The Serbian national basketball team has officially unveiled its formidable 12-man lineup for the highly anticipated FIBA EuroBasket 2025 tournament. This announcement, highlighted by the inclusion of three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic, signals Serbia's strong intent to contend for the championship. The team enters the competition on the heels of an exceptional preparatory phase, having secured a perfect 7-0 record in friendly matches. This impeccable run, marked by commanding victories against various European squads, showcases their readiness and determination to vie for top honors.
Under the strategic direction of head coach Svetislav Pesic, the Serbian roster has been meticulously assembled, blending seasoned veterans with emerging talents. The finalized squad includes key players such as Aleksa Avramovic, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Ognjen Dobric, Marko Guduric, Nikola Jokic, Nikola Jovic, Stefan Jovic, Vanja Marinkovic, Vasilije Micic, Nikola Milutinov, Filip Petrusev, and Tristan Vukcevic. This selection underscores the team's depth and versatile skill set, which will be crucial in navigating the rigorous tournament schedule.
The 'Eagles' have demonstrated their commanding presence throughout their exhibition games, achieving decisive wins against formidable opponents like Bosnia and Herzegovina, Poland, Greece, Cyprus, Czechia, Germany, and Slovenia. A particularly noteworthy performance was their overwhelming 34-point triumph against Luka Doncic’s Slovenian side, a clear indicator of their offensive prowess and defensive solidity. These pre-tournament results have not only built significant momentum but also solidified their reputation as a top-tier contender.
Since becoming an independent basketball nation in 2007, Serbia has established a commendable legacy at EuroBasket, twice reaching the finals in 2009 and 2017. Despite these impressive achievements, the coveted European gold medal remains just out of reach. However, their recent successes, including a silver medal at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup and a bronze at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games—where they narrowly missed upsetting Team USA—suggest that the team is on the cusp of achieving their ultimate goal. With a roster rich in star power, profound depth, and extensive international experience, many basketball experts and analysts now regard Serbia as the most well-rounded team in the upcoming tournament.
The team's primary objective is unequivocally clear: to secure the EuroBasket trophy for the first time in their history and bring it back to Belgrade. Their campaign is set to commence in Riga, where they will compete in the Group Stage against strong national teams including Latvia, Estonia, Portugal, Czechia, and Türkiye. The journey for the Serbian squad officially begins on August 27th, with their opening match against Estonia scheduled for 20:15 CET. Expectations are exceptionally high that this talented group can translate their immense potential and recent successes into a historic championship victory.
