Peja
Bench
Eurobasket starts in 16 days and I think that there is going to be more NBA players than ever before.Who do you think is going to win the trophy?I think Spain and Germany are the favourites,but don't underestimate Serbia!
Here is one interesting interview with Marko Jaric:
Jaric Sets Eyes On Prize
The Minnesota Timberwolves star has had a tough couple of years since the 2005 competition when the Serbs failed to get through the opening stages after a 74-71 defeat to France.
Jaric had entered that tournament on a high after setting career-bests of 9.9 points and 6.1 rebounds per game for the Timberwolves, but lost his place in their starting five soon after.
He is yet to recapture the form of two years ago, finishing last season having averaged 5.3 points and 2.6 rebounds per game, but he now believes Serbia have a team capable of
Jaric hopes young players like Milos Teodosic can improve Serbia's chances.
challenging again.
"I know just one thing: I came here to be victorious," he said.
"But, I know I can't do that alone, just as no player can win games by himself.
"As far as I'm concerned, I know that I'll do my best to play for the team.
"I'll score, but if it is necessary, I won't have a single shot and I'll assist all day long. I'll go for rebounds, I'll fill any holes that happen - everything for this team."
Around the turn of the century Serbia were the dominant force in world basketball, claiming the world crown in 1998 and 2002 and the European title in 1995, 1997 and 2001.
Their fortunes have been on the wane somewhat since then but Jaric is confident the new generation of players coming through can be successful with him at their core.
"I agree with coach (Zoran) Slavnic that the playmaker should be the main engine of a quality team," he said.
"A lot of things depend on his performances but we have a dominant center in Darko Milicic,
Big man Darko Milicic is another key player for Serbia.
currently the best in Europe.
"If he plays clever, like he knows he can, he could be a crucial help for us.
"And with him we have best European scorer - captain Milan Gurovic, who can score 40 points per game.
"And if you add young weapons like MVP of U20 European Championship Milos Teodosic and other new players, I think this team can be quite good in Spain."
Preparations for the tournament have gone well, featuring a 78-77 win against Turkey in Bormio and a 93-62 demolition of defending EuroBasket champions Greece.
But that does not mean Jaric will be taking the tournament lightly, and he knows Serbia will need to beat quality opponents if they are to cause an upset and be crowned European champions.
"The teams that will participate are really great," he added.
"You play against France, you can see six or seven NBA players amongst your rivals. Italy have almost never been as strong as this year, with two great youngsters, Turkey is on rise.
"There's a thin line of quality that will separate winners and losers at EuroBasket. Inspiration will decide.
"Just like us, when we defeated Greece in Strasbourg. We showed in that match that we still have our pride, despite going in as underdogs because of poor performances in recent years.
"But, if we go to the court with self-confidence, I know that rivals will start to be afraid when they see us in form. Just like in the good old days."
"I'm not saying we are on a higher level than our other rivals. But, if we continue to breathe like one, we can achieve great success in Spain."
Here is one interesting interview with Marko Jaric:
Jaric Sets Eyes On Prize
18 August 2007
Serbia playmaker Marko Jaric is looking to recapture past glories as he prepares for EuroBasket 2007 in Spain.The Minnesota Timberwolves star has had a tough couple of years since the 2005 competition when the Serbs failed to get through the opening stages after a 74-71 defeat to France.
Jaric had entered that tournament on a high after setting career-bests of 9.9 points and 6.1 rebounds per game for the Timberwolves, but lost his place in their starting five soon after.
He is yet to recapture the form of two years ago, finishing last season having averaged 5.3 points and 2.6 rebounds per game, but he now believes Serbia have a team capable of
challenging again.
"I know just one thing: I came here to be victorious," he said.
"But, I know I can't do that alone, just as no player can win games by himself.
"As far as I'm concerned, I know that I'll do my best to play for the team.
"I'll score, but if it is necessary, I won't have a single shot and I'll assist all day long. I'll go for rebounds, I'll fill any holes that happen - everything for this team."
Around the turn of the century Serbia were the dominant force in world basketball, claiming the world crown in 1998 and 2002 and the European title in 1995, 1997 and 2001.
Their fortunes have been on the wane somewhat since then but Jaric is confident the new generation of players coming through can be successful with him at their core.
"I agree with coach (Zoran) Slavnic that the playmaker should be the main engine of a quality team," he said.
"A lot of things depend on his performances but we have a dominant center in Darko Milicic,
currently the best in Europe.
"If he plays clever, like he knows he can, he could be a crucial help for us.
"And with him we have best European scorer - captain Milan Gurovic, who can score 40 points per game.
"And if you add young weapons like MVP of U20 European Championship Milos Teodosic and other new players, I think this team can be quite good in Spain."
Preparations for the tournament have gone well, featuring a 78-77 win against Turkey in Bormio and a 93-62 demolition of defending EuroBasket champions Greece.
But that does not mean Jaric will be taking the tournament lightly, and he knows Serbia will need to beat quality opponents if they are to cause an upset and be crowned European champions.
"The teams that will participate are really great," he added.
"You play against France, you can see six or seven NBA players amongst your rivals. Italy have almost never been as strong as this year, with two great youngsters, Turkey is on rise.
"There's a thin line of quality that will separate winners and losers at EuroBasket. Inspiration will decide.
"Just like us, when we defeated Greece in Strasbourg. We showed in that match that we still have our pride, despite going in as underdogs because of poor performances in recent years.
"But, if we go to the court with self-confidence, I know that rivals will start to be afraid when they see us in form. Just like in the good old days."
"I'm not saying we are on a higher level than our other rivals. But, if we continue to breathe like one, we can achieve great success in Spain."
