The Montenegrin women’s basketball team is one of the national teams that reliably competes in major tournaments. Since achieving independence, the “reds” have participated in the European Championships seven consecutive times, and this week they are poised to qualify for the continental top 16 for the eighth time.

The path to the European Championship goes through Switzerland and Luxembourg. Our team will face Switzerland on Thursday (19:30), followed by a home game against Luxembourg on Sunday (16). Both Montenegro and Luxembourg have each secured three wins and one loss, while Switzerland is at a balanced level of performance, and Bosnia and Herzegovina remains winless.

– We have two challenging matches ahead, and as always, our primary focus is on the first one. Our away game against Switzerland is currently our main priority. They are a tough opponent, having lost to us exactly a year ago in Herceg Novi. However, we need to remain vigilant and focused for that match – stated coach Jelena Škerović at today’s press conference.

The qualification for the European Championship will be held this summer across the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, and Greece. A victory over Switzerland would guarantee Montenegro’s participation in the championship of the Old Continent.

– A win in Switzerland would mean we have achieved our goal, as our goal difference is better than all other teams. Nonetheless, we always strive to secure as many points as possible. For now, our attention is solely on the match against Switzerland – emphasized the Montenegrin coach.

This time, unlike in the previous two events, Montenegro will have a naturalized American player in the squad – Nataša Mack.

– We will be stronger with Mack’s return, as she will be crucial for us under the basket, which is certainly a positive aspect – highlighted Škerović.

Montenegro will host Luxembourg in its concluding match on Sunday, following a loss of 71:49 to them in November.

– We had a poor performance that day, and now we have the chance to rectify it. We hope for strong support at home against Luxembourg, fostering a breakthrough with the fans. If we secure our spot in Switzerland, our aim will be to defeat Luxembourg – affirmed Škerović.

If their goal is achieved, Montenegro will compete in the European Championship for the eighth consecutive time.

– Every time we discuss this, I think it’s extraordinary, with due respect to all. With 18 senior players, 5-6 juniors, and members of the U20 national team, we have the potential to excel at Eurobasket. We only have one player who has played in the Euroleague, three in the Eurocup, and six to seven are from Montenegro, while others abroad may not play key roles in their teams. These two matches won’t be easy, but I genuinely believe we can achieve another commendable result – the coach was clear.

Škerović also reflected on the athletes’ club performances.

– We have monitored all the girls throughout the season. There have been issues with their minutes at their clubs, and unfortunately, some currently do not have a club. However, we must stay focused on our objective, which is the European Championship. I hope we can make the most of this short preparation period, as we face crucial matches ahead. It won’t be easy, but with a fighting spirit and seriousness in every game, we stand a good chance – concluded the coach.

Jelena Škerović’s squad includes 16 players: Milica Jovanović (Miskolc, Hungary), Bojana Kovačević (Hapoel Petah Tikva, Israel), Jovana Pašić (Hapoel Kfar Saba, Israel), Dragana Živković (unaffiliated), Marija Leković (Fenerbahçe, Turkey), Sofija Živaljević (unaffiliated), Maja Bigović (Buducnost Bemax), Zorana Radonjić (Buducnost Bemax), Milena Bigović (Buducnost Bemax), Nikolina Ilić (Buducnost Bemax), Jelena Bulajić (Buducnost Bemax), Jovana Savković (Buducnost Bemax), Janja Dragišić (Buducnost Bemax), Jelena Vučetić (unaffiliated), Sanja Akšam (Crvena zvezda, Serbia), Nataša Mek (unaffiliated).

Jelena Škerović’s coaching staff consists of team manager Nikolina Popović, assistant coaches Aleksander Gedes, Miroslav Škara, Tanja Popivoda, fitness coach Miljan Dautović, physiotherapist Petar Stojović, and doctor Jovana Maraš.

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