Andreas Zagklis responds to Luka Doncic's money sign and gestures during Canada game / News - Basketnews.com

FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis wasn't willing to discuss Luka Doncic's gestures in a controversial quarterfinal game against Canada.

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis was questioned about the actions of one the biggest World Cup, Luka Doncic, during the controversial quarterfinal game against Canada.

Player of the Game EFF 40 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Points 31 Accuracy 8-12 Rebounds 10 Assists 4

During the first half, Doncic notably made money sign gestures multiple times, conveying his dissatisfaction with the officiating. He also directed gestures towards the VIP tribune where the FIBA executives were seated.

Zagklis, who was in the tribune, played down the significance of these gestures.

"I don't think there's something I should really comment on. These are actions by the players on the court. That's why the referees are there. They're taking care of what's going on. The game moves on, and the life moves on," Zagklis answered in an official wrap-up press conference.

In a quarterfinal game against Canada, Doncic was ejected early into the fourth quarter, and Slovenia was eliminated from the title race.

"Everybody knows what my frustration was. Playing for the national team, it's a lot of emotions. A lot of times, I don't control myself, which I've been having problems with. One of the referees told one of our guys, 'We're not going to call a foul on him because he's coming at us,'" Doncic complained after the game in an official press conference. "I think this is not fair. I know I complain a lot, but I don't think it's fair. They've been playing physical with me, but if you say that, it's not fair."

His coach, Aleksander Sekulic, later discussed Luka Doncic's case.

"Everybody is talking about how many free throws he will shoot. If it's a foul, it's a foul. That's a fact. I don't know why we have to cover our eyes and say he shoots too many free throws," Sekulic said following Slovenia's loss against Lithuania in the classification games.

"It's basketball, we have rules, and we have guys who whistle. I just don't want to go there talking about his free throws," he added.

"I know it's not easy to officiate against Luka. Because of his greatness, body, and skills, maybe he'll be a reason for some changes. I don't know, I hope. Because sometimes it's frustrating for him. We just want to play basketball, that's it. We just don't want to think about getting calls. We just want to compete and have a fair fight. Nothing special," Sekulic added.

"We don't want special treatment. Luka doesn't want a special treatment, and I don't think he has a special treatment, even if I heard some complaints. Ask him if he thinks he has special treatment," Sekulic concluded.

Luka Doncic's problem: frustration that goes beyond hurting Slovenia Subscribe to BN+ and get access to exclusive content.