MALAGA, Spain — The Slovenian national basketball team received a blow as they announced the temporary removal of their star guard, Luka Doncic, from the active roster for their exhibition game against the U.S. on Saturday. The decision was made as a precautionary measure due to an injury Doncic sustained in the previous game against Spain.
Injury Sustained during the Game Against Spain
During the second quarter of Friday’s exhibition game, Doncic injured his left knee while fouling Santi Aldama on a 3-point attempt. Despite the injury, Doncic chose to stay in the game and even contributed 17 points to his team, although he had five turnovers. Unfortunately, the injury proved to be significant enough for the Slovenian national team to take immediate action.
In a statement released by the Slovenian national team, it was clarified that removing Doncic from the active roster was a preventative measure to ensure his full recovery before they continue their World Cup preparations in Japan. The team emphasized that they did not wish to leave anything to chance and wanted to prioritize Doncic’s health and well-being.
Aiming for World Cup Success
Slovenia, ranked seventh in the world by FIBA, is eager to secure their first World Cup medal after their fourth-place finish in the Tokyo Olympics two years ago. The national team has been relying heavily on Doncic’s exceptional performance, as he has already achieved two triple-doubles in his first three appearances with the team this summer. However, with his current injury, there are legitimate concerns regarding his availability and performance in the upcoming tournament.
Final Tuneup and Tournament Schedule
Slovenia’s last warm-up game before the World Cup will be against Japan on August 19. The World Cup itself will commence on August 26 in Okinawa, Japan, where Slovenia will face Venezuela in their opening match. Subsequent games are scheduled against Georgia on August 28 and Cape Verde on August 30. The tournament will span from August 25 to September 10, taking place in the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia.
Doncic, a key player for the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA, is widely recognized for his remarkable abilities on the court. Last season, he averaged an impressive stat line of 32.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8 assists per game. As one of the All-NBA players from last season expected to participate in the World Cup, his absence would undoubtedly be felt. Another notable NBA player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander from the Oklahoma City Thunder, will represent Canada in the competition.
Slovenia’s concern for Luka Doncic’s availability in the World Cup reflects the significance of his role within the national team. The decision to remove him from the active roster for the exhibition game against the U.S. highlights the team’s commitment to prioritizing his recovery and overall well-being. Slovenia’s hopes of securing their first World Cup medal may be in jeopardy if Doncic’s injury hinders his participation and performance in the tournament. Basketball enthusiasts around the world eagerly await updates on Doncic’s status and remain hopeful for his swift return to the court.
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