BELGRADE, July 18 (Xinhua) -- NBA star center Boban Marjanovic from Serbia said here Thursday he can hardly wait to play in the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup in China.
"I think it will be great, halls are always filled to the last seat. There will be lots of people and lots of things to see there. I hardly wait to get there!", The 2.21-meter Marjanovic told Xinhua recalling his previous games in China.
Marjanovic, former player of Philadelphia 76ers of the NBA who on July 3 signed Dallas Mavericks, said that the preparatory tournament in China's Shenyang will help the Serbian national team to get into the winning shape before it begins its quest for the golden trophy.
On July 21, the Serbian team led by coach Aleksandar Djordjevic is traveling to Mt Kopaonik for preparations until August 4, when it will play the first friendly against a local team. Then Serbia will host Finland on August 7, meet Lithuania on August 10. From August 16 to 18, Serbia will play at the Acropolis Cup in Greece. On August 20, they will travel to Shenyang, and then Foshan.
Serbia will play the group phase of the World Cup in Foshan from August 31 in Group D, with Angola, Italy and the Philippines.
"We are ready for it and all of us will get the chance to play," Marjanovic said reminding that in Shenyang they will meet Italy, France and New Zeeland.
Serbia lost in the final of last worlds to the United States. However, the team now comprises NBA and Euroleague stars, and many feel that they can repeat the success of the 2002 golden generation from Indianapolis.
Marjanovic said that, although Serbia is one of the favorites for the trophy, the pressure is not so great.
"These upcoming games mean a lot in order to feel opponents and the team, and so that we can unite, because we all play in different teams," said Marjanovic.
