Jokic Giannis in Belgrade

Serbia-Greece, Jokic was everything from Giannis at Starc Arena in Belgrade.

First, the surface construction. Novak Djokovic walked out about 30 minutes before tip-off and received a standing ovation. Then there was one Serbian basketball visionary after another. As each famous coach and player entered the arena, each received their own standing ovation. I have a cold. It was really cool to witness first hand the basketball and sports tradition in this country. His love for basketball and the vast cultural heritage that permeates Serbia is a lasting benefit from this trip.

And then the game. In the two meetings we had with our fans in Belgrade this week, both of which will be memories of a lifetime, I told everyone listening that I was waiting for a classic. I was expecting a close game between two of the best players in the league (Jokic is #1, Giannis is #2). I expected every player to deliver as well.

And so they did.

Being in that crowd in that building and watching those two players will be something I’ll never forget. It was legendary. It was the loudest basketball game I’ve ever seen, and I didn’t have to think too hard to make that statement. Every player that walked on that floor had to be tough as nails. That environment is definitely not for everyone.

Giannis was great, but Jokic was better. At some point in the second half, it started to feel like we were entering the fourth quarter for Jokic. I mean, I’ve seen that story many times before. You know when it will come. The Serbian role players have also done their job which I felt was the difference in the game. Serbia needed a win to keep their hopes of qualifying for the 2023 World Cup alive.

“What did you guys think of that atmosphere?” Jokic asked us as we watched a post game outside the Serbian locker room.

Now I know why he’s not mad at the NBA crowd.

The game served as a perfect cap on the journey of a lifetime. All week we have been learning about Serbian basketball and the great history of the sport here. We learned about the famous coaches and fathers who brought Serbian basketball to its present level. We have entered the field where many historic local and foreign games have been played. We talked to diehards from around the country who are some of the smartest basketball fans I’ve ever met. All of this leads me to this conclusion: This is a proud, proud country that strives for excellence.

That’s what Jokic gave his compatriot in Belgrade.

I’ve been thinking a lot this week about the pressure Jokic is under playing for his hometown. Here, a gold medal at EuroBasket next month or a World Cup will mean more than another MVP or Nuggets championship. Here in Serbia, a gold medal instantly catapults a player into royalty. Although Jokic is the best Serbian player in his country’s history, in my opinion, he is not considered by most Serbians from what I gather. Because he did not bring gold to the Serbian team in the international competition. This is the standard of excellence that this country expects.

And I understand. Having only been here for a week, I understand why anything less than gold is depressing for this country. I was able to appreciate that historic basketball tradition here and why it was taken so seriously. Now I have a new appreciation. It is an appreciation that I would never have received if I had not come to Serbia. Here, basketball is a sport that is embedded in the fabric of society to a degree that it is not in the United States.

It won’t be Jokic’s fault if Serbia don’t come away with EuroBasket gold this summer. This is not the strongest Serbian team and the injuries to Nemanja Bjelica and Vasilije Michy have already become the talk of history this summer. Jokic, however, appears to be on a high. He looks better now in Denver than he did last season, and I don’t say that lightly. Jokic looks quick in the paint but is very aggressive in the post. He had zero problems being guarded by Giannis. His touch with Greece was incredible. He also seems confident, just like Cocky. It’s like he walked on that court against Greece and knew he was the best player there.

As we leave Serbia after an amazing week here, all I can say is thank you. Thank you to the incredible people of Serbia who welcomed us into this country with open arms and helped give us the week of our lives. We are very excited to learn about Serbian culture, basketball and the people here. That’s why we came to Serbia in the first place. And the great people of this country were very eager to share their culture and lifestyle with us. The hospitality and generosity we experienced here is something I will remember forever.

Thank you Serbia.