Bogdan Bogdanovic was at a loss for words following the Eagles’ momentous victory over a highly talented Canadian squad in the semifinals that propelled them back into the FIBA Basketball World Cup finals after nine years.
“It’s unbelievable. I feel really happy, grateful, and all these words I don’t even know how to say,” said Bogdanovic after Serbia’s 95-86 victory over the Canadians in the quarterfinals on Friday.
The Atlanta Hawks swingman, who was tasked with leading this young Serbian team after two-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic decided to skip the world tilt, once again had an efficient night. He scored 23 points on 8-of-12 shooting, accompanied by four rebounds and three assists in the 95-86 win.
Bogdanovic and the rest of Serbia aim to secure the gold medal after falling short in 2014 when they faced a Team USA squad featuring the likes of Anthony Davis, James Harden, Kyrie Irving, and Stephen Curry.
“I’m also happy for this team. I know how much effort we put in since day one. Coach was really hard on us and he was tough on me too,” said Bogdanovic.
“Being out of the national team for a couple of years, I forgot how is it, that struggle. I’m just happy for the guys that we went all through this and in the end, we are in the final,” added Bogdanovic.
Bogdanovic is simply grateful that the time they spent away from their families to prepare for the FIBA World Cup proved to be worthwhile in the end.
The former NBA Rising Stars Challenge MVP thanked their families, especially his parents, for coming to the Philippines and joining them on this magical journey where they are now one win away from securing the gold medal after two decades.
“I’m just happy that we found the energy. It’s tough to dedicate two months without seeing your family, your friends, and drink and have fun and all that. It’s really tough to be out of family so I’m just happy that everything comes together and success is coming,” said the 31-year-old shooting guard, who is now in his third consecutive stint in the World Cup.
“Them (my family) and my friends, they believed since day one. And we were booking tickets, you know, we didn’t know who will come with us as a team and I’m so happy that they are here to witness this moment and share it with me,” he continued.
“This is truly unbelievable.”
