Nikola Jovic praises Serbia's 'best player' Bogdan Bogdanovic: 'We believe in him'

Serbia's forward Nikola Jovic had himself a game in the 2023 FIBA World Cup in Manila on Monday.

Jovic, who plays for the Miami Heat, shared game-high scoring honors with 17 points on 6-of-9 shooting from the field, including three triples, in their 94-77 rout of Puerto Rico on Monday.

Despite his strong showing, though, Jovic made one thing clear: Bogdan Bogdanovic is their best player.

Without top big man and Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic, the 31-year-old Bogdanovic has been carrying his team in this World Cup, steering Serbia to back-to-back wins and an immaculate 2-0 slate in Group B.

Jovic praised his veteran teammate for the role he's had to play in the tournament.

"We're running our offense through him," Jovic said.

"He's our best player, that's not a question. We believe in him. I just got my shots and my teammates just found me and I hit some open shots and that's it."

Puerto Rico didn't make it easy for Bogdanovic, though, as he converted on just five of his 16 attempts from the field while drilling five of his six free throw attempts to finish with 17 points, along with five rebounds and five assists.

In their 105-63 thrashing of China last Saturday, Bogdanovic had 14 markers, also a game-high, to lead four other Serbians who reached double-digit scoring.

Jovic, though, believes Bogdanovic can still elevate his game ahead of their last group stage match on Wednesday against South Sudan, where a win will punch their ticket to the second round.

"But I'm sure he'll be better," Jovic added.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News