Slovenia is definitely a force to be reckoned with in the battle for medals at EuroBasket. By winning the European Championship in 2017 and finishing fourth at the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo, they were able to attract attention in recent years. The very well-rehearsed squad has some top-class players. An interesting meeting with strong teams and skilled athletes is ahead, bet with 22Bet live betting on this game and many others!

In the test matches, the Slovenians held their own. Without exception, victories were recorded: 83:76 against the Netherlands, 104:103 after extra time against Turkey, 86:82 against Ukraine, 97:92 after extra time against Serbia and 94:88 against Croatia.

Besides superstar Dončić, two other current NBA players are in the provisional squad of the Slovenians.

Somewhat surprisingly, Goran Dragić returned to the national team this year. The veteran, who was most recently under contract with the Brooklyn Nets and will play for the Chicago Bulls in the coming season, had announced his retirement from the national team in 2017 and also did not appear on the floor at the Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2021. With his experience, the 36-year-old can certainly help the team, but he no longer comes close to the level from earlier days, when he put up 20 points per game in Phoenix or Miami. In 2021/22, he played a total of just 21 games for the Toronto Raptors and Brooklyn Nets (7.5 PTS, 3.1 REB, 4.1 AST).

Another current NBA player from the Slovenian squad is Vlatko Čančar. The Denver Nuggets forward has been playing in the “Mile High City” since 2019. However, last season he did not take an important role. He was on the floor in only 15 games (4.1 PTS, 2.1 REB, 1.1 AST).

Head coach Aleksander Sekulić can also rely on some players who are highly respected in Europe.

Klemen Prepelič averaged 14.1 points, 1.2 rebounds and 3.1 assists for Valencia BC in the Spanish ACB last year. The guard, who played for EWE Baskets Oldenburg in the BBL in 2015/16, played an essential role for the Slovenians in recent tournaments.

Mike Tobey (6.9 PTS, 4.1 REB, 0.3 AST) also played for Valencia in the Spanish ACB last season and moved to FC Barcelona this summer. In 2021, the American-born player made his first appearance for the Slovenian national team and was one of the best players after Dončić at the Tokyo Olympics.

The team is also currently on course to qualify for the 2023 FIBA World Cup. With four wins, they moved into the second round, where they will now face the German selection, among others. This is also the case a few days before the start of ely on some players who are highly respected in Europe.