Exclusive: Daniel Gafford Discusses Potential of Playing for Slovenia, Bond with Luka Dončić, and Thoughts on FIBA Play
Luka Dončić will have the chance to compete at EuroBasket again after Slovenia secured a dramatic 83-82 comeback victory over Portugal. Could Daniel Gafford join him on the roster?
ATLANTA — While the NBA regular season is well underway, national teams are competing to qualify for FIBA tournaments held next summer. Luka Dončić, who takes pride in competing for his native Slovenia each opportunity he gets, will have a chance to do so again at EuroBasket after the national team’s dramatic 83-82 comeback victory over Portugal in Ljubljana.
Dončić was eager to watch Slovenia’s two matches against Portugal, recently telling DallasHoopsJournal.com, “I like [their outlook]. They play in Portugal and then at home against Portugal. It’s exciting to watch. I wish I could be part of it, but obviously, I can’t. It’s going to be fun to watch, and I think we have a great chance.”
With the desire to compete on a global stage during the NBA offseason increasing in popularity, Daniel Gafford, who is averaging a career-best 12.3 points, along with 6.7 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 21.1 minutes per game while shooting a league-best 72.0% from the floor, remains a name for the Dallas Mavericks to monitor for potential international competition. While he didn’t compete with USA Basketball at the Paris Olympics, other national teams hold one roster spot for a naturalized player—which Gafford could fill.
After it became evident how well Gafford connected with Dončić on the court, he was considered Slovenia’s top target ahead of the pre-Olympic qualifying tournament in Greece. However, with only 15 days between the end of Game 5 of the NBA Finals and the first tournament game, it was too short a window to commit. Instead, he executed a meticulous workout routine and spent time with his family. He feels that routine has paid off significantly for him.
“I focused on slowing the game down for myself, working on moves that teach patience, and being more aggressive offensively and defensively,” Gafford told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “I also made sure to stay in the best shape possible.”
With Slovenia set to compete in EuroBasket next summer, assuming good health, could Gafford consider joining the team to compete?
Is Gafford Open to Playing for Slovenia?
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