Klemen Prepelic recalls iconic Batum's block and explains why he always returns to NT / News - Basketnews.com

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In Germany, the Slovenian national team will defend its European title from 2017, when they wrote a golden tale in Istanbul.

Klemen Prepelic

MIN:23.04PTS:15 (56.4%)REB:1.18As:3.06ST:0.65BL:0TO:1.82GM:17ProfileACB2021/2022

Now, the rivals will look at Aleksandar Sekulic's men from a different perspective since the start of the competition. However, Klemen Prepelic believes they are ready to repeat history.

"I believe with Luka [Doncic] and Goran [Dragic], and all of us, who are five years older and more experienced, we have good chances for great success in EuroBasket 2022," Prepelic told Siol.net.

September 2017 is indeed remembered as a historic mark for Slovenian basketball. The national team was crowned European champions while Prepelic excelled in his role.

The sharpshooter averaged 14.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 15.0 EFF earning his stints with top Spanish teams, Real Madrid (2018-19) and Valencia Basket (2020-present).

"I always say that I wouldn't have seen Real and Valencia if I wasn't on the national team. I always like to come back, regardless of the event. I believe what Igor Kokoskov told us that the national team is the best team we will ever play for."

As stated by Prepelic, he still has some mental hurts from last year, when Slovenia narrowly missed out on an Olympic medal. His potential game-winning layup against France was blocked by Nicolas Batum.

"There is always a bitter aftertaste. I will not hide. I took responsibility. It is the easiest thing to hide but I have never hidden. It was difficult, I relive it at times, but I don't take it to heart. This is a sport. I believe that we will be happy on September 18 [end date of EuroBasket 2022]," Prepelic said.

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