Djordjevic’s appointment as head coach will take China into a new era
It has been officially declared by the Chinese Basketball Association that Aleksandar “Saa” Djordjevic would take over as the head coach of the Chinese men’s national basketball team, marking the beginning of a new era in Chinese basketball.
Djordjevic led his country, Serbia, to a silver medal performance at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro as well as a runner-up finish at the 2014 World Cup, which was held in Spain.
At the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup, which was hosted in China, he presided over Serbia for the final time. Serbia was considered one of the pre-tournament favorites, however they were eliminated by France in the quarterfinals. In the Classification Games that followed, Serbia did win against the Czech Republic and the United States of America, and they finished up in fifth place overall; nonetheless, Djordjevic resigned after the event.
“To be given the opportunity to lead the Chinese men’s national team as head coach is a remarkable accomplishment. The enormous professional task is one that I am excited to take on with the same level of modesty and responsibility that I bring to my personal life. There is still a significant amount of work to be done in order to attain the most ambitious goals conceivable “Djordjevic sent out a tweet.
In the sixth and final window of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, China will be led by Djordjevic. This window will take place in February. As of right now, China has officially secured their spot in the World Cup thanks to their 8-2 record in Group F.
China will compete alongside 31 other teams in the tournament that will take place in Indonesia, Japan, and the Philippines. The Chinese national team finished in 24th place in 2019, which was their worst overall performance in the annals of the game. China will compete in the event with an eye on the Olympic Games in Paris, which will take place in 2024.
China was not able to participate in the Olympic Games that were held in Tokyo in 2021. Since 1980, this was their first time not participating in the Olympics. The nation entered the previous window with a FIBA World Ranking of 27, where it now sits. They were ranked lower than countries like New Zealand (No. 24), Iran (No. 21), and Australia (No. 3).
The 55-year-old Djordjevic was a star player for Yugoslavia
He won the gold medal for his country’s national team as a guard at the World Cup in 1998, as well as at the EuroBaskets in 1991, 1995, and 1997. He achieved a lot with clubs, and in 1992 he assisted Partizan in winning the EuroLeague.
Among his accomplishments as a club coach, Djordjevic guided Virtus Bologna to victories in the Italian title in 2021 and the Basketball Champions League in 2019.
Fans of the Chinese men’s national team will be hoping that Djordjevic can turn around the squad’s fortunes as it switches to a younger generation.
Du Feng, his predecessor in China, led the squad to a 5-2 record and fifth-place finish at the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup. After the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019, he assumed leadership once more and guided the squad in the FIBA Asia Cup 2022 Qualifiers to four victories in a row.
China dropped both of its games at the FIBA Olympic Qualification Tournament in Victoria in 2021. China fell in the quarterfinals of the FIBA Asia Cup 2022 in Indonesia after being outscored 3-2. He led China to eight victories in ten games at the Asian Qualifiers for the 2023 World Cup. In the final window, his squad punched its ticket to the World Cup.
The ability to battle for one’s nation, according to former player Du, is the most priceless experience and the finest honor for both players and coaches.
“All of the men’s basketball team’s players, as well as all facets of society, are grateful for the Chinese Basketball Association’s steadfast support. I’ll keep putting in a lot of effort to support Chinese basketball in the future “He declared.
To get more news and update on Basketball World Cup Games you can stay here or you can go to OKBET Sportsbook a more wide sports news coverage also if you to bet on sports you can go to No.1 Sports Betting and Casino Games in the Philippines which is OKBET, Get tons of bonuses when you register now. Sign up today.
