Nikola Jokić rarely speaks to the Serbian media.
When he does, people listen.
Ahead of the upcoming FIBA qualification window, the three-time NBA MVP made it clear that last year’s EuroBasket disappointment still weighs heavily on him.
Serbia entered the tournament as one of the favorites to win gold. Instead, it was eliminated by Finland in the Round of 16.
“I feel guilty about the failure we had at the last tournament. I can’t just go home and act normally, as if nothing happened. I can’t say I’m ashamed, but I do feel guilty, and I want us to bring Serbian basketball back where it belongs,” Jokić told reporters at Aleksandar Nikolić Hall.
That desire to make things right is one of the reasons why Jokić is back with the national team this summer.
And this time, he will be wearing the captain’s armband.
“It is a pleasure and a privilege. I don’t know whether I deserve it. Many great names have worn that armband, and there are also guys who are older than me. But the coach gave it to me, and I’ll try to carry it on the court the way it should be carried,” the 31-year-old said.
Then he added:
“Emotions are on a much higher level when you play for the national team. It’s different. You represent your city, your family, the guys who work with you.”
“The National Team Makes Him Happy”
Whenever Serbia gathers, one question inevitably follows: will Nikola Jokić be there?
This summer, there is no uncertainty.
Jokić will also be available for the July qualification window, something that came as a surprise before head coach Dušan Alimpijević officially announced his participation.
According to the Serbian coach, who goes way back with Nikola, convincing Jokić has never been the issue.
“From the beginning of my tenure, things were moving in the direction of him being with the national team whenever possible. I can tell you that he is fulfilled by the national team. It makes him happy. He enjoys it – both he and other coaches have confirmed that,” Alimpijević said.
“We now have the opportunity to see how he behaves – at the highest professional level. There is no doubt that he is the man who should be Serbia’s captain.”
The Denver Nuggets star also extended an open invitation to his teammates.
“Everyone wants to be at home after a long season. I don’t like forcing anyone to do anything, but whoever comes to Sombor (his birth town) – we will welcome him properly,” Jokic said.
Serbia will face Switzerland on July 2 and Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 6.