Montenegro National Teams

[Buducnost PG]

As 1st montenegrin basketball NT started the U20 with the preparation on Monday this week.

Roster:

Suad Sehovic 87 SG 197cm Bosna Sarajevo
Dusan Stjepovic (palys in Italy, no more info)
Igor Bijelic 88 – F/C 207cm Mogren Budva
Marko Raznatovic (FMP no mor info)
Nemanja Milosevic (New Jersey Tech) 6-8 SF/PF
Boban Medenica 87 SF 201cm Mornar Bar
Milovan Savic 87 C 203cm Mornar Bar
Marko Mijovic 87 188cm G Mornar Bar
Aleksa Popovic 87 201cm SG/SF Danilovgrad
Dragan Zekovic 87 210cm C Arkadia Traiskirchen
Goran Martinic 87 187 cm G Ulcinj
Maksim Sutranovic 88 209cm C Niksic
Goran Gajovic 199cm G 88 Niksic
Darko Kastratovic 88 189 PG Niksic
Marko Kulic Niksic (no more info)
Vladimir Dasic 88 206cm SF/PF Buducnost Podgorica
Ljubo Jovanovic 87 207cm C Buducnost Podgorica
Sead Sehovic 89 200cm SG/SF Bosna Sarajevo
Boris Savovic 87 207cm PF Hemofarm Vrsac

Nenad Mijatovic (87 PG of Buducnost Podgorica) broke his leg on holiday in Budva and will not be able to play.

Nikola Dragovic (87 SF UCLA) will play for Serbia and also Petar Despotovic (88 SG Hemofarm Vrsac/ on loan in Mega Ishrane) will play for Serbia.

[Srle]

I dont know much abou those players, except Savovic and Dasic. Too bad we gave up on Savovic. He is a Serbian kid from Herzegovina, Trebinje. He had one huge game this year when many players frmo Hemofarm were injured, somethink like 24 points and 15 boards. But its fair. We recived Dragovic and Despotovic.And more important young talented players like Rondovic,Dasovic,Subotic etc. It would be nice if we could steal Pekovic. But its not likely to happen.

[Buducnost PG]

I dont know much abou those players, except Savovic and Dasic. Too bad we gave up on Savovic. He is a Serbian kid from Herzegovina, Trebinje. He had one huge game this year when many players frmo Hemofarm were injured, somethink like 24 points and 15 boards. But its fair. We recived Dragovic and Despotovic.And more important young talented players like Rondovic,Dasovic,Subotic etc. It would be nice if we could steal Pekovic. But its not likely to happen.

Now that Vujosevic is the new coach of Montenegro i think the chances are high that he will play for Montenegro. Pekovic´s father is working for RTCG (montenegrin national televison) so he must be pro Montenegro and Pekovic could end up playing for them.

That Despotovic would play for Serbia was from the 1st day clear for me. He is from Pljevlja a city were the most people ( i think around 70%) declare them as serbs. Dragovic called himself as montenegrin, but because of problems with Buducnost managment before few years he will not play for Montenegro. The most persons in the montenegrin fedaration are the one from Budcunost.

I think the team is strong enough to get to the A Division. It would be great with Mijatovic, Savovic and Dasic. As you said Savovic is a good one. As i know he was cut some days before the last U20 in Turkey togehter with Teodosic. Another Savovic will play for the U18 or better said is in the squad which inclued 45 players now. He is also playing in Hemofarm. Perhaps he is his brother.

Serbia definetly get some nice talent.

Dragovic-87-Podgorica
Despotovic-88-Pljevlja
Rondovic-91-?
Subotic-90-Tivat
Besovic-92-? he played for Buducnost before so perhaps born in Podgorica
Andusic-91-? i didn´t know that he is from Montenegro, before few days. Good player i think. Nice scorer.
Bogdan Jovanovic-91-?

From players which are born in Montenegro, but play in serbian clubs now and will play for Motenegro

Tedorovic-91-? plays in Partizan
Celebic-91-? plays in Srem
Loncovic-91-? plays in Zvezda

Loncovic was one of the best players for the U16 of Zvezda with Rondovic and Radisavljevic.

But the big question will be if Nikola Mirotic and Nikola Rakocevic will play for Montenegro. If this happen then they have get some huge talent. Especially in Mirotic. Both play for Real Madrid and Mirtoic seems to be amazing. He is playing better against older competion as Djekic and Musli for example right now.

Djordje Pavicevic said on friday that it will be know in the next 4-5 days if some players from Italy, Spain, USA and Partizan will also be in the squad for the preparation of the U16. Since yesterday follwing players are training in Bar.

Rade Ivanovic, Aleksander Dobrovic, Mladen Novakovic, Nikola Lalic, Nemanja Djurisic and Luka Rakic from Buducnost Podgorica.. Milos Koljic, Zarko Krivokapic, Aleksander Nikolic and Bojan Dubljevic from Niksic. Nemanja Radovic from Centar Bijelo Polje. Nikola Ljujic of Jedinstov Bijelo Polje. Nikola Djuric from Bojs Bar. Mihailo Sekulovic from Dzoker Podgorica. Ognjen Scepanovic (Gorstak Kolasin), Aleksander Drincic (Primorije), Vladimir Bulatovic (Rozaje), Nino Celebic (Srem), Marko Loncovic (Zvezda), Nikola Lazovic (Italy), Marko Bugosija (Mladost Zemun), Bogdan Cebalovic (Mornar Bar), Miroslav Damjanovic (Rudar Pljevlja), Nikola Tomic (Bonus Niksic) and Nemanja Bulatovic (Gorstak Kolasin).

[Srle]

Rondovic is Also born in Montenegro. He is a very nice player. 6"10 and only 16 years old. I think Montenegro will qulify i Divison A this year. Serbia will always bring talented players from Bosnia and Montenegro. Its a quantity that's count. And FMP is the team that have very good scouting all over a Balkan. I dont know why Dusan Ognjenovic is not on the list of cadets. He is also from Hercegovina,Trebinje. 6"11, only 16 years old. He had solid numbers in tournament in Serbia backing Dejan Musli. It would be stupid to lost him to Bosnia or Montenegro(No Offense).

[Buducnost PG]

Rondovic is Also born in Montenegro. He is a very nice player. 6"10 and only 16 years old. I think Montenegro will qulify i Divison A this year. Serbia will always bring talented players from Bosnia and Montenegro. Its a quantity that's count. And FMP is the team that have very good scouting all over a Balkan. I dont know why Dusan Ognjenovic is not on the list of cadets. He is also from Hercegovina,Trebinje. 6"11, only 16 years old. He had solid numbers in tournament in Serbia backing Dejan Musli. It would be stupid to lost him to Bosnia or Montenegro(No Offense).

I am serb from Montenegro and have no problems with that, that players from Montenegro play for Serbia.;) I hope that the boys will have a nice career. For me this is not that much important if Dragovic plays for Montenegro or Serbia. The politic wanted that i have 2 NT now.:D ;) But there is one interesting think. Players which plays in montenegrin clubs immediately said that they will play for Montenegro like Dasic and Mijatovic. The others which went to Serbia not. But it will be difficulter in the future to bring in players from Montenegro to play for Serbia, then it is in the case of Bosnia. The situation with the people in Montenegro and in BIH is not the same. There is not this hating as it is in BIH with serbs, croats and bosjnaks. And the other point is, that Montenegro has junior cagegories right now and knows how to work. Earlier in SCG i heard there were 11 trainingcenters for the juniors and 3 of them were in Montenegro. So Montenegro will benefit from this in the future. In the case of BIH there are no real tournaments of junior, cadet or pionir competition so they lose a lot kids to Serbia and Croatia. I heard Bojan Bogdanovic (now Real Madrid) was on the preparation of BIH U16 but they said he is to weak. I am sure one of the bosses sold him to the croatian federation. This kid is the best croatian player born in 89. I think the same happend with Preldzic. BIH has not a U20 for years.

[Srle]

I have same fealling to about Montenegro. I still thin clubs from Serbia(FMP as example) will continue to bring talented kids from Montenegro. Especially kids who decleared as Serb's. They usally offer education together with basketball. They have their own academy. Also nobody can stop kids from either country to play for national team they want. I think Bodiroga's camp in Trebinje is a great thing. I thik it will continue to grow and grow.

[Joško Poljak Fan]

I think BiH federation knew little to none about Preldžić... but Slovan didn't force him up either and he didn't get much playing time untill he got the passport. That's true as well.
I think BiH federation should finally prevent all those players running away playing for Croatia, Serbia or Slovenia.

good luck to Montenegro, in the near future might just happen all ex-Yu republics would participate in EC which would mean 6 places among 16 teams.

[Srle]

I dont see how can anybody stop players to leave their countries to play for another country. Its always financial reason,nationality etc. Especially ethniclally divided Bosnia.

[Srle]

And also kids want quality work. I dont think Bosnia can provide that.

[Buducnost PG]

I have same fealling to about Montenegro. I still thin clubs from Serbia(FMP as example) will continue to bring talented kids from Montenegro. Especially kids who decleared as Serb's. They usally offer education together with basketball. They have their own academy. Also nobody can stop kids from either country to play for national team they want. I think Bodiroga's camp in Trebinje is a great thing. I thik it will continue to grow and grow.

In the future i think that they will try to get kids from North-Montenegro. Berane, Pljevla and Bijelo Polje for example. From there are always good players, but the economy is very bad in the north compared to the south and most of the people in the north called themself as serbs. The main teams for devoloping players in Montenegro right now are Buducnost, Niksic and Lovcen. But if Montenegro wants a good NT in the future they couln´t allow them to lose the kids from the north. They should make a good trainingcenter in the north. Because from there always came good players. Drobnjak, Bogavac, Pekovic, Borisov are from Bijelo Polje. Then Paspalj and Rajko Zizic were from Pljevlja and Duro Ostojic from Berane. Scepanovic from Kolasin and i heard that Rakocevic´s parents are also from Kolasin.

