Photo: FIBA

Bosnia-Herzegovina opened EuroBasket 2025 with authority, cruising past Cyprus 91-64 behind a dominant showing from Jusuf Nurkic. From the tip-off in Limassol, the team displayed focus, cohesion, and depth, setting the tone for a challenging group stage ahead.

Nurkic led the way with a team-high 18 points, six rebounds, two steals, and one block, anchoring both ends of the court.

“We kind of used the game for something to maybe trick people, but at the end of the day, it’s a good start and I feel great to get first off my chest,” he said, reflecting on Bosnia-Herzegovina’s strong start to the five-game round-robin.

While the win boosted confidence, the team’s attention quickly turned to the next test against Spain.

“We did what we were supposed to do and now focus on the next game,” Nurkic noted, emphasizing the importance of consistency and preparation for the Round of 16.

The group’s competitiveness was clear, and Nurkic acknowledged the challenge.

“Everybody can beat anyone,” he explained. “Georgia played a great game. They earned the win, but that’s still Spain. They can come back and still win the rest of the games. That’s how tough the group is.”

Bosnia-Herzegovina also had to contend with the absence of Dzanan Musa, the 26-year-old swingman ruled out due to injury.

“It’s super hard,” Nurkic admitted. “When you’re missing that big of talent, somebody who can score 20 points in a game, somebody who can make your defense guard him and guard me at the same time, so we know what we’re missing. But at the same time, through the history of our country, when it was the hardest time we come together the biggest.”

In a late roster adjustment, John Roberson stepped in to cover the team’s single naturalized spot. The 36-year-old point guard was critical in the fourth quarter, scoring all eight of his points as Cyprus narrowed a 24-point lead to eight, helping Bosnia-Herzegovina regain control.

“That second half was big for me, to kind of find my footing and regain my confidence,” Roberson said after the game. “My teammates and the coach believe in me. I missed all of my shots before that, but I was going to continue to shoot. I was getting good looks, but they were just not going in. I was taking the right shots. I just had to believe in myself. I’ve been here before. So, I just rely on those past experiences to help myself in those types of moments.”

Roberson brought valuable experience to the squad, having represented Bosnia-Herzegovina in EuroBasket 2022, the 2022 EuroBasket Qualifiers, and the 2023 FIBA World Cup. His presence, combined with Nurkic’s leadership, allowed the team to adapt to injuries and maintain a high level of play.

With Nurkic setting the pace in the paint, Roberson stabilizing the backcourt, and the team adjusting to missing key players, Bosnia-Herzegovina began EuroBasket 2025 with both confidence and resilience, signaling they are ready to challenge the toughest teams in their group.

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