The Montenegrin national basketball team has two matches remaining in the Eurobasket qualifiers. They will host Germany on Thursday (19) at the “M:tel Morača Hall” with free admission, followed by a match against Sweden on Sunday at 17:30.

As they approach the final round of qualifiers, Boško Radović’s team finds themselves in an excellent position. With a record of 3-1 and a point differential of +28, only an unexpected turn of events could prevent Bojan Dubljević and his teammates from qualifying for the European Championship. This would require Montenegro to lose both matches, resulting in a three-way tie at 3-3, and finishing with the weakest point differential.

Unfortunately, the national team will conclude this qualifying cycle without captain Dubljević. Coach Radović stated at today’s press conference that the Nikšić native is absent due to family commitments. Additionally, Charlie Moore, who replaced Kendrick Perry, is also unavailable as he is recovering from a knee injury suffered last December. John Radebau, who last played for the national team in 2022, will take his place.

The roster issues continue, as SC Derbija player Igor Drobnjak has injured his wrist during the Cup tournament, putting his participation in doubt.

“It’s confirmed that our captain, Bojan Dubljević, is absent for justified family reasons. Charlie Moore is missing, and several other players are questionable. These are crucial players for our established system. We’ve fielded various squads, but the core group has given their all, leading to significant results. Over time, we will recognize the value of those achievements. We have formed a strong mix of experienced players and youth. We understand the stakes; the atmosphere is fantastic. We aim to prepare thoroughly and deliver an outstanding performance against the strong German side at ‘Morača’, regardless of our roster,” Radović commented at the press conference.

Drobnjak also missed the Cup final against Buducnost due to his injury.

“Igor Drobnjak sustained his injury during the challenging F8 round of the Montenegrin Cup, which involved three matches in three days. After this Cup, we have to think about the upcoming ‘windows’, where we see that other countries manage their pack for five to six days. Unfortunately, our demanding Cup has taken its toll. We will assess Drobnjak’s condition; Mur is also injured, which leaves us with only Nikola Ivanovic as a natural playmaker. Others will need to step up and play out of position if Igor cannot participate,” explained the coach.

The first match is set against Germany, who arrive at the “M:tel Morača Hall” with their strongest squad, minus the NBA players. Notably, Daniel Theis, who has recently departed the NBA, will also join Monaco soon.

“We expect Germany to show up with their best lineup, with the exception of the NBA players. It’s crucial to see who exactly will be available before the game. Even with their current squad, they would be considered favorites for a medal at the European Championship. We have a significant challenge ahead of us,” Radović remarked.

Germany, currently at half-strength, is still reeling from losses to Sweden and Bulgaria.

“Germany finds themselves in a must-win situation. They need to win both remaining games for placement and to ensure a favorable draw in the championship. The team dynamics from this group will impact their European Championship journey. We have not yet secured our spot mathematically; we still have two challenging games, as was the case in the prior crucial ‘window’ we faced without a full squad. If we qualify, that victory in Bulgaria will be pivotal,” assessed Radović.

The coach indicated he prefers not to entertain any calculations.

“I wouldn’t engage in calculations; we are currently in a favorable position, but we are scheduled for two tough games ahead. Sweden will be a different challenge, bolstered by two players who did not participate in Podgorica,” Radović cautioned.

In their last home match against Bulgaria in the “Bemax Arena”, attendance was not at full capacity, prompting the coach to address the fans.

“We previously played in the ‘Bemax Arena’. I have to note that it wasn’t filled; approximately 1,700 spectators turned up. Regardless of the opponent’s name, the match against Bulgaria held as much weight as this one against Germany. I hope ‘Morača’ will be full, as it has been in the past, to give our players the support they need,” expressed the coach.

CHANGE OF GENERATIONS

If Montenegro secures a spot in the European Championship, which appears likely, it will mark the final major tournament for veteran players like Bojan Dubljević, Nikola Ivanović, Vladimir Mihailović, and Nemanja Radović in national team colors. A generational shift is on the horizon, with younger players like Luka Bogavac and Đorđije Jovanović among those being actively considered for these matches.

“It’s beneficial for the younger players to train alongside the veterans, learning about the responsibilities, expectations, and the culture of representing the national team. It’s challenging for a 20-year-old to step into critical matches without seasoned guidance. Having figures like Bojan Dubljević, Nikola Ivanović, Vladimir Mihailović, and Nemanja Radović provides them with invaluable insights. As coaches, we also learn from our players. The generational change is imminent. Many of these young talents are developing in their clubs, assuming significant roles, but the national team demands commitment,” noted Radović.

ERA NAKON PERRY

The upcoming match against Germany will be the first following Kendrick Perry’s departure from the team. The Unicaja player left a mark on the national squad with his performances and has left behind a gap following his remarkable game against Bulgaria.

Although it was anticipated that Charlie Moore would take over Perry’s role, he is sidelined with an injury. The coach mentioned that after this current window, they would evaluate options for naturalizing a new player.

“We are searching for a suitable solution post-Perry. There are several potential options we will explore after this window. It’s crucial to find a solid successor ahead of the next campaign, as we need to fill the void left by Perry’s high-level performances. Muro was brought in to assist, but he’s currently injured. We are considering various naturalization options for a playmaker, but those discussions will commence once this window concludes,” Radović explained, dismissing the possibility of Perry returning to the national squad.

The European Championship is set to take place from August 27 to September 14 in Latvia, Poland, Finland, and Cyprus.

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