I also think that serbian clubs will try to bring in players from Montenegro, but if they ones play for the montenegrin NT they will not be able to play for serbia.

I am a little bit suprised by the good work of the montenegrin federation. They try a lot to bring in good players which are from Montenegro and even try to bring in serbs from BIH which perhaps have montenegrin roots. They are informed about all there players around the world. I also think that they will try to bring in serbs from BIH in the future. In the U18 there will be a player from BIH. His name is Igor Lutersek born in Sarajevo.

[Buducnost PG]

I dont see how can anybody stop players to leave their countries to play for another country. Its always financial reason,nationality etc. Especially ethniclally divided Bosnia.

You couldn´t stop them. But there are diffrent rulez in the case of players born in ex-Yugoslavia. They can play for whom they want, no matter if they were born in Zagreb and play for Serbia or born in Tuzla and play for Slovenia. But that is not allowed to other countries. Because FIBA rulez said that players which are not 18 are not allowed to get a other passport as the which they have. This was the case with to serbians which wanted to play for Turkey. So the countries from ex-Yugoslavia has a advantage. Especially Serbia and Croatia. And the best this players are not count as naturalizied players. It is normal that a serb from BIH or croat from BIH plays for Serbia and Croatia and not coun´ts as naturalizied player, but the same is in the case of Preldzic which has nothing to do with Slovenia.

[Joško Poljak Fan]

I also think that they will try to bring in serbs from BIH in the future. In the U18 there will be a player from BIH. His name is Igor Lutersek born in Sarajevo.
a bosnian with slovenian surname getting naturalised by montenegro :D ...things are turning around


I dont see how can anybody stop players to leave their countries to play for another country. Its always financial reason,nationality etc. Especially ethniclally divided Bosnia.

And also kids want quality work. I dont think Bosnia can provide that.
I know, but BiH bball federations also isn't doing anything to prevent that... Preldžić, Rizvić, Begić- they could've easily keep them if they showed some interest... which they don't untill those players become great at U20 tournaments and it's too late.

[Joško Poljak Fan]

It is normal that a serb from BIH or croat from BIH plays for Serbia and Croatia and not coun´ts as naturalizied player, but the same is in the case of Preldzic which has nothing to do with Slovenia.
That thing kind of got me wondered...
as far a I now Preldžić, Čapin, Golemac and all the others we managed to naturalise through the last 10 years period have just the same status as Arriel McDonald- are counted as a naturalised players (one per team only) at least that was the case with Golemac and Čapin... don't know if it's different with Preldžić

[Srle]

Well Spain yout national teams have players from Africa.So I am definitely not suprize for ex Yugoslavian countries.

[Buducnost PG]

That thing kind of got me wondered...
as far a I now Preldžić, Čapin, Golemac and all the others we managed to naturalise through the last 10 years period have just the same status as Arriel McDonald- are counted as a naturalised players (one per team only) at least that was the case with Golemac and Čapin... don't know if it's different with Preldžić

I don´t think so. But i am not sure. Look at Turkey for example. Kuqo and Jahovic are also naturalizied players but both played in the NT. At the EC2001 there were also Nadim Dal and Asim Pars. The FIBA allow almost everything to Turkey.

[Buducnost PG]

Well Spain yout national teams have players from Africa.So I am definitely not suprize for ex Yugoslavian countries.

Whom? So far there was not one player from Africa in a spanish yout team. Every country has the right for one naturalizied player. But if a african is born in Spain and raised there he not counts as naturalizied player.

[Buducnost PG]

Nikola Pekovic will play for Montenegro in the future. After he talked with his parents he decided to say NO to Serbia.

So Montenegro has some good prospects for the future like Mijatovic (87), Dasic (88), Pekovic (86) and Sekulic (82) will be also in a good age 2011.

[Buducnost PG]

The U20 of Montenegro won the B-Divison. I am glad to see also other players produced a good game and not only Dasic. For me he could have played much better if he had focused more to play under the basket and not took that many 3-pointers. But the biggest suprise for me was Suad Sehovic. He played a very good tournament with very good 3-pointshooting. The PG Martinic did also a very good job, he and Mijovic played nice as PG´s. Savovic was although good. It was very important go get immediately in the Divison A. 5 players from this team could play next year again and with the injured Kastratovic and Stjepovic their would be 7 possible players.

The U16 has also chances for one of the 1st places and that wihtout Nikola Mirotic. It would be great if they could also get in the Divison A.

[kololoco]

Dasic is so overrated! And so is Mijatovic and Pekovic. All of them have great skill sets and are real physical spicimens but don't use brains in their game and that is why I doubt any of them will turn into great players. They'll definitely make a living out of it and probably play for good teams in Spain or Greece or even NBA but they will never be superstars. They will lead Montenegro to a solid 7-11 place in international competitions but not more than that. Pavlovic for instance has the same problem but is still better than the 3.

[Buducnost PG]

Dasic is so overrated! And so is Mijatovic and Pekovic. All of them have great skill sets and are real physical spicimens but don't use brains in their game and that is why I doubt any of them will turn into great players. They'll definitely make a living out of it and probably play for good teams in Spain or Greece or even NBA but they will never be superstars. They will lead Montenegro to a solid 7-11 place in international competitions but not more than that. Pavlovic for instance has the same problem but is still better than the 3.

I think that Montenegro has enough talent to play for the Quarterfinal at any EC every time. Montenegro had more talents and not only Dasic, Pekovic and Mijatovic. Pekovic is very limited. Could be a very nice peace in every team but Dasic and Mijatovic are better talents. Dasic has to decide as what he wants to play as as PF (he is tall enough and a good rebounder) or as big SF. He likes it more to play as SF, but he is definetly more effective when he plays as PF, because his 3-point shooting is bad. But he had some huge games for Buducnost this season in NLB against good teams. Mijatovic would be better suited as SG with a PG starting wiht him who is a first pass PG. This could be Nikola Rakocevic (91/Real Madrid). Rakocevic and one of the bests talents from 91 generation Nikola Mirotic will play for Montenegro in the future. Mirotic is the best 91 born player in Spain. The U16 looks also good so far. Especially Sekulovic (Dzoker Podgorica there also Rakocevic and Mirotic played before they went to Madrid) and Aleksander Dobrovic (Buducnost). Dobrovic seems to be a very good shooter. The PG Lazovic leads the competition in assists and Nemanja Radovic (PF 204) seems to be a big man with a nice touch from outside. This team has enough quality i think and that without Mirotic and Rakocevic. In Bar they lost only 81-84 against the U16 from Serbia in a tough match.

Montenegro - Serbia 81-84 (26-24 18-20 28-28 09-12)

Arena: Sala OŠ "Jugoslavija", attendance: 1000

Montenegro: Ivanović 8 (3-2), Marić 8 (1-1), Lazović 11 (3-1), Velimir 2, Loncović 10, Ljujić 1 (4-1), Kuveljić 11 (4-4), Teodorović 2, Dugošija 2, Đurišić 2, Sekulović 19 (2-1), Radović 5

Serbia: Jaramaz 11 (8-5), Ponjavić 2 (2-2), Nikolić 2, Obradović 3, Vukasović 6 (6-4), Lekić 3 (2-1), Anđušić 11, Radosavljević 12 (6-6), Jovanović, Rondović 5 (2-1), Đekić 10 (4-4), Musli 19 (4-3)

And not to forget Marko Loncovic (plays in Zvezda) and Jovan Teodorovic (plays in Partizan).

And at the U18 there are also some interesting players like Savovic, Lalic, Sead Sehovic and Lopicic. Sehovic is maybe the best player here. His older brother Suad did also a very nice job at the U20 and was in the top 5 of the tournament and the 2nd best player in the team after Dasic. Both are great shooters. And not to forget Boris Savovic.

[kololoco]

I think that Montenegro has enough talent to play for the Quarterfinal at any EC every time. Montenegro had more talents and not only Dasic, Pekovic and Mijatovic. Pekovic is very limited. Could be a very nice peace in every team but Dasic and Mijatovic are better talents. Dasic has to decide as what he wants to play as as PF (he is tall enough and a good rebounder) or as big SF. He likes it more to play as SF, but he is definetly more effective when he plays as PF, because his 3-point shooting is bad. But he had some huge games for Buducnost this season in NLB against good teams. Mijatovic would be better suited as SG with a PG starting wiht him who is a first pass PG. This could be Nikola Rakocevic (91/Real Madrid). Rakocevic and one of the bests talents from 91 generation Nikola Mirotic will play for Montenegro in the future. Mirotic is the best 91 born player in Spain. The U16 looks also good so far. Especially Sekulovic (Dzoker Podgorica there also Rakocevic and Mirotic played before they went to Madrid) and Aleksander Dobrovic (Buducnost). Dobrovic seems to be a very good shooter. The PG Lazovic leads the competition in assists and Nemanja Radovic (PF 204) seems to be a big man with a nice touch from outside. This team has enough quality i think and that without Mirotic and Rakocevic. In Bar they lost only 81-84 against the U16 from Serbia in a tough match.

Montenegro - Serbia 81-84 (26-24 18-20 28-28 09-12)

Arena: Sala OŠ "Jugoslavija", attendance: 1000

Montenegro: Ivanović 8 (3-2), Marić 8 (1-1), Lazović 11 (3-1), Velimir 2, Loncović 10, Ljujić 1 (4-1), Kuveljić 11 (4-4), Teodorović 2, Dugošija 2, Đurišić 2, Sekulović 19 (2-1), Radović 5

Serbia: Jaramaz 11 (8-5), Ponjavić 2 (2-2), Nikolić 2, Obradović 3, Vukasović 6 (6-4), Lekić 3 (2-1), Anđušić 11, Radosavljević 12 (6-6), Jovanović, Rondović 5 (2-1), Đekić 10 (4-4), Musli 19 (4-3)

And not to forget Marko Loncovic (plays in Zvezda) and Jovan Teodorovic (plays in Partizan).

