One cannot look at the future of Slovenia’s national team and not envisageKlemen Prepelic having a big part.
Just 21 this summer when he made the squad to play at the FIBA Basketball World Cup, the 1.91m shooting guard showed signs he will become an important member of the backcourt.
He had his best game against the United States, making both shots – one a three-pointer – and all four of his free-throws in 13 minutes of their Quarter-Final.
The Americans broke open a tight game in the third quarter, however, and pulled away for a 119-76 triumph.
Prepelic, who shone for Slovenia at the 2011 and ’12 U20 European Championships before receiving the nod to play for the senior team at the World Cup, scored most of his points in the first half against the Americans to help Slovenia stay within striking distance.
His four free-throws came soon after his introduction late in the first quarter and cut the USA lead to 28-22.
He hit a jumper at the beginning of the second quarter to cut the deficit to 29-24.
Now Prepelic, who played for Banvit Bandirma last season in Turkey, has decided to return home to play for the country’s giants, Union Olimpija, in the Adriatic League and the Eurocup.
He had eight points and six assists on Tuesday as Olimpia won 83-74 at VEF Riga.
This marks the second time that Prepelic has been on the books of Olimipia.
He also appeared for the club in the 2012-13 campaign when it competed in the Turkish Airlines Euroleague.
