Goran Dragic to join Luka Doncic on Slovenian National Team at EuroBasket

The Dallas Mavericks traded up to draft Luka Doncic in 2018, but before that, he was a teenager dominating Europe. He won MVP of Liga ACB and EuroLeague after helping Slovenia win EuroBasket 2017 and being named to the All-Tournament team. Doncic continues to improve, but he was destined for greatness at a young age.

Goran Dragic was the star of the Slovenian National Team in 2017. The NBA All-Star mentored the teenage prodigy as they won the country's first medal in any major competition. Slovenia has a population of just under 2 million people, and it is roughly the size of Dallas and Fort Worth combined. It was a unique run, and Dragic retired from the national team competition following the win.

He returned for two World Cup qualifiers this summer, but nobody knew if he was going to play in EuroBasket. Dragic took his time to decide before announcing on Aug. 5 that he would play for his country in the upcoming championships. Here is a closer look at what to expect.

Goran Dragic to join Luka Doncic on Slovenian National Team at EuroBasket

Dragic is not expected to take part in the two World Cup qualifiers in late August, but he will join the team for EuroBasket. Slovenia is in a stacked Group B featuring France, Lithuania, and Germany. They play five times in their group starting on Sept. 1 against Lithuania with the top four teams from each group advancing to the knockout stage.

It could be a wild three weeks of basketball if Slovenia brings home the title as they could play nine times in 19 days. With Goran Dragic returning to join Luka Doncic, Slovenia will enter as the favorites with France, Spain, and Serbia expected to challenge for the gold medal. Do not count out Greece as Giannis Antetokounmpo is set to play for his country in EuroBasket.

It should be a fun and exciting tournament that Dallas Mavericks fans should be watching closely. Luka Doncic is ready to help Slovenia defend their championship, and supporters won’t want to miss it.