World Cup – The Mavericks point guard inherits the captain’s armband in the absence of Edo Muric and Goran Dragic. As with every campaign, the objective will be to go all the way.
After a failure at Eurobasket 2022 in the quarter-finals then a catastrophic end to the regular season ended at the gates of the Western Conference play-in, Luka Doncic is back more ambitious than ever with Slovenia, ready to approach the World Cup in the best form of his career…. and with the captain’s armband.
“It’s been a long summer for me, but I’m very happy to be back. There are a lot of matches, a lot of training. I can not wait to be there. I haven’t played since April 10. I can’t wait any longer”he said during the press conference organized by the Slovenian federation. “The objective is always the same. Every time we participate, the objective is to win it”.
The beginning of a new era ?
Still very invested in the game, the Mavericks leader enjoys a new label of captain of the selection, in the absence of winger Edo Muric and emblematic leader of the selection Goran Dragic. Even if it is not a first for him, this distinction is always an honor.
“I am honored to be the captain. We made this decision with the coach and the players. I am truly honored. It’s a proud moment. This is not a new role for me. I was once the captain of the national team, also in Dallas”
he confided before having a word for Edo Muric and Goran Dragic. “They are two great players. Dragic has played every year. He gave us everything at EuroBasket 2017. Edo Muric was the captain. It was the best for the locker room. It will be difficult to replace them”.
His influence will therefore always be as important in the game of the Slovenians on the field but also in the cohesion of the group outside. To put the odds on his side, Luka Doncic appeared particularly sharp physically with a refined silhouette, ready to do battle!
“I feel better this year. It can also be seen. Anze Macek (National Team Strength and Conditioning Assistant Coach) hasn’t let me down. I congratulate him”.
After beating China by a narrow header (75-73), Slovenia will play its second warm-up match on Wednesday against Greece in Ljubjana.
Luka Doncic Percentage Rebounds Season Team MJ Min Shots 3pts Off Def Tot Pd Fte Int Bp Ct Pts 2018-19 DAL 72 32 42.7 32.7 71.3 1.2 6.6 7.8 6.0 1.9 1.1 3.4 0.4 21.2 2019-20 DAL 61 34 46.3 31.6 75.8 1.3 8.1 9.4 8.8 2.5 1.0 4.3 0.2 28.8 2020-21 DAL 66 34 47.9 35.0 73.0 0.8 7.2 8.0 8.6 2.3 1.0 4.3 0.6 27.7 2021-22 DAL 65 35 45.7 35.3 74 .4 0.9 8.3 9.1 8.7 2.2 1.2 4.5 0.6 28.4 2022-23 DAL 66 36 49.6 34.2 74.2 0.8 7.8 8.6 8.0 2.5 1.4 3.6 0.5 32.4 Total 330 34 46.6 33.8 73.9 1.0 7.6 8.6 8.0 2.3 1.1 4.0 0.4 27.6
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Shots made / Shots attempted; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def= defensive rebound; Tot = Total bounces; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost bullets; Ct: Counters; Points = Points.
2023-07-29 16:07:00
#ambitious #slimmed #captain #Luka #Doncic #Slovenia
