Aleksej Pokusevski won’t reinforce Serbia on the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup as he failed to receive a medical clearance to play for his nation, per Sportski Zurnal (hat tip to Eurohoops).
There were hopes that the young big man would make his international debut for Serbia in the World Cup as his name was added to the country’s preliminary list of participating players.
Pokusevski remains under treatment under the Oklahoma City Thunder’s supervision as he suffered from a small right humerus fracture this offseason.
Pokusevski, who averaged 8.1 points and 4.7 boards last regular season, now joins reigning 2023 NBA Finals MVP Nikola Jokic and future Thunder teammate Vasilije Micic as some of the notable Serbs who will miss the grand basketball event.
Serbia will play China, Puerto Rico and South Sudan at the group phase of the World Cup.