🃏 Joker’s Corner 🇷🇸🏀 Serbia Locked, Loaded & Hunting Gold at EuroBasket 2025

It’s been 24 years since Serbia last stood atop the EuroBasket podium, back in 2001 as part of Yugoslavia. Now, led by three-time NBA MVP and NBA champion Nikola Jokić, the Orlovi are coming for gold - and revenge - at EuroBasket 2025.

Serbia’s roster is pure basketball royalty. Alongside Jokić are fellow NBA standouts Bogdan Bogdanović (Clippers), Nikola Jović (Heat), Nikola Topić (Thunder), and Tristan Vukčević (Wizards). Add in EuroLeague superstar Vasilije Micić, now the highest-paid player in league history, plus a deep bench stacked with Partizan, Crvena Zvezda, and top European club talent, and you’ve got a squad built to dominate on both ends.

The wounds of EuroBasket 2022 still sting - Serbia was bounced in the Round of 16 by Italy in a stunning upset. This time, there’s no underestimating the mission. Svetislav Pešić’s men have been sharpening their chemistry in a string of warm-up wins, including decisive victories over Bosnia and Herzegovina, Poland, Greece, and Cyprus. In the recent clash against Greece, Jokić delivered a monster 23 points and 19 rebounds, proving he’s arriving in tournament shape.

Serbia begins their Group A campaign on August 27 in Riga, facing Estonia, Portugal, Latvia, Czechia, and Turkey. The top challenge in the group will likely be co-hosts Latvia, but Pešić’s squad is expected to advance deep into the knockout rounds — where every possession will matter and revenge will be on the menu.

Rivals to Watch

#2 Germany (+1) – The 2023 FIBA World Cup champs bring back Franz Wagner and Dennis Schröder, and even their practice battles are enough to make opposing coaches sweat. Watch for sharpshooter David Kramer, fresh off a hot season with Tenerife and now at Real Madrid.

#3 France (-1) – No Wemby, no Rudy Gobert, no Evan Fournier… and somehow still dangerous. Guerschon Yabusele, Nadir Hifi, and Isaia Cordinier get a rare shot to run free without the big-name pressure.

#4 Türkiye (+5) – The most polarizing squad of the tournament. On paper? Alperen Sengün and company look like medal contenders. In reality? They could flame out before the quarters.

#5 Latvia (0) – The hosts are talented and tough, with Italy, Slovenia, Lithuania, and Greece on their prep list. They’ll be tested early - and they’ll test Serbia in Group A.

#6 Greece (-2) – No Papagiannis or Nick Calathes, but yes, they still have Giannis Antetokounmpo. That alone makes them a threat to anyone.

#7 Slovenia (-1) – Luka Dončić is capable of dragging Slovenia to gold by himself. Missing Josh Nebo and Vlatko Čančar hurts, but never count out Luka Magic.

#8 Spain (-1) – The defending champs are lower in the rankings but never out of the medal conversation. The Hernangómez brothers are back, and “La Familia” always shows up when it matters.

📅 Mark your calendars:

• Aug 27: vs Estonia

• Aug 29: vs Portugal

• Aug 30: vs Latvia

• Sept 1: vs Czechia

• Sept 3: vs Turkey

📺 How to Watch: In Serbia, all games will air on RTS and Arena Sport, and fans worldwide can stream every game live via FIBA’s official Courtside 1891 app — the go-to platform for following EuroBasket 2025 in full HD.

💡 Bottom line: Serbia isn’t just aiming for a medal — they’re coming for the top of the podium, and with this roster, anything less than gold will feel like unfinished business.

 🇸🇮🔥 Luka Slim, Slovenia Dangerous: EuroBasket 2025 Dark Horses

Eight years after shocking the continent with their 2017 EuroBasket title, Slovenia is back on the big stage - and this time a slimmed-down Luka Dončić is at the helm. The Los Angeles Lakers superstar has shed 31 pounds, rebuilt his game around agility and endurance, and is arriving in Katowice with one goal: to put Slovenia back on the podium.

The path won’t be easy. Two key pieces are missing - Vlatko Čančar and Josh Nebo - after EuroLeague powerhouse Olimpia Milano blocked their participation. Those absences cut deep into Slovenia’s already thin player pool, but head coach Aleksander Sekulić is leaning into the underdog role, trusting Dončić and veteran sharpshooter Klemen Prepelič to lead a younger, hungrier supporting cast.

The roster may not have the same depth as in 2017, but it still packs grit. Prepelič’s shooting can space the floor for Luka’s all-around brilliance, while veterans like Edo Murić and Alen Omić bring stability in the paint. Sekulić has challenged his team to turn adversity into fuel, reminding them that “one ball can change everything in EuroBasket.”

Slovenia’s Group D schedule is no walkover - Poland, France, Belgium, Iceland, and Israel (Aren’t they in the middle east?) all stand in their way. The rematch with Poland (Aug 28) will carry extra fire after Poland ended Slovenia’s reign in the 2022 quarterfinals. France (Aug 30) looms as the toughest test, even without Wembanyama, Gobert, and Fournier.

For Dončić, this is a chance to add another chapter to his national team legend. In 2024, he averaged 27.7 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 8.3 assists for Slovenia, but even those near triple-double numbers weren’t enough to punch a ticket to Paris. This time, with improved conditioning and a sharper edge, Luka’s ready to make sure Slovenia isn’t just showing up - they’re here to shake things up.

📅 Group D Schedule (Katowice)

• Aug 28: vs Poland

• Aug 30: vs France

• Aug 31: vs Belgium

• Sept 2: vs Iceland

• Sept 4: vs Israel

📺 How to Watch: In Slovenia, all games will air on RTV Slovenija, and fans worldwide can stream live via FIBA’s official Courtside 1891 app.

💡 Bottom line: Slovenia may not be the deepest team in the tournament, but with a locked-in Luka Dončić and a chip on their shoulder, they’re one of EuroBasket 2025’s most dangerous dark horses. In Katowice, expect plenty of Luka Magic - and maybe, just maybe, another fairytale run.

🏆 EuroBasket Flashback: 2001 Final – Turkey vs Yugoslavia

In Istanbul, Yugoslavia outlasted hosts Turkey to claim gold, powered by Vlade Scepanović’s 19 points and Dejan Bodiroga’s 18 & 7. Peja Stojaković added 15 & 5, while Kutluay led Turkey with 16 in a battle that also saw Turkoglu post 13 & 5. A classic showdown that sealed Yugoslavia’s last EuroBasket title before becoming Serbia.

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