Serbia Without Bogdanovic: Can They Still Win EuroBasket 2025?
September 03, 2025
RIGA, Latvia: Serbia faces a major test at FIBA EuroBasket 2025 after losing captain Bogdan Bogdanovic to injury early in the tournament. The veteran star left the team to begin treatment in the United States, leaving questions about whether Serbia can still contend for the title.
Despite the setback, the team’s morale remains high. Stefan Jovic said, “We are playing for him and using this as motivation. Bogdan believes in us, and he’ll be back for the Final.” Nikola Jovic echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that the team knows how to play even without their star sharpshooter.
Coach Svetislav Pesic has adjusted the lineup, experimenting with a “big” lineup featuring Nikola Jokic, Nikola Milutinov, and Nikola Jovic, giving Serbia extra height and power in the paint. This approach dominated the undersized Czechia squad, outscoring them 52-20 in the paint.
Statistically, Serbia’s style remains consistent. Compared to EuroBasket 2022 and the 2023 FIBA World Cup, the team’s field goal attempts, rebounds, assists, and free throws are nearly unchanged. In EuroBasket 2025 so far, Serbia averages 36 two-point attempts, 22.8 three-pointers, 18.5 free throws, 41.8 rebounds, and 26 assists per game.
Even without Bogdanovic, Serbia continues to play true to their identity: disciplined, balanced, and dangerous on both ends of the court. Fans can expect a team still very much in contention for the EuroBasket trophy when the final approaches on September 14.
