Luka Doncic‘s offseason efforts have seen him in the best physical condition of his career, ensuring that he is primed to put his best foot forward while representing Slovenia at the 2025 EuroBasket. Unfortunately, with losses mounting during the warm-up games, Doncic seems to be frustrated with the overall performance.
This was particularly noticeable after Slovenia’s blowout 106-72 loss against a Nikola Jokic-led Serbian team. Slovenia head coach Aleksander Sekulic addressed Doncic’s state while speaking with the media after the game. He said:
“I felt frustrations from his (Luka) side today, too. He had a big desire, and he tried a lot in defense, too. Maybe he will have to accept a little that quality matters too here. Simply, opponents were much better. We let them look much better, too, and that’s what we have to work on. And everyone has to help Luka, both players on the court and on the bench.”
Sekulic made valid observations while delivering his statement, but Doncic’s frustrations are understandable.
After an offseason marked by rigorous training, the 26-year-old has returned in superior condition. While he is still settling into a familiar rhythm with the game, the guard has been phenomenal regardless. To top it off, he has also shown an active effort on the defensive end.
Unfortunately, the difference in talent against Serbia was certainly overwhelming.
Slovenia’s roster currently features one NBA player and one Euroleague player, with the remaining roster featuring players in lower leagues. Meanwhile, Serbia’s roster appears to be stacked, with five NBA players and seven Euroleague players.
The game against Serbia was a challenge for Doncic. While being double-teamed for most of the game, the Slovenian star was limited to 17 points, seven rebounds, and four assists on 4-18 shooting from the field.
With aspirations to emerge victorious in the tournament, Doncic will require more support from his teammates.
Doncic’s Teammates Rely On Him Heavily
Luka Doncic is undoubtedly one of the most important players in Slovenia’s rotation heading into the 2025 EuroBasket. But the reason they rely on him so heavily was revealed by his teammate, Klemen Prepelic. He said:
“When in games, you cannot score, you give the ball to Luka, and he will do something. It’s easier. Here we come to the question, on the court, it’s super easy. Luka makes everybody better. He will put you in the spot, and you can just execute. You don’t need to think about anything. Basically, you don’t need plays. You give him the ball, spread the floor, and be ready to shoot the ball.”
While this is an increasingly positive testimony of Doncic’s abilities, it highlights Slovenia’s overdependence on him. With very little support, the guard may struggle to carry this team to wins against significantly more balanced rosters.
Slovenia finished with a 1-4 record in the preparation games. This raises concerns as they approach the main tournament. With less than a week left before their first game, Slovenia must revisit its strategies to deliver better performances if it intends to make it out of the group stage.
