From the panel of the post-game presser, the experienced forward referred to his national team’s failure to qualify for the big event by using strong language. “If I don’t say it’s a big shame the way we lost the game, I will lie to you. I wasn’t ready to play today. I don’t think that’s important,” Bjelica uttered at the beginning. “We played like shit, and the better team won tonight. With this attitude, we can’t play basketball. I don’t want to talk about pressure, but if you’re not 100 percent here, you cannot win. I can apologize to our people. Our attitude has to change. I’m happy to be part of this team. In five years, we’ll be gone. Talent can’t win you games in this type of tournament. I will take responsibility as a player,” the 33-year-old added.
