Serbia NT 2009

[rikhardur]

Serbia takes priority for Krstic



Serbia's Nenad Krstic has joined the national team as they begin their preparations for this summer's EuroBasket 2009 qualifying games despite being advised by the New Jersey Nets to delay his arrival.



"People from New Jersey said to me not to come to Serbia as I have contract negotiations to solve," the 25-year-old Krstic said.



"But those things are not the most important thing for me.



"I'm fully focused on the Blues. We're building a great atmosphere in this team and I believe that good results will follow that."



Krstic, who has averaged 11.3 points and 5.7 rebounds per game in his four NBA seasons with the Nets, added: "I'm glad to be back in the national team for the first time since 2005."



Serbia are in Group A of EuroBasket Division A and will take on Italy, Hungary, Bulgaria and Finland.



Krstic's former team-mate from Partizan Belgrade, versatile forward Dusan Kecman, was able to put pen to paper on a new deal with Greek giants Panathinaikos and has joined the Serbian team as well.



"It is important for us that we work well from the beginning," he said.



"Our team is awesome, but we'll only qualify for the EuroBasket if every single member gives his best during training camps and games.



"For us, it is crucial to be ready for first game in qualifying, a derby with the Italians."



That clash will be on August 20 in Cagliari.



Before that showdown, Dusan Ivkovic's team will go to Italy for their first training session on July 10, and then take part in tournaments in Russia and China before their final training sessions ahead of EuroBasket qualifying.

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