WORLD NEWS FOR MONTENEGRO DIASPORA
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AUTHOR:M.J. GDNUS
Germany is the absolute favourite, coming to Podgorica with the strongest squad and without NBA players, it is a candidate for a medal at Eurobasket, said the coach of the Montenegrin national basketball team Boško Radović.
Montenegrin basketball players gathered today in Podgorica and began preparations for the final round of qualifications for the European Championship.
Next week, they will face two matches – against Germany on February 20 in Podgorica and three days later against Sweden in Stockholm.
Radović pointed out that they have only three days to prepare for the match with the Germans.
“They have to win both matches, because of the hat and positions before the draw,” Radović said at a press conference.
According to him, the problem is that several players are injured or tired from the club season.
“We have not yet mathematically secured a place, we have two difficult matches ahead of us. The last window against Bulgaria was important, we played it with about 70 percent of our strength and only achieved two wins. It is not easy to play, the Germans lost there. We will be without Bojan Dubljević, due to family reasons. Charlie Moore is also absent due to injury. Several other players are questionable, due to injuries and fatigue of the material, I would not mention names”, said Radović.
Speaking about the young players, he said that they have adapted well, stating that it is not easy to play important matches for the national team at the age of 20, without having more experienced players to receive advice from.
“We will see how it will be when the generational change comes. Most of the young people have a serious role in their clubs, which makes us happy. We have taught the public that we are constantly at big competitions, it is an obligation”, said Radović.
Speaking about the return of John Radebau to the national team, he emphasized that they are still looking for a replacement for Kendrick Perry.
“We want to resolve this in a good way for the next actions. Peri played at a high level. We decided on Mura, but we still have a few options,” said the coach.
He called on the fans to fill the Morača Hall.
“The Morača Hall has given us the wind at our backs many times over the years. It would mean a lot to us if it were filled to the last seat again,” concluded Radović.
It was announced that the entrance to the Morača Hall would be free.
After two cycles and four rounds, the Montenegrin national team is the leader of Group D with a score of 3-1.
Germany and Sweden have a score of 2-2, while Bulgaria has one triumph, with three losses.
The best three national teams will qualify for the continental championship, which will be organized this year by four countries – Latvia, Cyprus, Finland and Poland.