And at the U18 there are also some interesting players like Savovic, Lalic, Sead Sehovic and Lopicic. Sehovic is maybe the best player here. His older brother Suad did also a very nice job at the U20 and was in the top 5 of the tournament and the 2nd best player in the team after Dasic. Both are great shooters. And not to forget Boris Savovic.

I agree that there are talents, but most of the playrs you have mentioned have not yet seen any senior competition and therefore it is hard to estimte their true limit. I was just talking about the players that have seen the Adriatic league and that are very hyped curently and I think not rightly so. As for Mijatovic you are right that he shuld play sg, but it is interesting that when I watched the kadets in Belgred where he was paired with Teodosic t was Teodosic who was moved to the sg spot. But that was a long time ago. I don't deny them talent and good future careers, but am very sceptical about their heart and/or basketball IQ.

[jwfish6]

I think that Montenegro has enough talent to play for the Quarterfinal at any EC every time. Montenegro had more talents and not only Dasic, Pekovic and Mijatovic. Pekovic is very limited. Could be a very nice peace in every team but Dasic and Mijatovic are better talents. Dasic has to decide as what he wants to play as as PF (he is tall enough and a good rebounder) or as big SF. He likes it more to play as SF, but he is definetly more effective when he plays as PF, because his 3-point shooting is bad. But he had some huge games for Buducnost this season in NLB against good teams. Mijatovic would be better suited as SG with a PG starting wiht him who is a first pass PG. This could be Nikola Rakocevic (91/Real Madrid). Rakocevic and one of the bests talents from 91 generation Nikola Mirotic will play for Montenegro in the future. Mirotic is the best 91 born player in Spain. The U16 looks also good so far. Especially Sekulovic (Dzoker Podgorica there also Rakocevic and Mirotic played before they went to Madrid) and Aleksander Dobrovic (Buducnost). Dobrovic seems to be a very good shooter. The PG Lazovic leads the competition in assists and Nemanja Radovic (PF 204) seems to be a big man with a nice touch from outside. This team has enough quality i think and that without Mirotic and Rakocevic. In Bar they lost only 81-84 against the U16 from Serbia in a tough match.

Montenegro - Serbia 81-84 (26-24 18-20 28-28 09-12)

Arena: Sala OŠ "Jugoslavija", attendance: 1000

Montenegro: Ivanović 8 (3-2), Marić 8 (1-1), Lazović 11 (3-1), Velimir 2, Loncović 10, Ljujić 1 (4-1), Kuveljić 11 (4-4), Teodorović 2, Dugošija 2, Đurišić 2, Sekulović 19 (2-1), Radović 5

Serbia: Jaramaz 11 (8-5), Ponjavić 2 (2-2), Nikolić 2, Obradović 3, Vukasović 6 (6-4), Lekić 3 (2-1), Anđušić 11, Radosavljević 12 (6-6), Jovanović, Rondović 5 (2-1), Đekić 10 (4-4), Musli 19 (4-3)

And not to forget Marko Loncovic (plays in Zvezda) and Jovan Teodorovic (plays in Partizan).

And at the U18 there are also some interesting players like Savovic, Lalic, Sead Sehovic and Lopicic. Sehovic is maybe the best player here. His older brother Suad did also a very nice job at the U20 and was in the top 5 of the tournament and the 2nd best player in the team after Dasic. Both are great shooters. And not to forget Boris Savovic.

Very true. Perfect example about why Dasic should just swallow the bullet and stick to PF is Macvan. He accepted the fact that he is a undersized PF and is making the most of it. Not to compare them athletically or anything.

Why is Montenegro's best 2 '91 players playing in Spain?

[Joško Poljak Fan]

Omar Cook's manager is reportedly trying to get him montenegrian passport meaning he would be eligible for Montenegro NT.

Peković, Vranješ, Micov, Sekularac, Dašić, Cook, Jeretin, Bakić bros., Sekulić, Koljević, while leaving out some older players as Drobnjak, Bogavac...
Montenegro will have a good NT with our without Cook anyway, but I am slowely coming to an idea 2nd fibaeurope division will be a piece of cake for them, causing aditional worry to Fiba since there will be even more teams from ex-Yu among the 16 teams on big competitions and they can't really do much about it.

[Buducnost PG]

Omar Cook's manager is reportedly trying to get him montenegrian passport meaning he would be eligible for Montenegro NT.

Peković, Vranješ, Micov, Sekularac, Dašić, Cook, Jeretin, Bakić bros., Sekulić, Koljević, while leaving out some older players as Drobnjak, Bogavac...
Montenegro will have a good NT with our without Cook anyway, but I am slowely coming to an idea 2nd fibaeurope division will be a piece of cake for them, causing aditional worry to Fiba since there will be even more teams from ex-Yu among the 16 teams on big competitions and they can't really do much about it.

Micov will not play for Montenegro. They wanted him, but he said no.

[rikhardur]

The Montenegrin NT looks good no doubt, but they still have a long way too go and some of the players are still developing.

[Joško Poljak Fan]

slovenian bball portal prostimet.com reports that Golubović will play for Montenegro, dissapointed that Slavnić didn't put him on the wider list for eurobasket 07.

[rikhardur]

Omar Cook's manager is reportedly trying to get him montenegrian passport meaning he would be eligible for Montenegro NT.
Looks like he is now:



Omar Cook had an outstanding campaign as a guard in Serbia's top flight with Red Star Belgrade and now he'll try to continue his dominance in the Balkans after agreeing to play for Montenegro's national team.

Cook, a native of Brooklyn, New York, who played college basketball at St John's University, was the Adriatic League's fourth leading scorer.

He recently became a citizen of Montenegro, which neighbours Serbia.

"This is a big opportunity for me," the 26-year-old said to the Montenegrin newspaper Vijesti.

"Montenegro has plenty of quality players and a great coach. All of that will give me another big chance to raise the level of my performances. My decision to play for Montenegro was tough, but I'm sure I've made the right choice.

Cook, who averaged 14.8 points, three steals and 6.9 assists for Red Star in the domestic league, finished the season in the country's domestic play-off semi-finals.

His "red-and-whites" lost that series 2-0 to reigning champions Partizan Belgrade.

On that Partizan team was Nikola Pekovic, the Montenegro national team center. Partizan are also coached by Montenegro's national team boss, Dusko Vujosevic.

"Pekovic is the best in Europe at his position," Cook said. "With him under the basket, it will be much easier for me as a playmaker. I don't know the other players at the moment, but I'm really looking forward to being in the same team with Pekovic. Up to now, we've played against each other, but in Belgrade we've become friends, not just rivals on the court."

Danilo Mitrovic, the Montenegro Basketball Federation supremo, welcomed Cook's decision to become a citizen of Montenegro.

"We've solved our biggest problem, the playmaker position in our national team," Mitrovic said.

"With him as point guard, I really don't have a doubt that we'll win promotion from EuroBasket Division B. Cook, (Vlado) Scepanovic, (Djuro) Ostojic, (Predrag) Drobnjak will help our youngsters through the forthcoming qualifications, and I think we won't have any problems against Iceland, Holland, Austria and Denmark.

"In fact, I think we would have been successful even if we were playing qualification games for the EuroBasket in Poland."
http://www.fibaeurope.com/coid_Id2Qup4CHV-JIGiNxZ18l1.container_frontpage.articleMode_on.htm l

[Buducnost PG]

Montenegro will play his 1st game on the 13th August in Podgorica against BIH.

[ArnoldPettybone]

Zarko Cabarkapa.
I came across his name for some odd reason and I discovered that he hasn't played in over two years! What's up with him, did he retire because of his recurring injuries?

[AlbionGate]

I was also suprised to see him on the roster. Recurring back injury as far as I know. I think he was selected for his role during the independence referendum. Athough he was born and grew up in Serbia, he was for the secession. And the worst is that he is actually living in Belgrade. We should kick him out of our land.

[AlbionGate]

The Montenegrin national team begin his trainig camp today.
Goran Jeretin (Kiev)
Nenad Mijatović (Budućnost)
Ivan Koljević (Ural Great)
Vlado Šćepanović (Granada)
Nebojša Bogavac (Le Mans)
Boris Bakić (Crvena zvezda)
Bojan Bakić (Maroussi)
Vujadin Subotić (AEL Limassol)
Suad Šehović (Bosna Sarajevo)
Žarko Čabarkapa (without team)
Miloš Borisov (Hemofarm)
Milko Bjelica (Lietuvos rytas)
Goran Nikolić (Panionios)
Ivan Ivanović (Bosna Sarajevo)
Ivan Maraš (Budućnost)
Predrag Drobnjak (Bešiktaš)
Nikola Peković (Panatinaikos)
Vladimir Golubović (without team)
Slavko Vraneš (Partizan)
Đuro Ostojić (Panelionios)
Žarko Rakočević (Budućnost)

Four players from Vujosevic preliminary list are missing : Vladimir Dasic (Buducnost, currently playing the U20 championship), Omar Cook (Unicaja Malaga, still in New York, will join the team in few days), Blagota Sekulic
(problems with Vujosevic since he left Partizan) and Aleksandar Pavlovic (it's a long story, I think he will probably never play for Serbia or for Montenegro)

[Srle]

Pavlovic has nothing to do with Montenegro:cool:

[Buducnost PG]

Pavlovic has nothing to do with Montenegro:cool:

He was only born there and spend the most time of his life there. I wouldn´t call that nothing.

