Coach Pesic emphasized the need for defensive effort, noting that offense can be played with two or three players but defense exposes slackers. He stressed the importance of continuity, with several players having missed training.
In the aftermath of Serbia's dominant 119-100 victory against Japan, head coach Svetislav Pesic did not shy away from addressing the critical areas of concern, particularly on the defensive end.
Pesic pointed out that while offensive play can be managed with two or three players, the defensive side of the game reveals when players are not giving their full effort.
"You can play offense with two or three players, but in defense, you can tell when someone is just fouling," Mozzart Sport quoted Pesic after the win.
Several Serbian players have missed training and playing time recently, leading to a lack of continuity in the team. Pesic highlighted the need to restore players to optimal physical condition swiftly.
"We need continuity. I want to help all players get back to optimal physical condition. We have little time, but a lot can change and improve before the match against the USA," Pesic stated.
Despite the lopsided scoreline against Japan, Pesic acknowledged that the team's performance was driven by sheer willpower rather than consistent execution.
The game showcased the consequences of defensive lapses, as Japan managed to hit 20 three-pointers out of 46 attempts.
"This specific example showed what happens when you falter in defense and allow the opponent to start hitting shots," Pesic argued.
Looking ahead, Pesic is aware of the challenges that await in Lille, where Serbia will face teams with similar tactical approaches and mentalities, such as Puerto Rico and South Sudan.
The Serbian coach stressed that the defensive issues observed against Japan need to be rectified quickly to avoid similar pitfalls in future matchups.
As the team prepares for the clash against Team USA in the first round of the Olympics, Pesic focuses on building defensive resilience and ensuring that all players are in top physical condition to compete at the highest level.
