Serbia’s national basketball team captain, Bogdan Bogdanovic, has opened up about leadership, team chemistry, and the looming challenges of EuroBasket 2025 in an exclusive conversation with FIBA.
With the tournament set to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, the sharpshooting guard offered a candid perspective on the road ahead for his squad.
Serbia, regarded as one of the tournament favorites, will have to navigate a daunting group stage that includes host nation Latvia, perennial contender Turkey, as well as Czechia, Portugal, and Estonia.
For Bogdanovic, the weight of expectation is not something to shy away from, but rather a responsibility that motivates.
“It’s a privilege to be the focus of the tournament. It’s another challenge in life, and we’ve already been through this. Hopefully, we end up with better results this time,” he said, acknowledging the pressure that comes with Serbia’s status.
A central figure in Serbia’s ambitions is, of course, Nikola Jokic, the three-time NBA MVP and widely regarded as one of the greatest players of his generation. Bogdanovic was effusive in his praise for his teammate, pointing to qualities that often go unnoticed.
“Everybody knows about his IQ and feel for the game, but what really makes him special is his basketball shape for his size – his ability to run and his conditioning,” the veteran scorer said.
He went further, highlighting Jokic’s unique way of seeing the court: “His front vision allows him to almost predict the game steps ahead. He brings probably the highest confidence that I’ve ever had playing with anyone else.”
But Serbia’s floor general didn’t limit his analysis to his own locker room. He also spoke about the other global superstars who will play pivotal roles at EuroBasket.
On Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Greek phenomenon, Bogdanovic was blunt about the challenge: “Giannis is pure athleticism. You can’t make mistakes against him because he punishes them all the time. His defense is incredible, and running in transition makes him unstoppable.”
Turning to Luka Doncic, he underscored the Slovenian guard’s game-breaking potential: “He can kill anyone in a tournament. He can go for 50, 60 points… that’s what makes him special.”
The tournament format, with its condensed schedule and unforgiving knockout rounds, was another theme he emphasized.
“It’s very different because it lasts only for a short time. Quickly after the group phase, you have elimination games, which brings another level of difficulty and leaves less room for mistakes,” Bogdanovic explained.
He also addressed the mental side of such high-stakes competition: “You have to stay focused all the time and try to peak at the right moment. You feel everything – pressure, excitement – and you just have to handle it like a champ. Celebrate wins, don’t get too down on losses, and keep moving forward.”
For Bogdanovic, being captain of Serbia means more than just leading on the court; it’s about embodying the spirit of the team. He was quick to praise the resilience and unity of his teammates:
“We have really good character. Fighters. They never quit. It’s an honor to share the court with these guys and be part of history with them.”
The weight of history inevitably lingers over the squad – Serbia has not claimed a EuroBasket title since 2001. Bogdanovic acknowledged that drought, but stressed the importance of staying rooted in the present.
“We are aware of it, but our focus should be on the upcoming tournament. Do we feel it? Yes. But that’s part of the game. You have to embrace it and push through.”
When asked about the broader competition, he didn’t hesitate to name potential obstacles.
“Former champs like Spain, young but dangerous France, and Germany. There’ll be a lot of strong teams and challenges.”
In the end, Bogdanovic’s message was clear: Serbia is ready to fight, but nothing will come easy in EuroBasket 2025.
With a tough group ahead, legendary opponents across the bracket, and the immense weight of expectations, the Serbian captain is embracing the challenge head-on – confident that his team’s character, experience, and leadership can carry them through.
Bogdan Bogdanović on what makes Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Dončić special, Nikola Jokić’s greatness and #EuroBasket https://t.co/iy3FOJcZ7w
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) August 19, 2025
