Goran Dragic’s final act as a member of the Slovenian national side will be in a final of major international competition. It’s now on them to give the NBA star a perfect send-off.
Slovenia continued their extraordinary unbeaten run at Eurobasket by hammering the holders and previous favourites Spain in Thursday’s semi-final. It’s no doubt that the 2013 hosts are the ‘people’s’ favourites heading into Sunday’s final in Istanbul but Dragic remains adamant that there is still business to take care of.
“We are still not done,” Dragic said. “We have one game left, we have a medal but if we came so far, why not? The last game is going to be a huge game, whoever going to play against us, but we feel like we are ready.”
Slovenia will get a first ever international basketball medal on Sunday, regardless of the result. This has been the most exciting Slovenian side since the 2009 side that agonisingly missed out on a podium finish in Katowice, Poland.
Dragic was part of that team in 2009 and ahead of his final bout representing his country, he proudly stated how proud he is of this year’s team as he prepares to depart the scene.
“This team has something amazing, something special. It’s a young team with a few veteran players. I am really happy to be part of this team. I am the leader but the young players follow. I try to be an example for them. I try to be vocal on and off the court. And so far, so good. We are all in the same boat and we are sailing towards the goal.”
Dragic has led the team in scoring in this year’s Eurobasket, averaging 21.0 points a game in their unbeaten run.
Photo: FIBA
