Pesic on EuroBasket 2025: A World Cup in miniature - we are going for the top

• Real battles will start in the knockout stage
• Injuries and setbacks, but Pesic expects a full roster ready for tip-off
• Jokic brings class and confidence, team chemistry seen as the X-factor

Real battles will start in the knockout stage

Serbia head coach Svetislav Pesic is in no mood to hide his ambitions ahead of EuroBasket 2025. Speaking to Serbian media, the veteran coach said he has never seen a European Championship with so many medal contenders. 

In his words, this year’s event will feel like “a World Cup in miniature,” and Serbia will be chasing nothing less than the top spot.

The Eagles will start in Group A, playing in Riga against Latvia, the Czech Republic, Turkey, Estonia and Portugal. Pesic expects his team to advance from the group without drama, but he also knows the toughest games will come later. “We’ll get through the group,” he said, “but then the real challenge begins.”

Injuries and setbacks, but Pesic expects a full roster ready for tip-off

The road to Riga has had its bumps. A few players have been dealing with minor injuries and illness, though Pesic hopes to have everyone fit for the opener. In the lead-up matches, Serbia focused heavily on defense, controlling the boards and making quick, smart decisions in attack.

Serbia has shown it can adapt to different opponents, and several fringe players have been given minutes to strengthen the rotation. The competition will be fierce, but Pesic is convinced his side has the mental toughness and physical strength to fight for the title.

Jokic brings class and confidence, team chemistry seen as the X-factor

One big boost is the confirmed presence of Nikola Jokic. Pesic knew after the Olympics that the NBA’s best center would join the squad, and his inclusion adds not just quality, but confidence throughout the roster. Beyond individual talent, the coach believes the team’s chemistry could be the deciding factor.

The final roster will be announced in the coming days, giving a clearer picture of how Serbia plans to attack the European crown.