Luka Doncic helped Slovenia kickstart its 2023 FIBA World Cup journey on August 25th. All things seem to be moving in a positive direction so far, however, Doncic and his squad are expected to face tougher competition further into the tournament. Venezuela was dominated by the European giants 100-85, giving Slovenia a good head start.
Doncic was his usual self posting 37 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists during the game. He was backed by another rising star, American-born Slovenian player, Mike Tobey with 21 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists. As expected, Venezuela did not have enough offensive firepower which caused the upset on opening night. Garly Sojo scored a team-high 16 points, with 2 rebounds and assists.
Slovenia simply had better shooting consistency which gave them the upper hand in the end. However, Luka Doncic entered the 2023 FIBA World Cup in hopes he would redeem himself from the Dallas Mavericks‘ tragic 2022-23 season. Slovenia had decent success during the 2022 FIBA EuroBasket Tournament. They are currently ranked 6th in the world.
Luka Doncic alarmed on witnessing a failed missile test in Japan
As we all know, a few groups will participate in the ongoing 2023 FIBA World Cup Games in Okinawa City, Japan. It is situated between the East China Sea and the Philippine Sea, in South Japan. Slovenia happens to be part of Group F, whose games will take place at the Okinawa Arena, Okinawa City. But the city was rattled by a failed missile test that was conducted by North Korea. Luka Doncic shared his thoughts following the incident.
Luka Doncic on the failed North Korean missile test in Japan prior to FIBA play:
“The alarm was something crazy. I just saw the missile coming, so I was a little scared.”
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— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) August 27, 2023
He said, “I didn’t sleep much. Oh yeah, the alarm was crazy. I mean, I just saw missiles. It’s coming. Missile, it’s coming. So I was a little scared.” North Korea later claimed that the missile was a failed attempt to launch a spy satellite. FIBA issued a statement addressing the scare that took place hours after midnight.
“Due to the launch of a satellite by North Korea, the Japanese Government sent two alarms via the “J-Alert system” on all cell phones in Okinawa early this morning. The first was sent at 3:54 am and the second at 4:07 am, clearing the alarm,” it said. However, authorities further informed the players and other people that the J-Alert System sends out calls during such tests. Once the alarms go off on people’s phones, they are advised to take cover inside buildings. North Korea said that their next test will take place in October.