Luka Doncic | Photo: FIBA
Slovenian basketball player Luka Doncic has revealed that he played in the World Cup despite an injury.
Slovenia beat Italy 89-85 today in the match for the seventh place in the World Cup, but rather unexpected news came out before the game – the Slovenian superstar had revealed in a conversation with the media that he was playing with an injury. “I don’t know what to say because it’s not good. But I have to prepare for one game here [domāts mačs pret Itāliju – aut.] and then for an 82-game season in the NBA,” said Doncic.
Doncic rehabilitated a hamstring injury during the PK that he initially dealt with in March while playing in the NBA. The injury caused him to be “reminded” also during the preparation cycle before PK – the Slovenian did not finish the test match against Greece at the beginning of August due to the same injury.
Despite the fact that the Dallas Mavericks will start their preseason training camp at the end of September and Doncic will be busy at his club until at least April, he reminded that he will always be ready to play for the national team, unless he suffers a very serious injury. Slovenia, like Latvia, will compete in the qualification for the Paris Olympic Games next summer. “No matter what happens – as long as I’m healthy – I will play in the national team, including in the qualification for the Olympic Games,” revealed the basketball player.
In the match against Italy, despite his health, Doncic spent less than 38 minutes on the court, during which he was two assists short of a “triple-double” – he also had 29 points and ten rebounds, as well as nine fouls. In the entire tournament, the Slovenian star averaged 27.0 points, 7.1 rebounds and 6.1 assists and 2.5 steals in eight games.
Doncic close to triple-double and 10 errors, Slovenia wins seventh
