By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Slovenia will head into EuroBasket 2025 without naturalized player Josh Nebo, a decision that has stirred debate within the Slovenian basketball community.
Nebo, who plays for Olimpia Milano alongside another significant absentee in Slovenia, Vlatko Čančar, will not participate in the tournament, but the circumstances surrounding his absence have drawn scrutiny.
Sasa Dončić, father of Luka Dončić and sports director of the Slovenian national team, voiced concerns over how the situation unfolded.
“Josh Nebo never told me, in several conversations, that he would not play, even after his latest injury. The club received the invitation on July 3. Two weeks later, we were informed that he was not recommended to play. I respect coach Ettore Messina’s stance that players’ health is important, but we also have reports and expert assessments. We know what we’re talking about,” Dončić said via SportKlub.
Dončić highlighted the unusual nature of the situation and the uncertainty it has created.
“The situation was unusual. How should we proceed? Right now, we are focused on this EuroBasket. After the tournament, we will have to address this matter, including discussions with the Slovenian government. Josh Nebo received citizenship to play basketball, so if he does not want to, I don’t see the point in continuing our cooperation.”
Nebo’s agent, Miško Ražnatović, responded to Dončić’s comments, clarifying the player’s intentions and the reasons behind his absence.
“Josh Nebo holds a Nigerian passport, which in the basketball world has the exact same status as a Slovenian. So, Josh didn’t decide to play for the Slovenian national team in order to gain the benefits of the passport—primarily for the Spanish market—which was the case with all other US players!
His reasons are the desire to compete at the highest national team level and to play on the same team as Luka! He had the same wish this summer as well, but due to an unhealed injury, he was banned from playing by the club that signed him. Josh is upset for missing EuroBasket!”
Ražnatović also warned of potential consequences for the federation.
“The potential loss of the passport will have no consequences for Nebo, but statements like these could have dramatic consequences for the Slovenian Basketball Federation (KZS).”