Slovenia’s Luka Doncic has expressed optimism about his country’s dream to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics Men’s Basketball event, while expecting a potential tough matchup with Giannis Antetokounmpo -inspired Greece in their next qualifying game, Completesports.com reports.
Doncic was a cynosure of eyes during Slovenia’s crucial win over New Zealand – a comfortable 26-point margin which ended 104-78 in second round robin match of the ongoing FIBA men’s Olympic Qualifying Tournaments – and admitted that they have a high hurdle in in their upcoming knockout stage match.
Slovenia zoomed into the semifinals after finishing below Croatia in Group A standings despite losing to Croatia on Game Day 1.
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Ahead of their likely Semi-final clash with Giannis Antetokounmpo and his Greece teammates, provided they prevail over Egypt in their Thursday’s match, Doncic described the Greeks as hard brick to break. He also acknowledged that the Nigerian-born power forward is always a tough opponent.
“We will believe in victory against the Greeks. We have to play like we did today,” Doncic told ŠPORT TV.
“New Zealand is not a bad team. They were not to be underestimated. They play fast-paced basketball and throw a lot of shots.”
He added: “Giannis [ Antetokounmpo] will be on the other side on Saturday, and it will be a little different.
“It’s very difficult to stop him. We have to believe in victory. We know we won’t be favorites, but we have to believe.”
