Can Luka Doncic switch from Slovenia to Serbia? FIBA nationality rules explained

Luka Doncic represents Team Slovenia as they try to make it to the Paris Summer Olympics. The Dallas Mavericks superstar has clarified that he enjoys playing for his country. Even after an exhausting NBA season, where he played in the NBA Finals, Doncic is trying to lead the squad to the big tournament.

Despite being born in Slovenia, Doncic could have played for a different team on the international stage. Doncic has Serbian heritage from his father's side, allowing him to play for Team Serbia, where other basketball stars like Nikola Jokic. Bogdan Bogdanovic, Boban Marjanovic and Milos Teodosic have played for the team.

Given that FIBA rules about nationality are strict, how would Doncic have been able to play for Serbia? Andreas Zagklis, the Secretary General of FIBA, reiterated last year that they will only allow one naturalized player per team, under certain circumstances.

"As a rule, the Central Board is clear: one naturalized player per team. This is the No. 1 principle that I do not see changing. And No. 2 -- the criteria for someone to get eligibility is clear: you have a passport, you are eligible. If you had a passport after the age of 16, we have to see if you had significant links with the country," he said.

"And if you didn't, then you fall under the naturalized category. It's a very difficult rule."

Nothing suggests that Doncic wants to play for Serbia, although Serbian fans chanted the opposite to Slovenian supporters during the 2024 UEFA Euro.

Luka Doncic said that winning gold medal with Slovenia would mean more than an NBA championship

In 2021, Luka Doncic played against Lithuania for the chance to play in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Before the game, he explained in a news conference what would mean more to him, winning an NBA championship or a gold medal with his national team.

"I'd say gold medal with Slovenia. You play for your country and that's something... but I wouldn't mind both," Doncic said.

Doncic beat Lithuania and advanced to the major tournament. Sadly, he won't make it this year after Giannis Antetokounmpo and Greece beat Slovenia today, 96-68, to get closer to Paris. Luka Doncic finished the game with 21 points, seven rebounds and five assists, which weren't enough to get past Giannis and company.