But i am quiet sure that James Bond (for the people who are not so familar with Serbian basketball Dusan "Dule" Vujosevic) will put a good team together. With Pekovic and Cook "we" have to very strong players for C and PG. To qualify for the A-Division will not be a big problem.

[Srle]

Pavlovic has nothing to do with Montenegrian NT. He already decided. I dont care if he was born on Mars. Fat pig is just trying to provoke us.

[AlbionGate]

I agree, it's clearly a provoCation. We should strike back, I propose to call Nikola Mirotic in our senior squad. We should also retire citizenship to all serbians who are in Montenegro squad. As far as I know, our country don't have any agreement with Montenegro about double citizenship. So, Golubovic, Vranes and others who aren't on this list (Savovic, Bozovic) should play as foreign players.
And to finish, the real Dusko Vujosevic's nickname is "Homer Simpson".

[rikhardur]

Why not not to retaliate and instead give a better example? :rolleyes:

[DiForza]

AlbionGate, how you evaluate Milko Bjelica's chances to get into last 12 men's Montenegro squad? I think no chance :)

[AlbionGate]

I think he can be in the squad who will play in B division qualification for various reasons :
_ because Zarko Cabarkapa is still recovering from a huge back injury and he won't play.
_ because Djuro Ostojic won't play too (problems with his team).
_ because Predrag Drobnjak and Nikolic Goran are "old" and they are considering to retire from NT after the symbolic friendly game against Bosnia.
_ because the best Montenegrin PF, Vladimir Dasic will probably play SF because this position is the weakest in the team (Vujadin Subotic is injured too).
So, Milko Bjelica will compete with Ivan Ivanovic, Ivan Maras and Zarko Rakocevic (an undersize C) and he is better than this players.

[AlbionGate]

Head coah Dule Vujosevic revealed his preliminary list.

PG Omar Cook (186 1982 Unicaja SPA)
PG Ivan Koljević (186 1984 Cherkasy UKR)
G Goran Jeretin (192 1979 AEL Limasol CYP)
G Boris Bakić (195 1986 Crvena zvezda SRB)
SG Vlado Šćepanović (198 1975 Granada SPA)
SG/SF Sead Šehović (200 1989 Budućnost)
SF Miloš Borisov (201 1985 Hemofarm SBR)
F Vladimir Dašić (208 1988 Budućnost)
F Boris Savović (206 1987 Hemofarm SRB)
F Nikola Vučević (208 1990 USC Trojans NCAA)
F Nikola Mirotić (208 1991 Real Madrid SPA)
PF Ivan Maraš (207 1986 Budućnost)
PF Ivan Ivanović (205 1980 Bosna BIH)
PF Milko Bjelica (207 1984 Lietvos Ritas LTU)
PF/C Predrag Drobnjak (211 1975 Efes Pilsen TUR)
PF/C Žarko Rakočević (204 1984 Partizan SRB)
C Nikola Peković (210 1986 Panatinaikos GRE)
C Vladimir Golubović (212 1986 Olimpija SLO)
C Slavko Vraneš (229 1983 Partizan SRB)
C Đuro Ostojić (209 1976 Panelionios GRE)

Since Ferbruary, Suad Sehovic (SG 197 1987 Bosna) had great games in Adriatic League, I'm really surprised that Vujosevic didn't select him. On the other hand, Blagota Sekulic (PF/C 209 1982 Alba Berlin) isn't in the team as expected, because of unfriendly terms with the montenegrin head coach.

[pohani komarac]

Head coah Dule Vujosevic revealed his preliminary list.

PG Omar Cook (186 1982 Unicaja SPA)
PG Ivan Koljević (186 1984 Cherkasy UKR)
G Goran Jeretin (192 1979 AEL Limasol CYP)
G Boris Bakić (195 1986 Crvena zvezda SRB)
SG Vlado Šćepanović (198 1975 Granada SPA)
SG/SF Sead Šehović (200 1989 Budućnost)
SF Miloš Borisov (201 1985 Hemofarm SBR)
F Vladimir Dašić (208 1988 Budućnost)
F Boris Savović (206 1987 Hemofarm SRB)
F Nikola Vučević (208 1990 USC Trojans NCAA)
F Nikola Mirotić (208 1991 Real Madrid SPA)
PF Ivan Maraš (207 1986 Budućnost)
PF Ivan Ivanović (205 1980 Bosna BIH)
PF Milko Bjelica (207 1984 Lietvos Ritas LTU)
PF/C Predrag Drobnjak (211 1975 Efes Pilsen TUR)
PF/C Žarko Rakočević (204 1984 Partizan SRB)
C Nikola Peković (210 1986 Panatinaikos GRE)
C Vladimir Golubović (212 1986 Olimpija SLO)
C Slavko Vraneš (229 1983 Partizan SRB)
C Đuro Ostojić (209 1976 Panelionios GRE)

Since Ferbruary, Suad Sehovic (SG 197 1987 Bosna) had great games in Adriatic League, I'm really surprised that Vujosevic didn't select him. On the other hand, Blagota Sekulic (PF/C 209 1982 Alba Berlin) isn't in the team as expected, because of unfriendly terms with the montenegrin head coach.

nice team. to bad montenegro didn't have chace to qualfy for EB. They should be reglar part after 2013 EB. they have great talent at 3,4,5 positions

[rikhardur]

The teams looks very good no doubt. I'm just apprehensive regarding the future, I mean, will Montenegro have the capacity to keep developing quality players without the support of Serbia? I'm just asking, I really don't know much about the "inside" things in Montenegro.

[pohani komarac]

The teams looks very good no doubt. I'm just apprehensive regarding the future, I mean, will Montenegro have the capacity to keep developing quality players without the support of Serbia? I'm just asking, I really don't know much about the "inside" things in Montenegro.

don't know what you mean support?

As far as i know their players don't play in serbian clubs as foregions. Also i doubt that "circulation" of players betwen this two countries will stop. Also in last few years as sitation started to normalize there wre some individual cases of circulation of athlets and coaches from Serbia and Montenegro to Croatia like Slobodan Subotic who coached Split and now Cedevita and is well acepted in Croatia. While Buducnost who are known as great talent producers have protected status in adriatic league so their young players have guaranted quality games to develep and also Montenegro have a lot of tall people. So I thik that their young players will have anuff quality conditions to develop. I think that now when they are independet they have better chance to become even stronger because some of good plyers wern't good to be in SiCG U teams now have chance to promote them sefs as talents to lot of scouts. Similary like Slovenia impruved since they become independet

btw.
if somebody could tell me who are top Montenegro coaches. I realy don't know who is Serbian and who is Montenegrian:D for sample Fat(Vujosevic)??? is he Montenegrian or Serbian:D

[rikhardur]

Support in a sporting sense, since Serbia is a bigger country with better sport conditions I suppose.
Thanks for the explanation pohani.

[SunOverHStreet]

btw.
if somebody could tell me who are top Montenegro coaches. I realy don't know who is Serbian and who is Montenegrian:D for sample Fat(Vujosevic)??? is he Montenegrian or Serbian:D

Well, Vujošević is Serbian from Montenegro, like many others...
As for coaches from Mn, list is, as I know: Duško Ivanović, Boša Tanjević, Piksi Subotić, D. Vujošević, Dejan Radonjić, Luka Pavićević... If I missed somebody I'm sorry.
And they are all born in Montenegro, but I don't know how do they feel about their nationality. I know that Luka is considered Serbian, so as Vujošević, but that's the general problem because people in Mn are divided about nationality, and being Serb or Montenegrin is a political thing nowadays. But to me, they are all the same.

[Billy]

So, Sweden will go up against Montenegro in one of the div B semifinals and Swedens HC Kostas Flevarakis just went on the record as saying that Montenegro is one of the eight best NTs in Europe at the moment.

Got me thinking, is it possible that its true?

What NTs are definitely better and which one that has qualified for Poland are doubtfully so?

I personally dont know if I can say that Germany (without Nowitzky) and Russia are better. Neither am I sure Bulgaria, Israel, Poland, GB or Latvia would win in a two game series.

[Picek]

Honestly?
I think they are really good but it is hard to make a good comparison without watching them playing against Europe's best
if they would be in Poland they would definitely be fighting for a place in Turkey..
but I don't think they would be a medal contender yet..

[bhoy_Athens]

MONTENEGRO will be for sure in the 1st division of Eurobasket! As in water polo,they startd from the below divisions and they conquered the eurochampion,as now I hope that they will be with us all next years...

Try to believe,that by the Ex-Yugoslavia,there will be 6 NT in the European top.


[Send a PM to Picek if you want to know the meaning or use Google translate. rikhardur]

[Mirza Delibasic]

If they would be in Poland they would probably be fighting for a 1/4 final, or even 1/2 final

[Srle]

Now you are getting ahead of yourself. Beating Iceland is not same as beating nations in A division.They have nice front court but they back court except black Montenegrin :D really suck.

[pohani komarac]

Now you are getting ahead of yourself. Beating Iceland is not same as beating nations in A division.They have nice front court but they back court except black Montenegrin :D really suck.

well he fits there perfectly since crna gora (montenegro) literly translated means black mountain:D

anway i agree with you. for now i'm sure they are top 15 in europ, but top 8 or for semifanal are bit overeating and it's to hard to make some coparisons without seeing them against divison A teams. for future i belive they have even more potential then their curent strenght (Pekovic-Mirotic-Dasic could be scarry trio) but i doubt since they have very small base they will never have a nuff debth to become force like in water polo sice basketball is playd all over the world while waterpolo for now is played at high level in few countries (at least for now), but i belive they could be capeble to "steal" medal from time to time

QUOTE=bhoy_Athens;323085]MONTENEGRO will be for sure in the 1st division of Eurobasket! As in water polo,they startd from the below divisions and they conquered the eurochampion,as now I hope that they will be with us all next years...

