EuroBasket watch: Bogdan Bogdanovic getting buckets
Sacramento’s Serbian guard Bogdan Bogdanovic set a high standard in his first game at EuroBasket 2017 against Latvia and Kristaps Porzingis.
Good news, Kings fans! And I’m not talking about the acquisition of Bogdan Bogdanovic earlier this summer. OK, I am referring to the Serbian shooter’s fantastic start at EuroBasket 2017. The Sacramento Kings latest European addition got hot on the way to his country’s first victory in the championship, as they defeated Kristaps Porzingis and Latvia 92-82.
Bogdan was breaking ankles, beating buzzers and getting buckets against Latvia on September 1. Bogdanovic finished with a game-high of 30 points. Expectations are high because he is stepping into a larger role this tournament. He has to fill the big shoes of Milos Teodosic who is missing the entire tournament due to injury.
Vlade Divac‘s compatriot showed what he is capable of in the opening game for his native Serbia.
Related Story: Bogdan Bogdanovic's 2017-2018 depth chart prediction
Leading by example
The soon-to-be-rookie for the Kings caught fire early on and had 13 points halfway through the contest. Bogdanovic was mixing the scoring with playmaking. He often brought the ball down the floor and organized his team’s offense. Along with 30 total points, the guard finished with four assists, three rebounds, one steal and just a single turnover.
Bogdan was efficient from the field (6 of 8 on two pointers and 3 of 9 on 3-pointers) and the free-throw line as well (9 of 10).
Serbia’s next game is Sunday against Russia.
The other (potential) Kings
Georgios Papagiannis and Greece also got off to a winning start, defeating Iceland 90-61. However, Sacramento’s center did not get much playing time. He spent about 8 minutes on the court and failed to score a single point. Big Papa had a rebound, an assist, and a personal foul while missing his only shot attempt.
On Gameday 2 the Greeks play France.
Arturas Gudaitis, whose NBA rights are held by the Kings, got 11 minutes in Lithuania’s shocking 79-77 loss to Georgia. The power forward scored two points along with two boards, two fouls, a steal, a block and an assist.
The Lithuanians will try to bounce right back and find the winning way, playing against Israel in their second outing.