Nuggets Analyst Blasts Serbia Coach After EuroBasket Exit: “He Wasn’t Awake”

Nuggets Analyst Blasts Serbia Coach After EuroBasket Exit: “He Wasn’t Awake”

Serbia’s EuroBasket 2025 campaign ended in disappointment with a 92–86 defeat to Finland in the Round of 16, sparking harsh criticism of head coach Svetislav Pešić. Despite entering the tournament as strong favorites, Serbia failed to advance, leaving Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokić—who scored 33 points—with no EuroBasket medal once again.

Finland’s Lauri Markkanen earned Player of the Game honors with 29 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists, leading his team to a historic win. Serbia’s struggles extended beyond the absence of injured captain Bogdan Bogdanović, as analysts pointed to tactical shortcomings and questionable lineup decisions.

Eric Sedum of the DNVR Nuggets Podcast delivered a scathing assessment of Pešić’s performance, accusing the 76-year-old coach of failing to adapt during the game. “I’m done with Pešić,” Sedum said. “It felt like he was asleep at the wheel. No adjustments, no urgency.”

Sedum criticized the lack of defensive changes and late substitutions, questioning why underperforming players like Marko Gudurić remained on the floor while others, such as Vanja Marinković and Aleksa Avramović, saw limited minutes. “You’ve got options. Why stick with what’s not working?” he added.

Pešić later attributed the loss to poor conditioning, injuries, and a virus that had affected the squad prior to the match. Originally planning to retire after Serbia’s bronze-medal finish at the Paris Olympics, Pešić returned for EuroBasket 2025—but the campaign ended in frustration and renewed calls for change.