In Absence of Nikola Jokic, FIBA Dark Horses Serbia’s Journey to the Final Will Inspire You

When Serbia entered the 2023 FIBA World Cup, they were not considered the strongest title contenders. Although they had the services of two phenomenal NBA talents, the team missed a major piece, their 28-year-old phenom, Nikola Jokic. But even then, they ended up in the FIBA Finals.

The Joker’s presence made Serbia a reckoning force in international tournament for years. But after a grueling NBA season that also witnessed the basketball superstar lead the Denver Nuggets to their first championship, Jokic decided to opt out of the FIBA World Cup. But it did not stop his national side from taking the tournament by storm and emerge as the “dark horses”.

Serbia’s final feat sans Nikola Jokic

Team Serbia entered the 2023 FIBA World Cup as underdogs to say the least. They did not have the services of Nikola Jokic who opted out just before the tournament began citing mental and physical exhaustion. However, while Jokic recovered from the NBA season, his national stunned the world at the FIBA World Cup.

Led by Bogdan Bogdanovic and Nikola Jovic, the Serbian national side began their dominance early. After a thumping victory against Team China, the Serbians demolished one team after another in their journey to the Finals. They beat Team China by a whopping 42-point margin, followed by Team Puerto Rico by 17 points. They continued this trend as they handed Team South Sudan a 32-point defeat in their 115-83 victory.

Serbia entered Round 2 with a perfect record, seeming unbothered by their superstar center, Jokic’s absence. However, the team finally missed The Joker’s services against the “greatest” Team Italy as they suffered their only defeat in the tournament so far.

After their heartbreaking 76-78 loss, the team quickly regained its momentum. They, in fact, handed Karl-Anthony Towns and Team Dominican Republic their second loss in the tournament and by far the biggest, winning by a 33-point margin to further establish their dominance in the tournament.

While their group stage performance came as a surprise for fans, their knockouts performance absolutely swept them off their feet. Team Serbia’s first matchup in the knockout stages was against Team Lithuania, a team that came fresh off of beating the tournament favorites, Team USA. However, even this glorious team could not stop Team Serbia’s run.

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They crushed the Lithuanians 87-68 to enter the quarter-finals of the tournament. They delivered another upset in the semi-finals to one of the most dominant sides in the tournament, Shai-Gilgeous Alexander’s Team Canada. Now, they face their toughest challenge ahead. Will Team Serbia be able to deliver the nation’s first ever championship since their split from Yugoslavia?

Bogdanovic has an opportunity of a lifetime

Throughout Team Serbia’s dominant run, Atlanta Hawks guard, Bogdan Bogdanovic put up phenomenal performances. Supported brilliantly by the Miami Heat forward, Nikola Jovic, Bogdanovic propelled one of the most historic FIBA World Cup runs in Team Serbia’s history.

Overshadowed by Trae Young’s brilliance in the Hawks roster, Bogdanovic truly blossomed in the FIBA World Cup this year. He put up an incredible average of 19.4 PPG and 4.6 APG. The Hawks shooting guard received brilliant support in Nikola Jovic who himself averaged 10.3 PPG. Nikola Milutinov as well put up phenomenal numbers, averaging 13.6 PPG and 9 RPG.

Bogdanovic and Co. have one of the most historic opportunities in the World Cup currently. They can deliver their nation its first ever gold medal in the FIBA World Cup or its first medal since 2014. Despite their heroic win against the dominant Team Canada, their inspirational journey is not over yet. They still have one game to win to complete their unbelievable heist of the championship. However, their opponent is not yet decided.

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Whether they face the betting favorites, Team USA or the experienced Team Germany, the Serbian national side seems hellbent on their mission. Their journey to the Final despite the absence of Nikola Jokic is inspirational to say the least. However, they seem aware of the task ahead and look determined to make history.