Try to believe,that by the Ex-Yugoslavia,there will be 6 NT in the European top.

QUOTE]

it is posible but unfortunaly i see free fall of macedonian team in next few years because i don't see to much talent there for now while bosnia and hercegovina would be medal candidat right now with B&H croats and serbs who for now usualy picks their ethnic country while slovenia natrulize lot of "bosnian" bosnians and lot of players like teletovic, mrsic...don't want to play in nt because poor conditions, courupted federation and idiotic coach. as for kosovo i doub't they will ever be in first divison but we will see:p

[ArkadiosV2]

Eurobasket 2011 will be much better with Montenegro in it. Congratulations.

[ArkadiosV2]

I don't often say this, but this is an excellent article on Montenegro NT
(written by Alejandro Gonzales of BasketMe.com )


The Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia had something really special when it came to playing team sports. Handball, volleyball, football, waterpolo and, of course, basketball. Its legacy continues with the bunch of countries (Serbia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and FYROM) that became independent from the breakup in 1991. The last one, the rising star, is the three-year old Republic of Montenegro.

Montenegro, Venetian name for “Black Mountain” and Crna Gora in Serbian, is a 700.000 population country located on the coast of Adriatic Sea. On May 21st, 2006, its citizens claimed independence from Serbia with 55.5% of votes in a referendum. On June 3, Montenegro was officially an independent republic. Coming from a difficult economical background, the country is trying to grow up through the tourism business and services industry. Meanwhile politics and economics are growing up slowly, sports are progressing very fast.

In 2006 World Championship, Montenegro had to play still joined to Serbia (as Serbia-Montenegro) as they qualified to the tournament as a unified country. The loss against Spain in the final 16 was the last game of an era and the official beginning of a meteoric rise of a new European basketball team. FIBA Europe placed Montenegro in Division B, due to the very low level of Division C (including teams like Andorra, Malta, Gibraltar or San Marino) which would have been simply a waste of time for a team with such a good basis. Waiting for its moment, the summer of 2008 when the Division B tournament started, as the way to promote to Division A, the basketball federation, led by Veselin Barovic (from the Democratic Party of Socialists of Montenegro, now in the government) started to work in order to build a solid team. First, they needed a good head coach, somebody able to face the challenge and experienced in development issues. No one better than Dusko Vujosevic, born in Montenegro, the Partizan Belgrade head coach (Euroleague coach of the year last season), hired in 2007.

Full story (http://www.talkbasket.net/blogs/montenegro-a-rising-star-2643.html)

[Gytaz]

Montenegro has probably the most talented players per capita in the world, respect to them.

[AlbionGate]

The teams looks very good no doubt. I'm just apprehensive regarding the future, I mean, will Montenegro have the capacity to keep developing quality players without the support of Serbia? I'm just asking, I really don't know much about the "inside" things in Montenegro.

Yes, because before the split of the country (Serbia-Montenegro), the country was divised in 11 basketball regions (8 in Serbia and 3 in Montenegro). In each region, best players were scouted and called to training camps. So, Montenegro have the tradition to evaluate the players and the coaches to make them progress. The average height of montenegrin people is also a good point for them. On the contrary, local championship is very weak. Actually, it's an advantage, because very young player have a lot of playing time. But in the years to come, most of these players won't improve as expected (mostly due to lack of competition) and younger players won't receive playing as the previous generation. Each year, less and less montenegrin players are joining teams from other former yougoslavian republics. Instead, the most talented kids are leaving the country to Spain (Nikola Mirotic, Marko Todorovic, Nikola Rakocevic) or the USA. For instance, Nikola Vucevic is playing very well in NCAA, while Nemanja Djurisic and Gavrilo Pajovic, both U16 NT members 2008, are now playing in US high-schools.

This exodus could benefit the montenegrin NT in the year to come, only if players still agree to play for Montenegro. But, we are witnesses that Mirotic didn't play for Montenegro yet and that he is willing to play for Spain now. (Last summer, he told on montenegrin TV that he will play for Montenegro, but in November, he told to spanish journalists that he will play for Spain :confused: ).

I also have to add, that Montenegro manage to obtain some players from neighbour countries. I'm not writing about montenegrins born in Serbia such as Vladimir Golubovic (1986) or Nedjeljko Bogdanovic (1990). When the country split, each player (serb or montenegrin) was allowed to choose for which country he will play, no matter of his birth place or origins. But I'm writing about bosnian serbs who rather play for Montenegro than for Bosnia such as Nemanja Vranjes (1988) and Boris Savovic (1987).

The last but not the least, they naturalize a great playmaker Omar Cook in order to mask weak point in their team.

[rikhardur]

Montenegro Ready For The Challenge

If the movers and shakers in Montenegrin basketball know anything heading into their qualifying campaign for EuroBasket 2011 this summer, it's this.

They will not beat opponents by an average margin of 22.6 points per game as they did in EuroBasket Division B.

After Saturday's Division A draw in Munich, the Montenegrins will be happy just to win games.

The will go up against Latvia, Israel, Finland and Italy in Group A.

"Our group has the most quality, there's no doubt at all," said Danilo Mitrovic, the sports director of the Montenegro national teams.

"It wasn't like I was hoping for, but that's what we've got."

Still, Mitrovic does like his team's chances of making it to the EuroBasket for the first time and for good reason.

Nikola Pekovic is the team's leading player, the starting center for European heavyweights Panathinaikos.

Vlado Scepanovic is the team captain and he is a link to past success, having played for Yugoslavia's gold-medal winning team at the 1998 FIBA World Championship in Athens.

Vladimir Dasic is a 21-year-old forward who tasted success with the Montenegrin youth teams and is now honing his craft under the watchful eye of Ettore Messina at Real Madrid.

There is a lot more talent to draw from for Montenegro, and it's all in good hands with Partizan Belgrade coach Dusko Vujosevic also serving as the boss of Montenegrin national team.

"We know our qualities," Mitrovic said, "and at the draw, I saw some signs of relief at some other national federations who weren't drawn with us in the same group."

Mitrovic, in fact, despite the presence of so many strong teams, was bold enough to say: "Still, I think we are favorites in our group. I'm sure we'll qualify for the EuroBasket, and even our coach (Dusko) Vujosevic said in our (telephone) chat immediately after the draw that the 'group isn't easy at all', even he's an optimist, too."
http://www.fibaeurope.com/coid_3d3Yv6TsJkgTch9xHfVpc1.articleMode_on.contain er_frontpage.html

[albiongate]

According to the montenegrin newspaper Vijesti, Danilo Mitrovic (a montenegrin basketball federation official) and Partizan Belgrade head coach Dusko Vujosevic are trying to convince Strahinja Milosevic (203, 1985, Partizan Belgrade) to play for Montenegro.

http://www.vijesti.me/index.php?id=336743

Milosevic has already played twice for serbian university NT, but the serbian federation will certainly allow him to change his basketball nationality as it was done previously for Ratko Varda and many others. Montenegrins can also expect the help of the boss of serbian federation, Dragan Kapicic who is from montenegrin descent.

[albiongate]

The top scorer of the turkish championship, Qunicy Douby (191, 1984, Darussafaka TUR) received montenegrin citizenship and will took part to qualifications for EC 2011.

Danilo Mitrovic, the sports director of the Montenegro national teams told that Vujosevic will choose the naturalized player (Cook or Douby) according to the opponent. But also, that Omar Cook remain the main naturalized player.

He also denied rumours about Strahinja Milosevic.

http://www.sportal.rs/news.php?id=27406

[pohani komarac]

Montenegro preliminary squad: John Koljević, Omar Cook, Goran Jeretin, Vlado Scepanovic (captain), John Maras, Predrag Drobnjak, Nikola Pekovic, Slavko Vranes, Vladimir Golubovic Vladimir Dragicevic, Vladimir Dašić, Milko Bjelica, Suad Šehović, Sead Šehović, Miloš Borisov, Nikola Vučević and Quincy Douby

http://www.fibaeurope.com/coid_z6N0F-DZHUUKbqm8DzKIA2.articleMode_on.container_frontpag e.html

they translated Ivan in John...Fiba:rolleyes:

[SunOverHStreet]

Montenegro preliminary squad: Ivan Koljević, Omar Cook, Goran Jeretin, Vlado Šćepanović (captain), Ivan Maraš, Predrag Drobnjak, Nikola Peković, Slavko Vraneš, Vladimir Golubović, Vladimir Dragičević, Vladimir Dašić, Milko Bjelica, Suad Šehović, Sead Šehović, Miloš Borisov, Nikola Vučević and Quincy Douby.

Nice frontcourt, but where is Žarko Rakočević? He must have stepped on Dule's nerve or something...

P.S.
I couldn't stand that John thingy, so I changed a little...

[pohani komarac]

Nice frontcourt, but where is Žarko Rakočević? He must have stepped on Dule's nerve or something...

P.S.
I couldn't stand that John thingy, so I changed a little...

i didn't even noticed...it must be somthing. cuted from partizan, now not in nt

[vaslover]

Dusko Vujosevic resigned his post as a head coach of Montenegro NT.

[rikhardur]

Dusko Vujosevic resigned his post as a head coach of Montenegro NT.
Božidar Maljković, Luka Pavićević and Dejan Radonjić are among the candidates.

[vaslover]

Božidar Maljković, Luka Pavićević and Dejan Radonjić are among the candidates.

I suppose Bozidar Maljkovic will be great option for them.

[rikhardur]

Montenegro Tab Radonjic As Coach

http://www.fibaeurope.com/files/%7B40529C67-4AB3-4AD5-B365-7EBF8DE8AAB1%7Dmedium_h.jpg

Dusko Vujosevic guided Montenegro into the EuroBasket and now his trusted assistant Dejan Radonjic who will lead them in Lithuania.

