Luka Doncic comments on Slovenian NT captain role, his shape and World Cup goal / News - Basketnews.com

Luka Doncic was named the Slovenian national team captain for FIBA World Cup 2023: "I am honored. It's a proud moment." Doncic also stressed that Slovenia will fight for gold in the tournament: "Every time we go to a championship, the goal is to win it."

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

"I let my team down. I let my whole country down. That's on me," Luka Doncic openly admitted on that fateful day of September 14, 2022, in Berlin, just moments after the Slovenian national team suffered a devastating quarter-final loss to Poland at EuroBasket 2022.

Luka Doncic

Position:SGAge:24Height:201 cmWeight:104 kgBirth place:Ljubljana, SloveniaProfileNewsStatistics

However, amidst the heartache, Doncic promised: "I will return. I would always represent my country. If I'm healthy, I will always play for Slovenia."

True to his word, just ten and a half months later, Luka found himself once again proudly wearing the national team jersey, this time in preparation for the upcoming FIBA World Cup 2023, scheduled to take place from August 25 to September 10.

A lot has happened in the meantime. Doncic finished his fifth NBA season with the Dallas Mavericks and appeared in his fourth NBA All-Star Game.

However, since Dallas did not make the playoffs, despite Doncic's heroics -- 32.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.0 assists in 66 games -- he also left Texas with his head bowed. On the other hand, he was firmly determined to carefully use the unexpectedly long break to rehabilitate all injuries, make a physical transformation, and comprehensive preparation for national team action and the sixth season in the NBA.

"It's been a long summer for me, but I'm very happy to be back," Doncic said during Saturday's press conference held by the Slovenian Basketball Federation, via SportKlub. "Lots of games, lots of training. I look forward to it. I haven't played since April 10th. I can not wait.

"The goal is always the same. Every time we go to a championship, the goal is to win it," the 24-year-old addressed the main World Cup aim. "What happens is another topic. The goal is always the same for me."

Doncic also stressed that he feels in better shape right now.

"I feel better this year," he said. "It can also be seen. Anze Macek [strength and conditioning coach of the Slovenian NT] chased and pushed me well. Praise him."

While Edo Muric will not play for Slovenia in the World Cup due to an ACL tear, Doncic has taken the captain role in the team.

"I am honored to be the captain. We made this decision with the coach and the players. I am truly honored. It's a proud moment," he said. "It is not a new role for me. I was a vocal leader in the national team's locker room, also in Dallas.

"I don't know how to prepare," Luka commented on how he is preparing for captaincy. "It comes along. It cannot be learned. If you have it, you have it."

In addition to Muric's absence, NBA veteran guard Goran Dragic will not be a part of Slovenia's World Cup squad.

"Two great players. Dragic played every year. He gave us all at FIBA EuroBasket 2017. Edo Muric was the captain. The best guy for the dressing room. It will be difficult to replace them," Doncic underlined.

Luka doesn't view the national team action as a preparation for the new season.

"I don't see it as preparation. I enjoy being on the national team. The boys and I have a good time there; you understand each other. I'm enjoying it. It's really nice to play for the national team," he stated.

Doncic also spoke about the last campaign with Dallas. He was asked whether the club season is an additional motivation for the national team.

"It doesn't motivate me as much as it annoys," Luka responded. "I am completely motivated."

Regarding Dallas' recruiting efforts, Luka remained focused on the task at hand:

"I'm with the national team now, so I don't think about that, but Dallas is taking good steps. We can still sign someone, or maybe not."

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