Serbia’s resilience in the face of adversity was on full display during their bronze-medal game against Germany in the men’s basketball tournament at the Olympics. Just 36 hours after a devastating loss to Team USA, the Serbian team showcased their ability to bounce back and put on an impressive performance.
The game was hailed as one of the best in the history of basketball, according to Serbian guard Aleksa Avramović. With NBA MVPs like LeBron James, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, and Serbia’s own Nikola Jokić on the court, the game was filled with star power. Avramović acknowledged that Serbia had been the better team for most of the game, but also recognized the incredible talent and resilience of Team USA.
However, it was unfortunate that Jokić, who has become more comfortable with the media in recent years in the NBA, decided to go the entire Olympics without speaking to reporters. This decision, established from the beginning within his national team, deprived fans of hearing his thoughts and insights during compelling moments like these. It raises the question of how the International Olympic Committee (IOC) can encourage star athletes to engage more with the public during the Games.
In contrast, the players from Team USA have been among the most accessible throughout the Olympics. They have been willing to share their stories and connect with fans, thanks to the efforts of Team USA PR head Renee Felton, her staff, and NBA PR man Tim Frank, who went the extra mile to convince players to engage with the media.
The resilience and determination displayed by Serbia in their bronze-medal win over Germany is a testament to their skill and mental fortitude. Despite the disappointment of missing out on a chance to compete for the gold, they were able to regroup and deliver a strong performance to secure the bronze.
For more insights and perspective on Serbia’s victory, including thoughts from Serbian captain and Atlanta Hawks guard Bogdan Bogdanovic, you can read the full article linked below.