Montenegro Women’s Basketball Team Prepares for EuroBasket 2026 Qualifiers

As the Montenegro women’s national basketball team gears up for the EuroBasket 2026 qualifiers, the squad is drawing on a mix of seasoned experience and emerging talent to secure a spot in the prestigious European championship. With a rich history of competitive play and a growing presence on the international stage, the team is under the guidance of assistant coach Jelena Škerović, who brings a wealth of knowledge from her own playing career.

A Legacy of Resilience and Growth

Since their debut in international competition in 2008, the Montenegro women’s team has steadily built a reputation for resilience. Their first official match, a 68–56 victory over the Republic of Ireland in Bijelo Polje, marked the beginning of a journey that has seen them participate in eight EuroBasket tournaments. While they have yet to secure a medal, their best result came in 2011, when they finished sixth in the competition.

The team’s FIBA ranking stands at 26th as of March 18, 2026, reflecting their consistent performance in regional and continental competitions. Their most recent standout moment came on March 14, 2026, when they achieved a historic 94–35 win over Azerbaijan in the Topolica Sport Hall, Bar—a testament to their evolving strength and tactical discipline.

Jelena Škerović: From Player to Coach

Jelena Škerović, the team’s assistant coach, has been a pivotal figure in Montenegro’s basketball landscape. A veteran player with extensive experience in European leagues, Škerović’s career stats include impressive performances in the FIBA EuroLeague Women and the EuroCup Women. Her playing career, which spans over a decade, has seen her contribute to teams like Basket 90 Gdynia, CCC Polkowice, and ZVVZ USK Praha, where she averaged 7.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game across all competitions.

Škerović’s transition to coaching has been seamless, as she brings a deep understanding of the game’s nuances. While the head coach remains unconfirmed in the available sources, her role as an assistant coach underscores her commitment to developing the next generation of Montenegrin talent.

Preparing for the Challenges Ahead

The upcoming EuroBasket 2026 qualifiers will test the team’s mettle. With the tournament’s format requiring teams to navigate a rigorous path of group stages and knockout rounds, Montenegro must balance their ambitions with the realities of competition against stronger European nations. The team’s recent history shows they are capable of rising to the occasion, as evidenced by their 2013 EuroBasket campaign, where they secured a spot in the second qualifying round.

Key players from the 2025–26 season, including Škerović, will be instrumental in shaping the team’s strategy. Their experience in high-stakes matches will be crucial as the squad aims to avoid the heartbreak of past setbacks, such as their 89–44 defeat to the Czech Republic in June 2025.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next?

As of now, the exact schedule for the EuroBasket 2026 qualifiers has not been publicly detailed. However, the team is expected to begin their campaign in November 2026, with preliminary matches likely to take place in Montenegro and other host nations. Fans can track updates through the