The Basketball Federation of Montenegro has confirmed that Radonjic, who guided Montenegro to a sixth-place finish at the U20 European Championship last year, is now the senior team coach.

"It is my honor and pleasure to have been appointed as coach of the senior team," he said.

"I thank the leaders of the alliance for giving me their trust because it's an honor to lead the national team at the first big competition.

"About our ambitions at the European Championship in Lithuania, we can speak only after the draw on January 30, but what is certain is that we will go to the competition with a desire to show our best."

Montenegro are certain to be tough opponents for any national side.

The country once had players in the Yugoslavian teams and then, following the break-up of the country, in the Serbia and Montenegro side.

At the FIBA Congress during the 2006 FIBA World Championship in Japan, the Basketball Federation of Montenegro gained official recognition by basketball's world governing body and has had its own teams ever since.

Under Vujosevic with great talents like Nikola Pekovic and naturalized point guard Omar Cook, Montenegro went unbeaten over two summers to win promotion to Division A and then last summer, the country finished top in Group A above Israel, Italy, Latvia and Finland.
http://www.fibaeurope.com/coid_E0sqYRaNI-slaYtHMEXqd0.articleMode_on.html

[rikhardur]

Proud Pekovic In For Another Rookie Tour

It will, says Nikola Pekovic, bring a sense of immense pride when the Montenegrin anthem rings out around the Alytus Arena in Lithuania on August 31.

It will mark the start of their first ever EuroBasket appearance.

But also the end of a journey which has seen one of Europe's newest countries take the fastest route possible from formation to a debut at the finals of a major championship.

It is only two years since Montenegro played a first competitive game. "We started in Division B then went into A," the 2.11m centre recalls.

"Then we had to qualify. It's been fun and this will be a great experience. Everyone has sacrificed to get there."

13 consecutive victories showed the country's serious intent. Their strength was not a complete surprise, given past contributions to the great Yugoslavia teams or those in union with Serbia.

However flying solo was uncertain, even with the experience of Duško Vujošević as the coach. They achieved more, quicker, than they had expected, admits Pekovic.

"We are a small country but we finished top of our qualifying group. People now are saying: ‘we should go for the medal'. My opinion is we need to move into the second round. And then, anything is possible."

Fate has brought Montenegro together with old friends in Lithuania. Group A also features F.Y.R of Macedonia - their opening opponent - as well as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Greece.

A qualifier will join in the Balkan battle.

"It's basically a reunion," laughs Pekovic, who will return home this month after his rookie NBA season with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

"We've played against them all many times, as well as against Greece. They are all good teams. But in a EuroBasket, there will be a lot of pressure. We just need to come prepared, physically and mentally."

There will be a few changes from 12 months ago. Predrag Drobnjak has retired after a distinguished career which took him to the NBA and then back to Europe. Dejan Radonjic has taken over from Vujošević on the bench.

"But it will be mostly the same side which has been together for three years," Pekovic states. "We have a new coach but he knows the systems."

Montenegro's young NBA performer will have more responsibility on his broad shoulders.

He has crammed a lot into his 24 years, winning the Euroleague two years ago with Panathinaikos as well as two Greek League championships before making the switch to Minneapolis last summer.

His first year across the Atlantic, he confirms, has been far from simple. Starting just 10 games. Averaging 5.5 points and 3 rebounds. Figuring out the calls of the referees, often with a bemused look. All while playing for the NBA's worst team.

"It was difficult to adjust, especially with everything you need to do to play in the NBA," he states.

"It's really good basketball but this first year, getting the opportunity, I hope I showed I can play. What was important was that every game I went out and tried to play as hard as I did in Europe."

There were some benefits. Being tutored by Timberwolves head coach Kurt Rambis and his assistant Bill Laimbeer - both elite players in their prime - has taught Pekovic new tricks. He has grown more confident in the post and become a more versatile defender.

"They've helped me every day," he reveals. "We talked at practice, especially for the first few months. Bill worked a lot on my individual game. Kurt gave me support. It was nice to work with both of them."

After a break to shake the grind of the NBA from his legs, he will report for national team camp and hope for better fortunes. The anthem will play, the games will begin, and the Montenegrins will bid to climb even higher still.

As a young player, Pekovic watched his compatriots on TV on the biggest stages. The Olympics, he remembers, was an enthralling spectacle. Could he be in London, in the summer of 2012, with his nation's flag overhead?

"We will try to get there," he smiles. "We'll concentrate on doing well at EuroBasket first. But everyone wants to play at an Olympics. I don't want to promise anything but let's see."
http://www.fibaeurope.com/coid_B-TvAOy2Gd2rJz51B9bt12.articleMode_on.html

[Xristos]

Any insight on this team?

Sems to have very solid front line with Dasic, Pekovic, and newly drafted Vucevic.

[TB-Fan]

Any insight on this team?

Sems to have very solid front line with Dasic, Pekovic, and newly drafted Vucevic.

Vranes, Dragicevic. Montenegro has a good team.

[Mindozas]

BTW, yesterday they announced (http://www.kscg.me/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=587:radonji-objavio-spisak-za-pripreme&catid=40:selekcije&Itemid=122) 16-men preliminar roster:

1. Omar Kuk Armani Džins (Italija)

2. Goran Jeretin Lokomotiv Kuban (Rusija)

3. Vladimir Mihailović Budućnost

4. Boris Bakić Crvena zvezda (Srbija)

5. Bojan Bakić Riga (Letonija)

6. Vlado Šćepanović Panelionios (Grčka)

7. Suad Šehović Bosna

8. Sead Šehović Budućnost

9. Vladimir Dašić Lotomatika (Italija)

10. Miloš Borisov Hemofarm (Srbija)

11. Milko Bjelica Litvos Ritas (Litvanija)

12. Vladimir Dragičević Kaha Laboral (Španija)

13. Nikola Vučević Filadelfija (SAD)

14. Nikola Peković Minesota (SAD)

15. Slavko Vraneš Uniks (Rusija)

16. Vladimir Golubović Banvit (Turska)


Atleast starting 5 looks really good

[Xristos]

What do you guys think the final roster will be?

Cook - Sehovic
Jeretin - Mihailovic
Dasic - Borisov
Dragicevic - Drobnak - Bjelica
Pekovic - Vucevic - Vranes

:confused:

I like the front court but back court depth is very lacking.

[Mindozas]

What do you guys think the final roster will be?

Cook - Sehovic
Jeretin - Mihailovic
Dasic - Borisov
Dragicevic - Drobnak - Bjelica
Pekovic - Vucevic - Vranes

:confused:

I like the front court but back court depth is very lacking.

Drobnjak retired from bball, he isn't on the list too

I suppose backbone of the team is clear for everyone, while I have too little info about other players to choose the end of the bench

[pohani komarac]

What do you guys think the final roster will be?

Cook - Sehovic
Jeretin - Mihailovic
Dasic - Borisov
Dragicevic - Drobnak - Bjelica
Pekovic - Vucevic - Vranes

:confused:

I like the front court but back court depth is very lacking.

jeretin at pg, sehovic at sg...tough sehovic is more sf, then sg

[Xristos]

jeretin at pg, sehovic at sg...tough sehovic is more sf, then sg


Which Sehovic is better? Will they both make team?

Can you post what you think full roster will be?

[pohani komarac]

Which Sehovic is better? Will they both make team?

Can you post what you think full roster will be?

sead is more talented and maybe he is already better then brother

don't know wich are plans around drobnjak and scepanovic, but i think they will lead bouth players give them oportunity to play for their countrie first time in history

i guess it could be something like this

cook-jeretin
seheovic-scepanovic
dasic-borisov
dragicevic-bijelica-drobnjak
pekovic-vucevic-vranes

only thing what this team is mising is scoring guard. they will surprise many people how good they are

take for sample borisov. this player is not very known, but is great multi skilled player. he plays bouth forward positions and can play some streches as sg.

they were best in their group leaving israel and italy behind them and there will be that special motivation as they are playing for first time as independent countrie

[Xristos]

sead is more talented and maybe he is already better then brother

don't know wich are plans around drobnjak and scepanovic, but i think they will lead bouth players give them oportunity to play for their countrie first time in history

i guess it could be something like this

cook-jeretin
seheovic-scepanovic
dasic-borisov
dragicevic-bijelica-drobnjak
pekovic-vucevic-vranes

only thing what this team is mising is scoring guard. they will surprise many people how good they are

take for sample borisov. this player is not very known, but is great multi skilled player. he plays bouth forward positions and can play some streches as sg.

they were best in their group leaving israel and italy behind them and there will be that special motivation as they are playing for first time as independent countrie

Very informative post, thanks dude!

[TB-Fan]

Frontcourt is one of the best in Europe. I'm excited about Vucevic. Great player IMO.

[Mindozas]

Bojan Bakic was cut - 15 players remains

[surfer]

cook-jeretin
seheovic-scepanovic
dasic-borisov
dragicevic-bijelica-drobnjak
pekovic-vucevic-vranes


Scepanovic is still alive:confused: he's my most hated player of all times as he was a big zero for a whole season in Efes in 2000-2001 and just that september he scored a 19 point high in the final game of Eurobasket against us:mad:

[Franz]

I think Montenegro can surprise in Group C. With a weak Greece team and an inconsistent Croatia team, there should be parity between the teams.

[Mindozas]

Sead Sehovic cut (http://kosarka.rs/main.asp?dir=news&admyn=1&newsid=6594) - 14 players left

[Silvio]

Nikola Peković is not playing today versus Turkey. Yesterday he played only 10 minutes versus Ukraine. It would be devastating for Montenegro if their best player got injured so close to start of Eurobasket.

