The anticipation for EuroBasket 2025 is building to a fever pitch, and nowhere is that excitement more palpable than in Serbia. On August 23, 2025, head coach Svetislav Pesic unveiled the final 12-man roster that will represent the Serbian national basketball team at the continent’s most prestigious tournament. After weeks of speculation, tough decisions, and intense preparation, the Serbian squad now stands ready to embark on their quest for European glory.
The announcement came just days after Serbia’s impressive rehearsal victory against Slovenia, a result that only heightened expectations for a team already widely regarded as one of the tournament favorites. Pesic, known for his meticulous approach and deep understanding of the game, did not delay in making his final call. The chosen twelve who will travel to Riga are: Aleksa Avramovic, Stefan Jovic, Vasilije Micic, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Marko Guduric, Ognjen Dobric, Vanja Marinkovic, Nikola Jovic, Filip Petrusev, Nikola Jokic, Nikola Milutinov, and Tristan Vukcevic.
As always, the process of narrowing down the roster was fraught with difficult choices. Injuries played a significant role in shaping the final selection. Alen Smailagic and Uros Trifunovic, both of whom missed all the preparation games due to injury, were released from the team prior to the final warm-up against Slovenia. That left three more players to be cut from the initial extended list, a decision that Pesic described as "really difficult." Ultimately, Nikola Topic, Dejan Davidovac, and Balsa Koprivica were the ones left out, a move that, while expected by many, still carried emotional weight within the squad.
Pesic addressed the challenge of making these final cuts, stating, "At the end of the preparation period, it always comes to the part that is not easy for the coach. The coach is here to make decisions and take responsibility for the team. This time it was really difficult to decide which 12 will travel to the EuroBasket. Those who are not going, and wanted to go, accepted that the team is above all of us. Because of that, I am proud of them, of the three who are not traveling, and that is Topic, Koprivica, and Davidovac. I always say, training is important because if it wasn’t, we wouldn’t train so much, but even more important is to train human relations, and we do that every day. That is a quality that can always help us, this time as well, at the EuroBasket."
One of the most talked-about decisions was the inclusion of Vasilije Micic. The star point guard, widely considered the most expensive player in the EuroLeague, had been a question mark due to an injury that sidelined him for much of the preparation period. Micic participated in the final tune-up game against Slovenia, where he showed flashes of his trademark skill despite not being at full speed. Pesic’s reasoning was clear: "Micic, even slowed by injuries, can currently contribute more in problematic situations than Nikola Topic. Pure class, the kind we saw on his way to two EuroLeague titles." The coach’s faith in Micic’s experience and ability to deliver in high-pressure moments ultimately tipped the scales in his favor, even though Topic is seen as a future cornerstone for the national team.
Tristan Vukcevic’s selection over Dejan Davidovac was another point of discussion among fans and analysts. Vukcevic had impressed throughout the preparation period, consistently bringing energy and versatility to the frontcourt. Pesic’s decision was influenced by Vukcevic’s excellent physical condition and his fit with the current roster, especially given the strength Serbia already boasts in the center position with Nikola Jokic and Nikola Milutinov. While Davidovac is admired for his basketball IQ and has been a reliable presence in past campaigns, the coach opted for Vukcevic’s form and physical tools this time around.
Ognjen Dobric’s place on the roster was never really in doubt. A starter in Paris and a key figure during Serbia’s silver-medal run in Manila, Dobric’s defensive prowess and experience make him an invaluable asset. Despite a somewhat quieter club season, his importance to the national team remains undiminished. As the saying goes, "A man plays with Jokic." Dobric’s skillset and chemistry with the team make him the ideal player to fill a crucial role, whether starting or coming off the bench.
The final roster reflects a blend of established stars and emerging talents, with Nikola Jokic, the reigning NBA MVP, expected to be the centerpiece of Serbia’s campaign. Jokic’s partnership with Milutinov gives Serbia arguably the strongest center rotation in Europe, while the backcourt features the scoring punch of Bogdan Bogdanovic and the playmaking of Micic and Avramovic. Youngsters like Nikola Jovic and Vukcevic add depth and athleticism, ensuring that Serbia can adapt to any style of play they encounter.
The road to EuroBasket 2025 has not been without its bumps. The initial extended roster of 17 players was gradually whittled down through a combination of injuries and strategic choices. As of August 20, 2025, Pesic still had 15 players in contention, with the final decision expected after the game against Slovenia. Micic’s fitness was a lingering concern, but his successful participation in training and the final friendly convinced the coaching staff he was ready for the challenge ahead.
EuroBasket 2025 itself promises to be a spectacle, with the tournament set to tip off on August 27. Hosted by Cyprus, Poland, Finland, and Latvia, the competition will culminate in Riga, where the final phase—including all knockout games—will be played. The championship game is scheduled for September 14, and with Serbia’s roster now set, the team is poised to make a serious run at their first gold medal in over two decades.
Serbia’s opening games, particularly against Estonia and Portugal, are seen as opportunities to build momentum and integrate players like Micic back into the flow of competitive basketball. Expectations are sky-high, with many pundits and fans labeling Serbia as the team to beat. However, as history has shown, nothing comes easy at EuroBasket, and every game will be a test of the squad’s depth, resilience, and unity.
With the final roster in place and preparations complete, all eyes now turn to Riga. Will this be the year Serbia climbs back to the top of European basketball? The journey is about to begin, and the basketball world will be watching every step of the way.
