Gjergja: I am proud of these 11 guys, there is absolutely room for improvement

(Patria) - The BiH basketball team started its campaign in the qualifiers for the 2027 World Cup last night with a loss to Turkey (93:71) in Istanbul.

After the match, the new coach of the Dragons, Dario Gjergja, addressed the media.

- The federations will do everything to make the teams as strong as possible, but do we want to watch the best players? With or without the NBA league, at least let's have Euroleague players. This is a massacre.

Osmani and some from Monaco perhaps arrived last night at three or four in the morning, they had to play today, and then we wonder why so many injuries. Every player who wants to play for their country deserves it - said Gjergja.

He congratulated the Turkish basketball players on their victory, emphasizing that they were dominant in rebounds.

- I think we played excellent basketball for 32 minutes. In the fourth quarter, we missed a few open shots. They made them because they perhaps had reinforcements and a greater advantage from the bench.

We had two and a half normal training sessions behind us. I am very proud of this group and I hope it will be better from tomorrow and we will do everything to get the best out of it - said the coach of the Dragons.

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Dragons faltered in the second half, Turkey convincingly won in Istanbul

(Patria) - The BiH basketball team was defeated tonight in Istanbul by Turkey at the start of the World Cup qualifiers with a score of 93:71. The Turks had a tangible lead of 29:20 after the first quarter, but the Dragons...

He says he is happy with how we shared the ball, except in the fourth quarter, in which we lacked the fluidity we had at the start of the game.

- We had a few quick shots that were not controlled. We have been together for a short time, but the key for us is not to allow turnovers. We didn't expect that either, but Kenan Sipahi scored four three-pointers against us, and he is not known as a good shooter.

You can expect that from some other players, but these who are known as weaker shooters, they scored a total of six three-pointers against us, and that is an added value that Turkey has - notes Gjergja.

There is absolutely room for improvement, the coach of Bosnia and Herzegovina is convinced.

- If I didn't think there was room, I wouldn't be here. I am that kind of person. I think a large number of players were missing. When they are present, we will surely be a different team. We will be able to compete with everyone.

Some are injured, some were not released, some could not come. I would like to mention these 11 guys who were here. I thank them. I am proud of them for how they represented their country and how they behaved on the court.

We played good basketball for 30 or more minutes. Let's focus on what awaits us on Sunday and play our best game. We will see what happens with Atić and whether he can help on Sunday.

The same goes for Gutić. These are two guys who might need to help us. First, let's rest and see if all the guys are okay and healthy. I think the score is too high considering what we showed - concluded Gjergja.