I couldn't find any official information if Pekovic is injured or rested.


While looking, I found another interesting information:
Former coach Dusko Vujosevic will travel with team to Lithuania as advisor of coaching staff.
http://www.rtcg.me/vijesti/sport/kosarka/46767-vujosevicdobro-se-radilo.html

I knew he was advisor to new coach Radonjic, but until now I did not know he will be with team in Lithuania. Sometimes such situation can turn into distraction ... but given Vujosevic's charisma and Radonjic's relative inexperience, it can only make good for Montenegrian team.

[Basketball Owner]

Can I ask Montenegro fans, because your team is unknown to me. What do you think, are you able to beat Croatia on Eurobasket?

[barchen]

can someone post final roster may be with minutes how much will players play? thx...

[Silvio]

I don't know any Montenegrian member of this board.
But someone from neighbouring countries Serbia or Croatia will post final roster when known. For now I think they are still keeping this 14 players.

Omar Cook (Armani Jeans Milano, ITA)
Goran Jeretin (Lokomotiv Kuban, RUS)
Vladimir Mihailovic (Buducnost)
Boris Bakic (Crvena zvezda, SRB)
Vlado Šcepanovic (Panelionios, GRE)
Suad Šehovic (Bosna, BIH)
Vladimir Dašic (Roma, ITA)
Miloš Borisov (Hemofarm, SRB)
Milko Bjelica (Lietuvos Ryytas, LTU)
Vladimir Dragicevic (Caja Laboral, ESP)
Nikola Vucevic (Philadelphia 76ers, NBA rookie)
Nikola Pekovic (Minnesota Timberwolves, NBA sophomore)
Slavko Vraneš (Uniks, RUS)
Vladimir Golubovic (Banvit, TUR).

[Silvio]

Nikola Peković is not playing today versus Turkey. Yesterday he played only 10 minutes versus Ukraine. It would be devastating for Montenegro if their best player got injured so close to start of Eurobasket.

I couldn't find any official information if Pekovic is injured or rested.


While looking, I found another interesting information:
Former coach Dusko Vujosevic will travel with team to Lithuania as advisor of coaching staff.
http://www.rtcg.me/vijesti/sport/kosarka/46767-vujosevicdobro-se-radilo.html

I knew he was advisor to new coach Radonjic, but until now I did not know he will be with team in Lithuania. Sometimes such situation can turn into distraction ... but given Vujosevic's charisma and Radonjic's relative inexperience, it can only make good for Montenegrian team.

Pekovic - just minor injury

http://www.kscg.me/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=679:crveni-drugi-na-turniru-u-istanbulu&catid=40:selekcije&Itemid=122

"bez pomoci kapitena Nikole Pekovica, koji je pauzirao zbog lakše povrede"
translation = "without help of team captain Nikola Pekovic, whom missed game because of minor injury"

[Silvio]

can someone post final roster may be with minutes how much will players play? thx...

Montenegro are newcomers, but over average European team. They started from C-division, as after state of Serbia-Montenegro separated into 2 independent countries, Serbia got basketball legacy. However, Montenegro will play their first European Championship this summer, after last summer they finished first in their qualification group ahead of more known basketball names like Italy or Israel.

Center Pekovic from Minnesota Timberwolves is best Montenegrian player. He was not used very much by Wolves coach Rambis in his first NBA season - but before his USA career at times he was dominant in NT games and Euroleague games. He's not kid that went young to USA, he first polished his skills in Europe, and he's pretty beastly for a white guy, he'll do well in NBA one day. He looked a bit rusty when he first played this summer (Addeco ex-YU tournament in Ljubljana), but it seems he's back in form since (at tournament in Skopje in 2 games he averaged 23.0 points and 6.0 rebounds, 70% FG (14/20) and sick 18/19 free throws, hit 18 in a row).

Omar Cook is American point guard that played college basketball at St. John's University. He was drafted in NBA 2001 draft, but failed to make impact in NBA. However, this point guard is big name in Euroleague.

Other 2 guards are Jeretin (PG, 32 years old) and Scepanovic (SG, 36 years old), very old but Jeretin is still reliable and plays both backup PG for Cook and in pair with Cook ... because SG is weak spot and Montenegro simply has no good solution for it.

At SF is Dasic, 23-years old that didn't lived up to great expectations. Don't get me wrong, he's very good, but in junior days many predicted him being star of Euro basketball ... maybe he's late bloomer. His backup is Borisov, streaky shooter, both less precise and reliable than Dasic. But both of them are pretty important, if they have bad shooting day opponent can clog the lane and limit strong Montenegro PF/C line. But if they hit some threes, then opponents are in trouble - they can't cheat on shooters while leaving Pekovic 1-on-1 usually doesn't finish well.

As much as Montenegro is thin at 1/2, they're deep at 4/5. Along Pekovic usually starts Dragicevic, he's not big enough for center, he can't hit good enough from outside to be modern power forward - but he's very crafty player with high basketball IQ - Marko Banic type of player.
At center they have giant of 2.30 cm Slavko Vranes for backup of Pekovic. He's useful in rebounding (he has no vertical leap, but he's so much bigger than others), but of course very slow and almost useless in offense.
Then there's Milko Bjelica who had nice Euroleague season with his Lithuanian club ... but somehow never plays as well for national team, it seems for some reason he doesn't fit well here.

New addition is Nikola Vucevic, Montenegrian born in Switzerland that played in NCAA, so we don't know much about him here in Europe. But if Philadelphia 76'ers drafted him in first round this year, then there's probably something in him. It seems he can play at both 4 and 5 and is pretty skillful - but I can't confirm it, he played limited minutes in games I watched, he played a lot in last two games in Turkey when Pekovic was out with minor injury (10 min + DNP)

My guess for rotation would be:
PG Cook 30 / Jeretin 10
SG Scepanovic 15 / Jeretin 15 / Borisov 10
SF Dasic 30 / Borisov 10
PF Dragicevic 20 / Bjelica 10 / Vucevic 10
C Pekovic 30 / Vranes 10

Not sure about it, but I am sure in answer to original question: key players are Pekovic and Cook followed by Dasic and Jeretin.

[Silvio]

Golubovic and Sehovic cut

http://www.kscg.me/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=40&Itemid=122

final roster


Omar Cook PG 1.88 28.01.1982 Armani Jeans Milano (ITA)
Goran Jeretin G 1.92 17.09.1979 Lokomotiv Kuban (RUS)
Vlado Scepanovic SG 1.95 13.11.1975 Panelinios (GRE)
Boris Bakic SG 1.96 23.05.1986 free agent
Vladimir Mihailovic SG 1.94 10.08.1990 Buducnost
Vladimir Dasic F 2.08 13.05.1988 Lottomatica Roma (ITA)
Milos Borisov GF 1.99 03.09.1985 Teramo (ITA)
Vladimir Dragicevic PF 2.05 30.05.1986 Spartak Sankt Petersburg (RUS)
Milko Bjelica PF 2.05 04.06.1984 Caja Laboral (ESP)
Nikola Pekovic C 2.09 03.01.1986 Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA)
Slavko Vranes C 2.30 30.01.1983 free agent
Nikola Vucevic FC 2.10 24.10.1990 Philadelphia 76'ers / Buducnost

[PDanilovica]

Just a rumour ;) If Montenegrin federation accepts to pay 450 000 euro, Sasha Vujacic will play for Montenegro.

[rikhardur]

Dejan Radonjić resigned as NT coach.

[pohani komarac]

Luka Pavicevic new head coach of Montenegro NT

[Billy Bounce]

Luka Pavicevic new head coach of Montenegro NT

Cool.

I've got a feeling that recently Israel NT & Maccabi got the most sh!tty draw possible. With Pavicevic Serbia & Montenegro will share 1-2 places in the group.

[goga78]

Oh, I wouldn't be so sure. Pavicevic is all for an organized offensive game, which leaves no room for improvisation. That makes the offense of his team very predictable and if your team has any kind of quality, it will have an easier time reading the opponent. That was what many Alba fans were talking about during his time in Berlin. He never made the best of his team's offensive abilities.

[Billy Bounce]

Oh, I wouldn't be so sure. Pavicevic is all for an organized offensive game, which leaves no room for improvisation. That makes the offense of his team very predictable and if your team has any kind of quality, it will have an easier time reading the opponent. That was what many Alba fans were talking about during his time in Berlin. He never made the best of his team's offensive abilities.

He can allow himself to be predictable having Pekovic in his squad , especially vs. center-less Israel.

Besides, Serbia & Montenegro NTs in one group is like having Israel NT & Tel Aviv NT. I won't be too surprised if they'll share the points to take 1-2 places :)

[goga78]

Pekovic has played in the last qualis against Israel and yet Israel has won one of the two games. Pekovic has played at the EBC, yet Montenegro has failed miserably. He isn't a playmaker, he has to get the ball in a comfortable position first. And this is where Israel has to work hard. Nothing is lost before a game isn't over. Of course, it will be very tough for Israel. I don't like the current NT constellation as players don#t bring their best to the table. It's either the coach or the players that cannot adapt to playing few minutes instead of a heavy load they know from their teams. Israel has an abundance in guards, so the coach has to chose more carefully. Who is able to bring the maximum effort in given minutes and who will try to destroy the chemistry? Same with other positions. Currently, Mekel and Burstein should not be part of the squad, imho. Limonad has to play and has to get his minutes. Plus Ohayon, plus Naimy, plus Halperin. Don't know about the fifth play for the guards positions. It all depends on what the team needs in his few minutes of PT. I would also take Rothbart. He has shown good play in EL this year. He is mobile, he can shoot, he is tall and can jump. Even though he is physically not strong and can't set picks Green used to set, he can give good effort. Israel can't to internatinal play with undersized and unathletic PFs at C forever.

