Slovenia’s national basketball team faced another setback during their preparatory matches ahead of the World Cup 2027 qualifiers. On August 22, the squad lost to Montenegro in Celje with a score of 78–85. The match took place at the Zlatorog arena, marking the second of several tune-up games before the team heads into the second phase of qualification. This loss follows a previous victory over Latvia, which had given Slovenia renewed confidence in their preparations. The game against Montenegro saw Klemen Prepelič emerge as the top scorer for Slovenia, tallying 23 points. Gregor Hrovat added 12 points, while Rok Radović contributed 10. Despite the defeat, the performance highlighted key players stepping up under pressure. However, the team struggled to maintain consistency throughout the match, particularly in the final stages, where Montenegro's strong defense and varied playstyle proved challenging. Montenegro, coached by Zvezdan Mitrović of Cedevita Olimpija, showcased a disciplined approach and effective rebounding, securing a decisive advantage. The Slovenian side, despite showing moments of brilliance, found it difficult to close the gap. The result underscores the need for continued refinement in both offensive execution and defensive resilience. Looking ahead, Slovenia’s next challenge will be a crucial qualifier against France in Paris on August 27. The game will take place at the Palais des Sports, where France, led by Victor Wembanyama, will be a formidable opponent. Following this, Slovenia will host Hungary in Turin on August 30, a home game that carries significant weight in terms of morale and preparation. The team’s roster has seen some changes due to injuries and personal commitments. Aljaž Kunc, who was set to participate, had to withdraw because of a more severe muscle injury. Additionally, several other players have opted out for personal reasons, academic obligations, or participation in other leagues, including Luka Dončić, who is currently visiting his teammates from the Los Angeles Lakers in Slovenia. Despite these absences, the core group remains intact, with key players such as Martin Krampelj, Žiga Samar, Aleksej Nikolić, Klemen Prepelič, Rok Radović, Gregor Hrovat, Tibor Mirtič, Lovro Faganel, Miha Cerkvenik, Alen Omić, Vit Hrabar, Aljaž Kunc, Leon Stergar, Jon Dolničar, and Gal Čop still in the running. Some names, however, remain absent from the final list, indicating ongoing adjustments within the coaching staff. In the broader context of the qualification campaign, Slovenia has thus far recorded three wins and three losses in the first phase. The upcoming matches against France, Hungary, and Finland will be pivotal in determining their position in the group. The group is highly competitive, with only France having secured a near-certain spot at the World Cup in Qatar. The remaining five teams are separated by just one win, making each match critical for advancement. As the team prepares for the challenges ahead, coach Aleksander Sekulić has emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and discipline. He reiterated the need to limit turnovers and extend periods of strong play, stressing that belief in the process and trust among teammates are essential. The lessons learned from the recent games against Latvia and Montenegro will be vital in shaping the strategies for the upcoming contests.
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