Slovenia will enter EuroBasket 2025 without Josh Nebo, a naturalized player whose absence has sparked debate within the Slovenian basketball community.
Nebo, who plays for Olimpia Milano alongside fellow Slovenian absentee Vlatko Cancar, will not take part in the tournament, but the reasons behind the decision have drawn scrutiny and raised questions about communication between the player, his club, and the national federation.
Sasa Doncic, father of NBA star Luka Doncic and sports director of the Slovenian national team, expressed concern over how the situation was handled.
“Josh Nebo never told me, in several conversations, that he would not play, even after his latest injury. The club received the invitation on July 3. Two weeks later, we were informed that he was not recommended to play. I respect coach Ettore Messina’s stance that players’ health is important, but we also have reports and expert assessments. We know what we’re talking about,” Doncic said via SportKlub.
Doncic emphasized the unusual circumstances and the uncertainty created by the timing and communication surrounding Nebo’s absence.
“The situation was unusual. How should we proceed? Right now, we are focused on this EuroBasket. After the tournament, we will have to address this matter, including discussions with the Slovenian government. Josh Nebo received citizenship to play basketball, so if he does not want to, I don’t see the point in continuing our cooperation.”
In response, Nebo’s agent, Misko Raznatovic, clarified the player’s intentions and the reasons for missing the tournament.
“Josh Nebo holds a Nigerian passport, which in the basketball world has the exact same status as a Slovenian. So, Josh didn’t decide to play for the Slovenian national team in order to gain the benefits of the passport – primarily for the Spanish market – which was the case with all other US players!
“His reasons are the desire to compete at the highest national team level and to play on the same team as Luka! He had the same wish this summer as well, but due to an unhealed injury, he was banned from playing by the club that signed him. Josh is upset for missing EuroBasket!”
Raznatovic also cautioned about potential fallout for the Slovenian Basketball Federation.
“The potential loss of the passport will have no consequences for Nebo, but statements like these could have dramatic consequences for the Slovenian Basketball Federation (KZS).”
The dispute has left Slovenia without one of its key naturalized players heading into a competitive Group C, which features host Cyprus, Greece, Spain, Italy, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and has raised broader questions about the management of naturalized players, communication protocols with clubs, and the future of the federation’s approach to dual-nationality talent.
Saša Dončić raises concerns over Nebo’s withdrawal from Slovenian national team, Miško Ražnatović defends him: “Josh is upset for missing EuroBasket”#EuroBaskethttps://t.co/vwzvkvJt7e
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) August 25, 2025