[rikhardur]

Nikola Vučević off to bench to a new career-high 18 pts and 3 blocks. He also added 8 rebs.

[rikhardur]

Montenegro Primed For Another Run
By Jeff Taylor

There have been some encouraging signs of late that Montenegro will be able to forget about last summer's disappointing run at the EuroBasket and make it back to the Final Round when the tournament is held in Slovenia next year.

Everywhere you look, a Montenegrin is making headlines.

In the NBA, there are two.

In Minnesota, Nikola Pekovic, a former Partizan Belgrade and Panathinaikos center, has gotten a chance to play big minutes under coach Rick Adelman this season and is averaging 13.5 points and 7.4 rebounds.

In Philadelphia, rookie Nikola Vucevic has cemented his role as a key player coming off the bench for coach Doug Collins.

Both could end up getting a taste of play-off basketball, especially Vucevic because the Sixers are fourth in the Eastern Conference with a 26-20 record.

In Europe, Montenegro has a rising star in young center Bojan Dubljevic.

Dubljevic, who averaged 22.4 points and 9.7 rebounds per game at last summer's U20 European Championship in Bilbao and was named to the All Tournament Team, earned Eurocup Quarter-Finals Game 1 MVP honours after leading Buducnost to a 75-71 win over Valencia Basket in Podgorica on Tuesday.

Then there is the steady play of Milko Bjelica, a 27-year-old forward who has earned the trust of Caja Laboral's great coach, Dusko Ivanovic.

Bjelica averages 21 minutes per game for Ivanovic and plays a vital role for Baskonia in the Liga Endesa.

FORGETTING LITHUANIA

With so much talent in the fold for the Montenegrins, it's hard to understand why this country didn't play better at the EuroBasket.

"I think we had some problems with our championship," Bjelica said to Basketball World News.

"We didn't show our true self.

"We are not so experienced with the European Championship and we learned a lot from these mistakes, from the bad championship, and I hope that this summer, we're going to prepare really well with our NBA players, Pekovic and Vucevic, and other national team players."

Last year's dismal performance, when Montenegro won their opening game against F.Y.R. of Macedonia but then lost four straight, surprised nearly everyone.

"I think that we didn't prepare well, maybe that was the reason," Bjelica said.

Dejan Radonjic, who is at the helm of Buducnost, had done a good job as an assistant to Dusko Vujosevic and was named as his replacement when Vujosevic stepped down from his post early last year.

After the 1-4 EuroBasket for Montenegro, Radonjic resigned.

Luka Pavicevic, a former coach of Alba Berlin who is now in charge of Chorale Roanne, was recently named as the new coach of Montenegro.

"With the new national team coach, I hope that we're going to make good results," Bjelica said.

The biggest cause for optimism has been the play of the 26-year-old Pekovic, who rarely got off the bench as a rookie but has thrived as a teammate of Ricky Rubio and Kevin Love in Minnesota.

The 2.09 pivot poured in 20 points or more in five consecutive games before Monday's clash with Golden State, when an ankle problem limited him to just 11 minutes.

There is a true look of pride in the face of Bjelica when he's asked about Pekovic.

"He's a very good guy and he already proved himself in Europe before," Bjelica said.

"Now, he's doing it in the NBA.

"He's the engine of our national team and is a very good player."
http://www.fibaeurope.com/coid_R6Fl5pJJHW-4BFd9p56Wo1.articleMode_on.html

[rikhardur]

Another Montenegro Star In The Making

No one can dispute that over the years, the basketball education that players have received in the Balkans is second to none.

The region has always been a hotbed for hoops.

There has been no shortage of centers to hail from Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, F.Y.R. of Macedonia, Slovenia and Montenegro.

When it comes to the last of those countries, many now have an eye on the emerging star, Bojan Dubljevic.

The 2.05m pivot was the best player for his team at last year's U20 European Championship in Bilbao, where he averaged 22.4 points and 9.7 rebounds and was named to the all tournament team.

This season, the 20-year-old has excelled for Buducnost in the Eurocup and the Adriatic League.

In the first leg of the team's quarter-final tie with Valencia Basket in Podgorica in the Eurocup, which Buducnost won by four points, Dubljevic was the MVP after scoring 15 points, corralling eight rebounds and coming up with three steals.

The result fueled hopes that Buducnost might just be good enough to reach the Eurocup Finals.

However, despite Dubljevic's 17 points and five boards in the return leg, Buducnost fell 85-63 and were eliminated from the competition.

"Valencia was a very tough opponent," Dubljevic said to Basketball World News.

"They played harder and we couldn't do anything (in the second leg)," he said.

The experience in the Eurocup was a good one for Dubljevic, though.

Expect to see him play in many a big game for his club on the continent in the coming years.

"I am proud to play in a great team and I´ll keep working to improve my game," he said.

Looking Up To Pekovic

There is a tradition of having excellent big men in the Balkans.

The Montenegrins have produced one in recent times that has been fundamentally sound and has drawn rave reviews this season in the NBA.

His name is Nikola Pekovic, and he plays for the Minnesota Timberwolves.

There was an adjustment period for the 26-year-old Pekovic, who arrived in the NBA for the 2010-11 campaign after impressing with both Partizan Belgrade and Panathinaikos.

Last year, Pekovic didn't play much but after the EuroBasket in Lithuania, and the NBA Lockout, he returned to the Timberwolves and saw his career take off in America.

Everyone is cheering for him back home, including Dubljevic.

"He is a mirror for me," Dubljevic said.

"He is a very strong and powerful player.

"This year, he's proving he can be even better and that he can play in the NBA."

Another Montenegrin raising eyebrows in the United States is center Nikola Vucevic.

The 21-year-old has enjoyed a terrific rookie campaign with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Dubljevic has been a winner with the Montenegro Under-18s and Under-20s.

Maybe he'll join Pekovic and Vucevic on the senior team, soon, and help them try to qualify for EuroBasket 2013 in Slovenia.

"I would love to," he said.

"For me, it would be an honor if I was invited to the national team."

There are other youngsters like Dubljevic champing at the bit to play for Montenegro.

Competition is fierce for spots on the national team, but this is a good situation for the country to be in.

The tree of the old school still bears fruit.
http://www.fibaeurope.com/coid_vFszUvmHJXEZKPiu4rRQh3.articleMode_on.html

[rikhardur]

Pekovic Not Ruled Out For Montenegro
By Jeff Taylor

Montenegro have not ruled Nikola Pekovic out of their EuroBasket 2013 Qualification Round campaign despite the national team captain's decision to have surgery to remove bone spurs from his right ankle.

The 2.09m center has been playing well, but with pain, and wants to bring an end to the problem.

Pekovic spoke to the Minneapolis Star Tribune about his decision to have an operation.

"It's something that will help me to be healthy next season," he said.

"It will help me and my team and everything.

"I know without that trouble, I'll be more calm, not thinking about it.

"And hopefully, not miss any games."

Pekovic has been averaging 13.4 points and 7.10 rebounds in his second season in the NBA with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

In a five-game stretch early last month, he poured in 20 or more points, reaching double digits in rebounds in three of them.

Pekovic played on Tuesday night in the Timberwolves' 91-84 defeat to Memphis and had 16 points and 11 rebounds.

A date for his operation has yet to be announced.

After the surgery, Pekovic says he'll be in a better frame of mind.

"I'm looking forward to not thinking about this," he said, "like I do every time [the ankle] hurts."

MONTENEGRO'S QUALIFIERS

Montenegro will go up against Serbia, Israel, Estonia, the Slovak Republic and Iceland in the EuroBasket Qualification Round and they haven't given up hope that Pekovic can play.

Their first game is at home on 15 August against Israel.

Pekovic will travel to Podgorica and discuss his status with the federation at the end of April, once Minnesota's season has ended.

He is then expected to give official confirmation on whether or not he will be able to represent Montenegro this summer.

"He's going to be here and after that, he'll make a decision," a spokeswoman for the Montenegrin Basketball Federation confirmed to FIBAEurope.com

Pekovic averaged 13 points and 6.4 rebounds per contest at the EuroBasket in Lithuania last year.
http://www.fibaeurope.com/coid_8VsvykQ9JhYnZSqJOZkl71.articleMode_on.html

[qiangdade]

Jaycee Carroll to play for Montenegro (http://www.bballheadlines.com/?p=10067)

[JRS Bonnet]

Jaycee Carroll is the proud owner of an Azerbaijani passport.

[serbianhoops]

Point guard Taylor Rochestie (6'1 '85 Le Mans) & combo guard Brion Rush (6'1 '84 Samara) to play in turn for Montenegro during the upcoming qualifiers.

[Billy Bounce]

Point guard Taylor C(6'1 '85 Le Mans) & combo guard Brion Rush (6'1 '84 Samara) to play in turn for Montenegro during the upcoming qualifiers.

Any news about who (from the two) will play at the end ?

IIRC Pavicevic was the one who brought Rochestie to Alba, don't remember any connections between Pavicevic & Rush.

[pohani komarac]

Any news about who (from the two) will play at the end ?

IIRC Pavicevic was the one who brought Rochestie to Alba, don't remember any connections between Pavicevic & Rush.

bouth of them got passport. i guess bouth o them will be in trainig camp

[PooshiKooratz]

[English or provide translation]

Why didn't Montenegro compete at Adecco 2012?

[pohani komarac]

Nikola Vucevic set Orlando Magic record for rebounds in 1 night vs Miami, jumped over Shaq and Dwight. 29rb + 20points

[tres equis]

I have a question...if someone from montenegro can answer this it would be better....why nikola mirotic is choosing to play for spain and not for montenegro?, what are the reasons for this situation? and how do you guys feel about mirotic not wanting to play for your national team?