The EuroBasket 2025 tournament delivered its share of drama, upsets, and breakout performances, but few storylines have generated more debate than the surprising omission of Nikola Jokic from the official All-Star Five. Despite putting up elite numbers and once again showing why he is widely regarded as the best basketball player on the planet, the Serbian superstar was relegated to the Second Team.

The All-Star Five, announced after the conclusion of the tournament, featured Dennis Schroder, Luka Doncic, Franz Wagner, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Alperen Sengun. Schroder also claimed the tournament’s MVP honors after leading Germany on an impressive run.

For Jokic, the decision was a reminder of how much weight is placed on team success in international competitions, where individual brilliance is sometimes overshadowed by results in the knockout rounds.

Jokic’s Incredible EuroBasket 2025 Stats

Over six appearances, Nikola Jokic averaged 22.3 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, while shooting a remarkable 66.2% from the field. He consistently delivered efficient scoring, anchored Serbia’s rebounding efforts, and facilitated for teammates with his trademark passing vision.

His efficiency was unmatched by most other big men in the tournament. Jokic’s ability to dominate in the paint, while also stretching defenses with mid-range and outside shooting, made him one of the hardest covers for opposing defenses. He also provided reliable rim protection and defensive rebounding, keeping Serbia competitive in nearly every contest.

Yet, despite his gaudy numbers, Serbia’s early Round of 16 elimination against Finland ultimately overshadowed his statistical dominance.

Serbia’s Stunning Exit

Serbia’s campaign was expected to go deeper, especially with Jokic leading the charge. The team entered the Round of 16 as favorites but was dealt a stunning blow when Finland pulled off a 92-86 upset victory.

Jokic was heroic in the loss, scoring 33 points while battling constant double-teams and physical play. He poured everything into keeping Serbia’s hopes alive, but a lack of consistent support from his teammates and Finland’s hot shooting proved to be decisive.

The elimination not only ended Serbia’s EuroBasket dreams but also drastically reduced Jokic’s chances of being named to the tournament’s top honor list, despite his individual brilliance.

The All-Star Five Selection

The All-Star Five was headlined by players who carried their teams deep into the knockout stages:

Dennis Schroder (Germany) – Tournament MVP, orchestrating Germany’s attack with leadership and clutch performances.

Luka Doncic (Slovenia) – Delivered highlight plays and dominant scoring runs that pushed Slovenia into the late stages.

Franz Wagner (Germany) – Breakout star who complemented Schroder with all-around scoring and defensive presence.

Giannis Antetokounmpo (Greece) – A powerhouse force leading Greece on a deep run, combining scoring and defense.

Alperen Sengun (Turkey) – Emerged as one of the best big men of the tournament, showcasing versatility and consistency.

The panel clearly rewarded players from teams that reached the latter stages, while Jokic’s Round of 16 exit was too early to sway voters, regardless of his impact.

Fan and Analyst Reactions

The decision sparked immediate backlash from fans and analysts across social media and sports networks. Many pointed out that Jokic’s efficiency, scoring, and leadership were unmatched and that he had done everything possible for a Serbian team that lacked depth around him.

Analysts argued that Jokic being left out highlighted the bias toward team success rather than recognizing individual dominance. “If Jokic doesn’t make the All-Star Five with these numbers, what more can he possibly do?” one commentator remarked.

Others defended the selection process, pointing out that the tournament MVP and All-Star Five are designed to reward players whose contributions helped their nations reach the biggest stages, not just individual stat lines.

Jokic’s Legacy in International Basketball

While Jokic’s omission stings for his supporters, it does little to diminish his standing as one of the most impactful international players of his generation. The three-time NBA MVP has continually proven he can dominate both in the NBA and on the FIBA stage, though Serbia’s inability to consistently surround him with elite international talent has been a recurring theme.

At just 30 years old, Jokic still has multiple opportunities to chase international glory, including the 2026 FIBA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games. For him, the ultimate validation in international play will come from team success rather than individual honors.

Why Jokic Was Snubbed

Breaking down the reasoning behind Jokic’s absence from the All-Star Five, three major factors stand out:

Team Elimination Timing – Serbia’s Round of 16 exit was too early to justify placing Jokic over players who advanced to the semifinals and finals.

Narrative and Momentum – Schroder’s leadership for Germany and Sengun’s breakout for Turkey provided compelling storylines voters leaned toward.

FIBA’s Emphasis on Success – International basketball honors traditionally reward those who carried their teams to medal contention, even if other players had more dominant individual stats.

Looking Ahead

For Nikola Jokic, the snub may serve as motivation heading into future tournaments. He remains at the peak of his career, blending scoring, playmaking, and efficiency in ways few players can replicate. If Serbia can build a stronger supporting cast, there’s little doubt he will find himself not only in future All-Star Fives but also competing for tournament MVP honors and medals.

For EuroBasket 2025, however, the story will remain about what might have been. Jokic shined individually, but Serbia’s early exit cost him recognition at the top level.

Conclusion

The shock of Nikola Jokic being left out of the EuroBasket 2025 All-Star Five underlines the importance of team success in international basketball. While Jokic posted MVP-level numbers—22.3 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game on 66.2% shooting—his Serbian squad’s early elimination overshadowed his brilliance.

Instead, the All-Star Five spotlighted players like Schroder, Doncic, Wagner, Giannis, and Sengun, whose teams advanced deeper and made louder statements on the biggest stage.

For Jokic, being named to the Second Team is still recognition of his dominance, but the debate will rage on among fans and analysts who feel he deserved more. Ultimately, the omission will not tarnish his legacy—it only highlights the sometimes cruel balance between individual greatness and team achievement in the world of international basketball.