EuroBasket 2011 – first round

After preliminary round and five games played, Serbia have 4 wins and only one loss.

It could be 5 wins without loss, if Savanovic scored that easy shot just second before end of over time in game against France.

However, even we lost I may say that we played the best game maybe even in last few years.

Serbia play good basketball, and I am sure if we keep playing like this that one of medals is ours. Tomorrow, we have a tough game against hosts, Lithuania and it will be very interesting to watch this game. Hopefully, referees will be “invisible” on the court.

In short, few words about just finished preliminary round. For me one of the biggest disappointments are Montenegro, team with several very good players, Nikola Pekovic (Minesota Timberwolves) at first. I still can’t believe that they played so bad and didn’t qualify to next round.

Another one team that disappointed not only their supporters but others as well, Croatia. Coach Vrankovic already resigned from Head coach position, actually he said that his contract just expired. Popovic and company played as we coaches used to say “warm and cold”, and it is not enough. Too bad to not see Croatia in next round, but let’s be honest, they didn’t deserved that.

On the other hand probably the biggest surprise, Macedonia. Qualified as the number 1 in group C. With only 1 loss and 4 wins they are great. Looking forward to watch their games in next round. Ilievski, Gecevski, Antic and company will have many supporters in next games even from other countries.

Another one big surprise, Finland. I am sure that no one expected to see them in next round. BUT, they qualified as a third team from group C, before Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina and Montenegro. Finland is interesting team, they shot a lot, and play fast. We will see if they can do something more in next round.

I am sure that next round will bring us more excitements and hope so for more good games for watching. And of course, GO SERBIA!!!

ChampionUSA.com (Hanesbrands Inc.)