Goran Dragic dropped 35 points in the Eurobasket 2017 finals as young sensation Luka Doncic left the game due to an injury. Dragic powered the Slovenian national team to a gold medal with their win over Serbia on Sunday. It was a long time coming for both Dragic and his homeland team as they achieved their most successful run in any of the big three international basketball tournaments.
They never medaled in the World Cup, Olympics or Eurobasket and their best finish was fourth place at the 2009 Eurobasket. Dragic has been a member of the Slovenian team since 2006 and after a decade, the Miami Heat point guard is choosing to step away while he’s on top. After winning the gold medal and Eurobasket 2017 MVP honors, Dragic announced his retirement from the Slovenian national team.
Following comes from Marja Novak of Reuters.
Slovenian basketball champion Goran Dragic, who led the national team to its first Eurobasket title on Sunday, said he no longer plans to play for the national team.
“I have achieved what I wanted and I think it is right to end it at this point,” the 31-year-old team captain told a news conference on Tuesday.
(The Slovenian gold medal game) was the most watched sports TV event in Slovenia’s history, according to local broadcaster Pro Plus. Slovenia’s President Borut Pahor awarded the team one of the highest state honors, a Golden Order for Merits for their achievement.
