My intention is to be one of the leading members in our next battle in an elite level competition. Next month, I’ll be watching and cheering! But to my boys: Show them who you are! Continue what we healed together! I’ll be with you soon.”
This shouldn't come as any real surprise. The timing of the qualifiers makes it difficult for NBA players to participate. Slovenia's games are on Sept. 14 and Sept. 17 which are far too close to training camp for the young rookie.
Doncic is coming off a season in Spain where he was named EuroLeague MVP as a teenager. The expectations are high for the overseas prospect. He's looked at as one of the best European players to ever enter the NBA and he doesn't want to disappoint. It all begins in training camp for the Mavericks' young star.
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