Popovich praises Doncic’s Olympic run: ‘Nobody wants to win more than Luka’ / News - Basketnews.com

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Gregg Popovich and Team USA continue their preparation for the upcoming Olympic Games in Tokyo. For the second day in a row, the American national team, including the head coach Popovich, addressed the media.

The Americans secured their place in the Olympics during the 2019 FIBA World Cup, despite a 7th place finish. However, their most recent opponent in Group B, Czech Republic, clinched their spot only last Sunday.

On their way to Tokyo, the Czechs beat such teams as Canada and Greece, so BasketNews asked coach Popovich's opinion on this Czech Republic team.

“Number one, the Czech team is an excellent team,” coach Popovich said. “We played them in 2019; they execute very, very well, they’re aggressive. The head coach does a great job, and they’re very experienced.”

“Czech Republic team play for quite a bit, obviously, like most of the foreign teams. It shows you once again that every year goes by, teams are becoming better and better. All those teams have one or two NBA players, so the talent level goes up every year.

When you add the execution that they have, because of playing (together) for so long, you got a very venerable opponent, and the Czech team is one of them,” added Team USA head coach.

The Czech Republic won’t be the only small nation making its debut in the Olympics. Luka Doncic put on a show in Kaunas, scoring 31 points and adding 13 assists and 11 rebounds to collect a rare triple-double in FIBA basketball.

When BasketNews asked about such a performance by the Dallas Mavericks star, Popovich gave plenty of compliments to Slovenia’s national team leader.

“He’s spectacular and one of the best players in the world,” Popovich said. “I want to emphasize ‘in the world.’ He found himself early on in Europe, and he was a fast-study in the NBA for sure.”

“He’s fun to watch; his skills, competitiveness, size, incredible basketball IQ is so impressive. You put hard-working people around him, and you got a hell of a team. That’s what they have.

Slovenia is also aggressive, and they execute well. The coaching staff is very committed, everybody wants to win, and nobody wants to win more than Luka. I’m sure he’s very happy right now, and he will continue to compete on a high level without any doubt,” told Popovich.

Popovich also spoke about his players' desire to play for the national team this summer, and he made sure to send a message to his players how much he appreciated it.

“I think the players are making a really big and important sacrifice,” said Popovich. “Considering the whole Covid situation, going through this season. Society-wise, (we got) social issues going on, quick turnaround to go back over – three guys (Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday, Devin Booker) are coming (to Tokyo) right after the (NBA) Finals.”

“I think it’s a testament to their character and desire to show the world they can be the best basketball team. They love playing, and I call it a sacrifice. They’re sacrificing a lot – they can’t take their friends or family to Tokyo.

I don’t know what fans are going to be there. It’s a huge sacrifice, and I think they deserve huge credit for that,” added the longest-tenured coach in the NBA.

In his own unique style, Popovich didn’t miss the opportunity to make a joke. After being asked about his own sacrifice going to the Olympic Games,Popovich recalled how he was dropped from the Olympic basketball team.

“I’ve always been excited about the Olympics,” Popovich said. “Just like anybody else, as a kid, you watched whatever you were interested in. And way back in 1972, I was able to try out for the Olympic team, and I didn’t make it. I’ve told this story many times, so I apologize. Doug Collins was selected instead of me. It’s hard to believe, isn't it? It’s a joke.”

“But ever since then, being part of the Olympics has been a dream. So, any opportunity to be a part of something so special, just being around with the other coaches I am with, these players,” Pop continued. “You can look at the mirror and say, ‘What am I doing here?’ So, it’s a hell of a privilege and great fun. A lot of work, obviously, but you are always amazed that you can be in this kind of company.”

“So, you do it for that reason, and if you can represent your country against the rest of the world to preserve our game and be the best, that challenge is enervating and something that I look forward to,” Popovich said.

In the Tokyo Olympic basketball tournament, the Americans will be competing in Group B, facing the Czech Republic, France, and Iran.

Before that, Team USA will play exhibition games versus Nigeria, Australia (twice), and Spain.

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