Serbia shooting guard Bogdan Bogdanovic is looking forward to taking on the USA alongside his compatriots in an exhibition game in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, describing this American Olympic side as “one of the best teams ever”.
Serbia and the USA will square off twice in 11 days, first in the friendly at Etihad Arena and then again in pool play at the Olympics on July 28 in Lille.
The Serbs have a strong squad that features reigning NBA MVP Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets, Bogdanovic of the Atlanta Hawks, and Vasilije Micic of the Charlotte Hornets.
The World Cup silver medallists were in the stands watching the USA defeat Australia at Etihad Arena on Monday and Bogdanovic is excited to take on a star-studded American roster that includes LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Joel Embiid, Jayson Tatum and Anthony Edwards.
“This is going to be great for us definitely,” Bogdanovic said in Abu Dhabi.
“We are looking forward to playing against them. For sure one of the best teams ever that plays together. And I think it’s going to be great training for us. We cannot lose against them. Just playing against them is already a win.
“When you play against the best players in the world, you can only get better afterwards. It’s going to be a great game.”
Bogdanovic sees no disadvantages in the fact Serbia will be facing the USA so close to their Olympics showdown. He said Serbia don’t plan on keeping any cards too close to their chests when they square off on Wednesday.
“We know each other a lot, so I think everybody knows each other well. So nothing to hide there,” said the 31-year-old guard.
The Serbs are about one month into their preparations for the Olympics and Bogdanovic says the team's chemistry is building.
“We are working on it consistently. Now the fun part starts. Practices are over, we are looking forward to more games and entertainment,” he added.
USA only started their training camp 11 days ago and are using the five exhibition games they are scheduled to play by experimenting with their starting line-up.
The Americans won their first two friendlies, against Canada in Las Vegas last week, and Australia in Abu Dhabi on Monday, and will head to London for two more games after they take on Serbia in the UAE capital on Wednesday.
USA nearly squandered a 20-point lead against the Boomers on Monday, finishing the game with a narrow 98-92 victory after a sub-par final 15 minutes of play.
“We understand time is not on our side. We have to clean things up quickly,” said USA and Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker.
“Playing like we did in the second half today [Monday], end of the third quarter and the fourth quarter will not win us a gold medal.”
Head coach Steve Kerr is confident the team will be ready in time for their first game at the Olympics and says he will continue to tinker with his starting five until they get it right.
“We have time. We know what we’re doing. USA basketball has been doing this for a long time. Part of the challenge is we don’t have the continuity that a team like, say, Australia, has. They’re used to playing together,” explained Kerr.
“So that means we have to adapt and adjust pretty quickly in a couple of weeks. But obviously, we’ve got a tonne of talent and great character. Our guys are really fantastic teammates, they care for each other. But it takes a little time to become a team. We need a couple of more weeks but we’ll get there.”
USA 98 Australia 92 – in pictures
The Kites
Romain Gary
Penguin Modern Classics
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
How it works
Booklava works on a subscription model. On signing up you receive a free book as part of a 30-day-trial period, after which you pay US$9.99 (Dh36.70) per month to gain access to a library of books and discounts of up to 30 per cent on selected titles. You can cancel your subscription at any time. For more details go to www.booklava.com
5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai
Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:
• Dubai Marina
The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104
• Downtown
Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure. “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154
• City Walk
The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena. “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210
• Jumeirah Lake Towers
Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941
• Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152
The biog
Name: Mariam Ketait
Emirate: Dubai
Hobbies: I enjoy travelling, experiencing new things, painting, reading, flying, and the French language
Favourite quote: "Be the change you wish to see" - unknown
Favourite activity: Connecting with different cultures
About Karol Nawrocki
• Supports military aid for Ukraine, unlike other eurosceptic leaders, but he will oppose its membership in western alliances.
• A nationalist, his campaign slogan was Poland First. "Let's help others, but let's take care of our own citizens first," he said on social media in April.
• Cultivates tough-guy image, posting videos of himself at shooting ranges and in boxing rings.
• Met Donald Trump at the White House and received his backing.
Janet Yellen's Firsts
- In 2014, she became the first woman to lead the US Federal Reserve
- In 1999, she became the first female chair of the White House Council of Economic Advisers
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-finals, first leg
Liverpool v Roma
When: April 24, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Anfield, Liverpool
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 2, Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Thank You for Banking with Us
Director: Laila Abbas
Starring: Yasmine Al Massri, Clara Khoury, Kamel El Basha, Ashraf Barhoum
Rating: 4/5
Tuesday's fixtures
Kyrgyzstan v Qatar, 5.45pm
Results
ATP Dubai Championships on Monday (x indicates seed):
First round
Roger Federer (SUI x2) bt Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER) 6-4, 3-6, 6-1
Fernando Verdasco (ESP) bt Thomas Fabbiano (ITA) 3-6, 6-3, 6-2
Marton Fucsovics (HUN) bt Damir Dzumhur (BIH) 6-1, 7-6 (7/5)
Nikoloz Basilashvili (GEO) bt Karen Khachanov (RUS x4) 6-4, 6-1
Jan-Lennard Struff (GER) bt Milos Raonic (CAN x7) 6-4, 5-7, 6-4
How does ToTok work?
The calling app is available to download on Google Play and Apple App Store
To successfully install ToTok, users are asked to enter their phone number and then create a nickname.
The app then gives users the option add their existing phone contacts, allowing them to immediately contact people also using the application by video or voice call or via message.
Users can also invite other contacts to download ToTok to allow them to make contact through the app.
