Goran Dragic names the reason for his comeback to the national team / News - Basketnews.com

Goran Dragic named wanting to win something playing together with his brother as the main reason for his comeback to the Slovenian national team.

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

The new Chicago Bulls guard Goran Dragic is once again playing for the Slovenian national team alongside Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic. The reigning EuroBasket 2017 champions dismantled Estonia in the 2023 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers match two days ago.

Slovenia / Schedule

Slovenia Estonia104-83 Germany SloveniaSun13:00

Dragic's comeback was and probably still is the biggest story of the squad. Talking with the local media, the veteran player revealed the main reason for his decision to spend one more summer competing in international tournaments.

"Two beautiful months are behind us. Especially matches in front of home fans in Ljubljana and Celje," Dragic told the media. "The desire is a new national team medal. I would also like to win something together with my brother. That's what weighed in the end."

"The entire country expects a medal from us. This is also our goal," the experienced guard commented. "We have to be patient match by match. If we open the championship well, I believe we can reach for a medal."

Slovenia is often ranked as the no. 1 team in the EuroBasket 2022, ahead of Serbia and France. Similar trends could be seen in our own Power Rankings as well.

Dragic believes Slovenia can join a rare company of national teams that have won the EuroBasket two times a row. It has been achieved only twice during the last 30 years - Spain in 2009 and 2011, and FR Yugoslavia in 1995 and 1997.

"I already have a gold medal at home. But if there is an option, why not have two? Why wouldn't Slovenia join the countries that were first in two consecutive championships? We have a quality team," he explained.

With Luka Doncic being the team leader, there are some discussions about the superstar's talks with the referees. It even ignited a mini-conflict between him and Kerr Kriisa. Dragic himself even had one moment during the friendlies at home.

"Well, in Celje, at first I calmed my teammates down but then I lost my temper myself," Dragic commented. "These are judges of the second quality class. I am sure that it will be different at the EuroBasket."

Slovenia is placed in Group B in EuroBasket 2022 together with Lithuania, France, Germany, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Hungary. You can view a quick breakdown of all tournament groups here.

The Dragic and Doncic-led roster will face Germany tomorrow, August 28th, in the final match of the 2023 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers window.

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