FOSHAN, China, Aug. 31 (Xinhua) -- Serbia's head coach Sasha Djordjevic kept a cool mindset about his team's lop-sided win over Angola in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 opener here on Saturday.
"It's a good start, but it's still a long way," Djordjevic told a press conference after Serbia crushed over Angola 105-59 in a Group D match.
Serbia outplayed Angola 32-7 in assists, shooting 13 three-pointers from 20 attempts.
"We play together, like to share the ball and pass, and have a lot of guys that are not selfish. It's a play mark of the Serbian basketball," said Djordjevic.
Serbia will face the Philippines in the second round. As for the upcoming opponents, Djordjevic commented, "We know how much pride they put in their game. We have to be ourselves and think about us first. Then there will not be any difference in approaching the game. We prepare each and every game in the same way."
Serbia top the FIBA Basketball World Cup Power Rankings ahead of the two-time defending champions the United States, who have witnessed the withdrawal of a pack of stars before the tournament.
"We know how to get where we want to be in the end. But we have to stay humble and focused, and get ready for the next practice and next game.
"As for the USA team, I do respect them a lot. They are the biggest favorites. Nonetheless they don't have some players, but they still have a great team, great players and the greatest coach," Djordjevic pointed out.