It is a difficult decision, as at home people judge you – you have a lot of money and you are a star, and now you don't want to play for your national team. It bothers me a little, but those people don't know what the season is like, how many matches it takes, and that you sleep in a different hotel every night. I spend more time on a plane than in my car.
After the victory in Atlanta Phoenix is again in play for the NBA play-off, and consequently Goran Dragić's participation in Slovenian national team at the World Championship is becoming less and less likely.
After the great victory in NBA league on Monday Goran Dragić spoke about the Slovenian national basketball team for AZ Central, the largest Arizona newspaper which is reporting about every single step the Suns take. Presently the best Slovenian basketball player admitted to journalist Paul Coro that he was considering not playing for Slovenia at September World Championship in Spain.
He needs rest to be fresh for the next season
"Sometimes there are simply too many matches. I still need to sit down with my national team and talk about making a decision if I'm going to play or not. I am leaning towards not playing, and trying to give my body as much rest as possible in order to be fresher for the next season," was direct the older Dragić brother.
Concern about the reactions at home
"It is a difficult decision, as at home people judge you – you have a lot of money and you are a star, and now you don't want to play for your national team. It bothers me a little, but those people don't know what the season is like, how many matches it takes, and that you sleep in a different hotel every night. I spend more time on a plane than in my car," was honest 27-year old basketball player from Ljubljana, who during the last years became one of the most popular Slovenian athletes.
At the end of the interview "Dragon" admitted he was not so tired any more as during the time Eric Bledsoe was not by his side. "I feel quite good, especially my legs don't feel so heavy like 15 games ago. Even if you are tired for the last 12 games, you have to get through that, and try not to think about it," believes Dragić, who carries the hope of Suns to enter play-off on his shoulders – presently Phoenix is on the 8th place in Western Conference, tied with Dallas on the ninth place.
The Basketball Federation of Slovenia visited in Phoenix
Only three weeks ago, in the beginning of March, Dragić met the delegation of the Basketball Federation of Slovenia and discussed his participation at the World Championship in Spain. Rašo Nesterović and Matej Avanzo represented the Federation, but after dinner no information or hints were given that Dragić was hesitating and considering not playing for Slovenia.
"Gogi" himself quite some time ago announced his participation at the tournament in Spain in a promotion video for the International Basketball Federation Fiba. Slovenia will play in D group with Lithuania, Angola, South Korea, Mexico and Australia. However the tickets for the Olympic tournament, which is the biggest still unachieved goal of the Basketball Federation of Slovenia, can’t be won yet at the World Championship.
The great hero of the EuroBasket 2013 organized in his homeland
Last August and September Goran Dragić led Slovenia at the European Championship played at home towards the 5th place, and "Gogi" himself was elected among the five players of the ideal team at the European Championship. "The heroes" enthralled the Slovenian sport-loving public. The 5th place, and the championship held in Slovenia were a great success, although the medal which was a great goal was lost after another defeat in quarterfinals.
It is a difficult decision, as at home people judge you – you have a lot of money and you are a star, and now you don't want to play for your national team. It bothers me a little, but those people don't know what the season is like, how many matches it takes, and that you sleep in a different hotel every night. I spend more time on a plane than in my car.
