The Slovenian Basketball Federation announced a 19-man preliminary squad for the August window of the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers. Luka Doncic and Jaxson Hayes will not be a part of Slovenia’s roster in the upcoming games.
Slovenia will play friendly games against Latvia and Montenegro before returning to competitive action with a matchup against France in Paris and a home game against Hungary in Ljubljana.
Luka Doncic’s absence was expected, as the 27-year-old confirmed earlier this summer that he would not represent his national team during this year’s qualifying windows for the 2027 FIBA World Cup.
“The main reason is my daughters. The most important thing for me is being at home with my daughters. Right now, that’s what matters most,” the Los Angeles Lakers superstar said in June.
Znanih je 19 košarkarjev za nadaljevanje kvalifikacij za #FIBAWC! 🇸🇮🔥#mojtim se najprej na pripravljalnih tekmah pomeri z Latvijo in Črno goro, nato pa v drugem delu kvalifikacij še s Francijo v Parizu in Madžarsko v Ljubljani.
— Košarkarska zveza SIovenije (@kzs_si) August 6, 2026
🎟️ Vstopnice za pripravljalni tekmi na @EventimSi pic.twitter.com/C4xwTSI72R
Although he will not be with the national team, Luka Doncic will be in Slovenia right before the upcoming qualifying games, as he will organize a minicamp for the Lakers between August 20 and August 24.
Jaxson Hayes, Doncic’s former Los Angeles Lakers teammate who acquired Slovenian citizenship earlier this year, will also be absent from the national team, though the reason for his absence remains unknown.
Despite missing their main star and a player expected to contribute significantly, experienced players such as Vlatko Cancar, Klemen Prepelic, and Alen Omic will suit up in these games.
Slovenia advanced from the first round with a 3-3 record, tied with Estonia and Sweden, while the Czech Republic was eliminated on tiebreakers.
Since all results carry over into the Second Round, France will top the new group with a 5-1 record, followed by Finland at 4-2, while Estonia, Sweden, Slovenia, and Hungary sit tied at 3-3.
Slovenia will play home and away games against France, Finland, and Hungary, with the top three teams from Group L securing a spot at the 2027 FIBA World Cup in Qatar.
