Svetislav Pesic changed his mind eventually and will stay with the Serbian national team for at least one more year. The veteran head coach had initially decided to step down after the 2024 Olympic Games, but he will now remain with the squad through at least the 2025 FIBA EuroBasket.
“I hadn’t planned for this, but after discussions with the Federation and Nebojsa, it became clear that I needed to step up again. There weren’t traditional negotiations. It was more about understanding what the national team needs right now,” Svetislav Pesic told Mozzart Sport.
Under the veteran coach, the Serbians have won two straight medals in international competitions, more specifically silver in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup and bronze in the 2024 Olympic Games.
“It was not my intention to extend my spell. I had other goals and plans, and some other obligations. I hope I fulfilled the wish of the public, fans, and players, to continue as head coach, but one day someone else has to take over,” Svetislav Pesic told media during his official presentation, via Eurohoops.net.
Serbia has a perfect 2-0 record in the 2025 EuroBasket Qualifiers, with four games left to play. Georgia, Denmark and Finland complete Group C.
