‘They’re Not to Blame’: Luka Dončić Defends Čančar, Nebo Withdrawals, Praises Alen Omić’s Fit Ahead of EuroBasket 2025
Luka Dončić isn’t pointing fingers after Slovenia’s frontcourt reshuffle. With Vlatko Čančar and Josh Nebo withdrawing ahead of EuroBasket 2025 preparations, Dončić made it clear there’s no frustration — only understanding.
“I didn’t resent anything,” Dončić said, via Ekipa24. ‘As far as I understand, the club didn’t allow them to come. In the end, the Lakers allowed it; Milan didn’t. I’d rather not get involved in it, but that should be the player’s decision. In my opinion. Those two are not at fault.”
Nebo had joined Slovenia in 2024 as the team’s naturalized center, replacing Mike Tobey, and played a key role at the Olympic Qualifying Tournament. He averaged 16.3 points and 9.3 rebounds in three games, including a 20-point, 12-rebound performance against New Zealand. But a string of injuries during his debut season with Olimpia Milano — including groin, hand, and adductor issues — kept him out of EuroBasket preparations.
Čančar, a core member of Slovenia’s 2017 EuroBasket title run and 2020 Olympic team, returned from an ACL tear in time for the Olympic qualifiers last summer but struggled to regain form. He averaged just 4.7 points while shooting under 16% from the field in three games. Though he remained committed to the national team, he was not included on this summer’s roster.
Chemistry with Alen Omić
Nebo will be replaced this summer by 7’1″ center Alen Omić, a veteran of the Slovenian national team and Europe’s top leagues. Dončić expressed excitement about their growing connection in camp.
“Great. I did two training sessions,” Dončić said. “The atmosphere is great, Alen trains great, so I’m looking forward to playing with him. I haven’t played with him yet. I’m against him. But he’s a different center than I usually play with, so I’ll have to adjust my game a little bit. Omić is doing his job great.”
Omić, who currently plays for Budućnost, won the Montenegrin Cup in 2025 and was named Spar Cup Final MVP in 2023. He previously played for Union Olimpija, Anadolu Efes, and several EuroCup teams and represented Slovenia in major tournaments such as the 2014 FIBA World Cup and EuroBasket 2015.
A Familiar Mission and a Shared Voice
Dončić reaffirmed that Slovenia’s goals remain unchanged — and that he’s not carrying the weight alone.
“Our goal is always a medal. But I am not the only leader. I have the feeling that others also have a say. If you have only one leader on the team, you will not get anything done. You have to have several leaders.”
With a younger core around him and veterans like Goran Dragić no longer in the mix, Dončić acknowledged the team’s shift — and praised the new generation’s effort.
“Great. So far, everything is great. The young people are training very hard, and all credit to what they have done. Slowly, the older ones are leaving and the younger ones are coming in.”
No Doubt About Playing
Despite a turbulent season that ended with a blockbuster trade to the Lakers, Dončić said the decision to play for Slovenia this summer was never in question.
“There were some concerns, but in the end, I think we all knew that I would play. As I’ve said many times, if I can, I will always play, so the decision wasn’t difficult.”
He also confirmed the Lakers are fully behind his national team commitment.
“They support me, they really support me and encourage me to the maximum.”
Germany Friendly to Open Tune-Up Schedule
Slovenia will face world champion Germany on Friday in its first pre-EuroBasket tune-up. Dončić said he likely won’t play full minutes as he ramps up his workload.
“I don’t know. I don’t think I will play the entire match. It all depends on the game and other things. Now, for the first time in the preparation period, I played 5 on 5 at the national team training. I feel good.”
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