USA Today via Reuters
May 28, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) brings the ball up court against the LA Clippers during the first quarter in game three in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
May 28, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) brings the ball up court against the LA Clippers during the first quarter in game three in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
International glory is in sights for basketball with the Olympics approaching. USA have been dominating, as they aim for their fourth consecutive championship in a row. However, international NBA stars like Luka Doncic will be looking to get their country to the top.
Luka Doncic is certainly one of the biggest stars in the NBA. He averaged 27 points, 8 assist, and 8 rebounds in the regular season. Moreover, he averaged 35.7 points and 10 assists in the playoffs this season. However, Luka Doncic could not make it out the first round over Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers.
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So, would Luka prefer a NBA championship or an Olympic gold for Slovenia?
USA Today via Reuters
Jun 6, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) moves to the basket against Los Angeles Clippers guard Terance Mann (14) during the second half in game seven of the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs. at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Luka Doncic picks Gold medal over NBA championship
In an interview, Luka Doncic was asked if it would mean more winning the NBA title or a gold medal for his country. Luka answered: “I’d say gold medal with Slovenia. You play for your country and that’s something… but I wouldn’t mind both.”
Luka Doncic was asked what would mean more to him: A gold medal with Slovenia or NBA championship.
"I'd say gold medal with Slovenia. You play for your country and that's something… but I wouldn't mind both." pic.twitter.com/zgDxGA3dYI
— Antonis Stroggylakis (@AStroggylakis) July 3, 2021
Likewise, this is understandable on Luka Doncic’s part as playing for the country is huge. It is probably the biggest honor for anyone to represent their country on the big stage. Not only in basketball, but in any sport, wearing the country’s crest on your chest is the ultimate dream. In addition, there is no bigger stage than the Olympics to make your country proud.
Slovenia is currently scheduled to play Lithuania in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying tournament. Luka will look to power Slovenia into the Olympics by winning tonight. He is the best player on the team, while another notable performer is Mike Tobey.
Slovenia Basketball team roster
The Slovenian basketball team has been balling out in the Olympic qualifying tournament. Luka Doncic, similar to Dallas is leading this team in points and assists per game. Slovenia finished on top of their group, and beat Venezuela in the semi-finals. Luka Doncic ended with 23 points shooting 60% from beyond the arc. In addition, Mike Tobey had a game high 27 points.
USA Today via Reuters
Jun 4, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) and Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) react after a Leonard shot during the fourth quarter during game six in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Other players include Zoran Dragic, Edo Muric and Vlatko Cancar. Luka is the leading point scorer with 18ppg as well as assists with 10.7 a game. Mike Tobey is the rebounding leader grabbing 8 per game.
Overall, the Slovenian national team has quality player. If they win the finals and qualify for the Olympics, can they pull out an upset and win gold over USA? Let us know in the comments.
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