Rising stars lead Serbia's unbeaten run
Serbia's U20 national team has opened its 2026 FIBA U20 EuroBasketball campaign with a perfect 3‑0 record in Group B, cruising past opponents with convincing margins. The team opened with an 89‑66 victory over Latvia, a game in which Washington Huskies forward Nikola Dzepina erupted for 20 points.
Dzepina has been more than a one‑game wonder, averaging 17.1 points, 8.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists during the group stage. His all‑around production has helped Serbia outscore its three opponents by an average margin of nearly 20 points.
Coach Danny Sprinkle, who mentors the Huskies in the NCAA, has been vocal about the impact of international players, praising the work ethic and enthusiasm of both Dzepina and his teammate Hannes Steinbach. "Their dedication on the court translates into a relentless drive in practice," Sprinkle said.
Steinbach, a former teammate of Dzepina, reinforced the narrative with a double‑double performance against Poland, posting 21 points and 13 rebounds. The back‑to‑back strong showings from the two players have given Serbia a deep bench of scoring options.
The coach’s comments echo a broader strategy of recruiting top talent from abroad, a practice he highlighted by referencing the University of Illinois as a model for integrating global players into a cohesive unit. "We’re building a roster that reflects the world," Sprinkle noted.