Serbia shooting guard Bogdan Bogdanovic is looking forward to taking on the USA alongside his compatriots in an exhibition game in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, describing this American Olympic side as “one of the best teams ever”.
Serbia and the USA will square off twice in 11 days, first in the friendly at Etihad Arena and then again in pool play at the Olympics on July 28 in Lille.
The Serbs have a strong squad that features reigning NBA MVP Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets, Bogdanovic of the Atlanta Hawks, and Vasilije Micic of the Charlotte Hornets.
The World Cup silver medallists were in the stands watching the USA defeat Australia at Etihad Arena on Monday and Bogdanovic is excited to take on a star-studded American roster that includes LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Joel Embiid, Jayson Tatum and Anthony Edwards.
“This is going to be great for us definitely,” Bogdanovic said in Abu Dhabi.
“We are looking forward to playing against them. For sure one of the best teams ever that plays together. And I think it’s going to be great training for us. We cannot lose against them. Just playing against them is already a win.
“When you play against the best players in the world, you can only get better afterwards. It’s going to be a great game.”
Bogdanovic sees no disadvantages in the fact Serbia will be facing the USA so close to their Olympics showdown. He said Serbia don’t plan on keeping any cards too close to their chests when they square off on Wednesday.
“We know each other a lot, so I think everybody knows each other well. So nothing to hide there,” said the 31-year-old guard.
The Serbs are about one month into their preparations for the Olympics and Bogdanovic says the team's chemistry is building.
“We are working on it consistently. Now the fun part starts. Practices are over, we are looking forward to more games and entertainment,” he added.
USA only started their training camp 11 days ago and are using the five exhibition games they are scheduled to play by experimenting with their starting line-up.
The Americans won their first two friendlies, against Canada in Las Vegas last week, and Australia in Abu Dhabi on Monday, and will head to London for two more games after they take on Serbia in the UAE capital on Wednesday.
USA nearly squandered a 20-point lead against the Boomers on Monday, finishing the game with a narrow 98-92 victory after a sub-par final 15 minutes of play.
“We understand time is not on our side. We have to clean things up quickly,” said USA and Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker.
“Playing like we did in the second half today [Monday], end of the third quarter and the fourth quarter will not win us a gold medal.”
Head coach Steve Kerr is confident the team will be ready in time for their first game at the Olympics and says he will continue to tinker with his starting five until they get it right.
“We have time. We know what we’re doing. USA basketball has been doing this for a long time. Part of the challenge is we don’t have the continuity that a team like, say, Australia, has. They’re used to playing together,” explained Kerr.
“So that means we have to adapt and adjust pretty quickly in a couple of weeks. But obviously, we’ve got a tonne of talent and great character. Our guys are really fantastic teammates, they care for each other. But it takes a little time to become a team. We need a couple of more weeks but we’ll get there.”
USA 98 Australia 92 – in pictures
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Anthony Edwards of USA scores during the USA's 98-92 exhibition match against Australia at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Stephen Curry of USA signs autographs after the game. Team USA play two warmup matches in Abu Dhabi as part of their 2024 Paris Olympics preparations, with Serbia up next. -
LeBron James of USA, right, takes on Jock Landale of Australia. -
The USA national anthem is played before the game at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. -
Anthony Davis came off the bench to lead the scoring for USA with 17 points and 14 rebounds. -
Joel Embiid of USA scores during the game against Australia. -
Fans during the game between the USA and Australia at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. -
Stephen Curry of USA admitted after the match that playing in a star-studded USA team means making some adjustments. -
LeBron James of USA controls the ball during the game against Australia. -
Anthony Davis of USA, right, takes on Will Magnay of Australia. -
Jayson Tatum of USA takes on Patty Mills of Australia. -
USA coach Steve Kerr holds tha ball during the game. -
Devin Booker of the USA scores against Australia. -
LeBron James of USA takes on Jack McVeigh of Australia. -
Will Magnay of Australia hits a lay up.
