Serbia has officially announced its preliminary 17-man roster for FIBA EuroBasket 2025, and it features a strong core of NBA and EuroLeague talent — with Denver Nuggets superstar and three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic at the forefront.

Jokic Returns for National Glory

After previously sitting out some international competitions, Nikola Jokic has confirmed his return for EuroBasket. The 30-year-old center is coming off yet another MVP-caliber NBA season and remains Serbia’s most dominant and influential player. His presence is expected to instantly elevate Serbia into one of the tournament’s top contenders.

Jokic, who has long balanced his love for basketball with his passion for horse racing, appears fully committed to leading his country on the European stage once again. His calm demeanor, elite passing, and unmatched basketball IQ will be the backbone of Serbia’s title hopes.

NBA Firepower Across the Roster

Jokic is far from alone. Joining him are several NBA standouts:

Bogdan Bogdanovic (Los Angeles Clippers) – A consistent scorer and experienced international leader.

Nikola Topic (Oklahoma City Thunder) – The rising star point guard recently drafted in 2024 and poised to shine in his first major senior tournament.

Nikola Jovic (Miami Heat) – A stretch forward with shooting and playmaking versatility.

Tristan Vukcevic (Washington Wizards) – A promising young big man who brings depth to Serbia’s frontcourt.

This combination of established NBA talent and promising youth gives Serbia one of the most balanced and dangerous rosters heading into EuroBasket.

EuroLeague Elites Add Depth and Experience

Serbia’s strength doesn’t stop with the NBA. Several top-tier EuroLeague players bring experience and international savvy:

Vasilije Micic (Hapoel Tel Aviv) – Now the highest-paid player in EuroLeague history, Micic is an elite floor general with championship pedigree.

Aleksa Avramovic (Dubai BC) and Marko Guduric (Olimpia Milano) – Guards with shooting and defensive reliability.

Nikola Milutinov (Olympiacos) and Alen Smailagic (Virtus Bologna) – Provide additional size and physicality in the paint.

Ognjen Dobric and Dejan Davidovac (Crvena Zvezda) – Domestic veterans familiar with Coach Pesic’s system.

With the EuroLeague’s best and brightest, Serbia boasts depth at every position, ensuring tactical flexibility and experience in crunch moments.

Head Coach Pesic’s Vision and Preparation

Veteran head coach Svetislav Pesic, a respected tactician with a EuroBasket gold already under his belt (2001), will look to maximize this loaded roster. Pesic has been instrumental in fostering discipline, cohesion, and competitive fire — all of which are crucial in short-format international tournaments.

To prepare the team for EuroBasket 2025, two tune-up tournaments and a high-profile friendly match are scheduled:

August 9–10 in Cyprus: Facing Greece, Israel, and the host nation.

August 15–16 in Munich: Semifinal vs. Czech Republic; Germany vs. Turkey in the other bracket.

August 21: Friendly against Luka Doncic’s Slovenia in Belgrade Arena.

These matches are expected to sharpen team chemistry and help determine the final 12-man roster for the competition.

Road to EuroBasket 2025 – Group A Challenges

Serbia is placed in Group A, which will compete in Riga, Latvia. The group features a mix of emerging and competitive teams:

Estonia

Latvia

Turkey

Czech Republic

Portugal

While Serbia is the clear favorite, games against host nation Latvia and a rejuvenated Turkey could prove tricky. The top four teams will advance to the round of 16, where they will meet qualifiers from Group B (Germany, Finland, Great Britain, Lithuania, Sweden, Montenegro).

Full Preliminary Roster Breakdown

Player
Team
League

Nikola Jokic
Denver Nuggets
NBA

Nikola Topic
Oklahoma City Thunder
NBA

Bogdan Bogdanovic
Los Angeles Clippers
NBA

Nikola Jovic
Miami Heat
NBA

Tristan Vukcevic
Washington Wizards
NBA

Vasilije Micic
Hapoel Tel Aviv
EuroLeague

Aleksa Avramovic
Dubai BC
EuroLeague

Marko Guduric
Olimpia Milano
EuroLeague

Nikola Milutinov
Olympiacos Piraeus
EuroLeague

Alen Smailagic
Virtus Bologna
EuroLeague

Vanja Marinkovic
Partizan Belgrade
EuroLeague

Ognjen Dobric
Crvena Zvezda
EuroLeague

Dejan Davidovac
Crvena Zvezda
EuroLeague

Filip Petrusev
Dubai BC
EuroLeague

Stefan Jovic
Free agent
—

Uros Trifunovic
Tofas Bursa
Turkish League

Balsa Koprivica
Bahcesehir Istanbul
Turkish League

Jokic’s Unique Influence

Jokic’s return means more than just numbers. He’s a player who transforms teammates with his unselfishness, vision, and ability to elevate everyone around him. The Serbian system will likely revolve around his playmaking from the high post, opening space for shooters and slashing guards.

Despite whispers of early retirement and his deep passion for horse racing, Jokic’s decision to return for Serbia reaffirms his patriotic commitment. His leadership will be instrumental as Serbia seeks its first EuroBasket gold since 2001.

Final Thoughts: Serbia’s Golden Window

With this generation of talent — blending NBA excellence with seasoned EuroLeague pros — Serbia enters EuroBasket 2025 as a legitimate favorite.

If Jokic remains healthy and locked in, and if young talents like Topic and Jovic rise to the occasion, Coach Pesic may very well lead this squad to a championship that has eluded them for decades.

All eyes will be on this Serbian powerhouse when the tournament tips off in Riga, and the basketball world awaits to see if Jokic can add a EuroBasket title to his already legendary resume.