1 Year After Letting His “Team Down”, Guilt-Driven Luka Doncic Set to Takeover New Responsibility at FIBA World Cup
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Luka Doncic, known for his remarkable performances, has been making headlines during the offseason. Concerns about his physical transformation are the point of conversation this time. Despite the challenges, Doncic’s commitment to his country remains unwavering as he prepares to represent Slovenia at the FIBA World Cup 2023.
While the efforts behind his intense workouts in the offseason could be credited to fellow International NBA star Nikola Jokic, Doncic has been handed a new responsibility with the national team.
Overcoming the past and embracing the national duty
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Following the devastating loss of the Slovenian national team at EuroBasket 2022, Doncic took full responsibility for letting his team down. And after the defeat, the 24-year-old star promised last year, “I will return. I would always represent my country. If I’m healthy, I will always play for Slovenia.”
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True to his word, almost a year later, he is back, driven by his promise to always represent Slovenia. Doncic’s focus on rehab and transformation emphasizes his dedication to the national team and the upcoming NBA season. In his fifth NBA season with the Dallas Mavericks, Luka Doncic showcased his skills and earned his fourth NBA All-Star Game appearance.
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However, disappointment struck as the team missed the playoffs, despite Doncic’s impressive stats of 32.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.0 assists in 66 games.
Luka Doncic is in PHENOMENAL shape ahead of the World Cup 🇸🇮😤
How far do you think Slovenia will go in this upcoming World Cup?
📸 @kzs_si pic.twitter.com/3k5jaWuPUu
— BasketNews (@BasketNews_com) July 28, 2023
Undeterred, Doncic used the extended break to rehabilitate injuries. He went through a physical transformation, and prepare for the upcoming season.
Big responsibilities for Luka Doncic ahead of the FIBA World Cup 2023
In Edo Muric and Goran Dragic‘s absence from Slovenia’s World Cup squad, Luka Doncic has assumed the role of team captain. Doncic, who has previously captained both the national team and the Dallas Mavericks, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity.
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During Saturday’s press conference held by the Slovenian Basketball Federation, he said, “It’s been a long summer for me. But I’m very happy to be back”. Doncic further adds, “Lots of games, lots of training. I look forward to it, I haven’t played since April 10th, [and] I can not wait.”
Doncic finds joy and fulfillment in playing for the national team and remains motivated to lead Slovenia’s World Cup campaign.
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What’s your take on this? How far will the Slovenian national team go in the upcoming world cup? Let us know in the comments below!
Edited by:
Saumya Khanduja