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National Teams 23.06.2009, 09:55 Redazione Sportando - E. Carchia 0

Emir Preldzic to remain Slovenian after FIBA rejects his appeal

The player cannot play for Slovenia

Recently Emir Preldzic (206-F-87, agency: Beo Basket) has applied to FIBA with the request of becoming Bosnia and Herzegovina International. Preldzic grew up in Slovenia and was a member of their National Team throughout all younger categories. Still recently he was called by both, Slovenia and Bosnia to play for their national team and it seemed that Preldzic has chosen Bosnia. When it all seemed to be done deal, with only confirmation from FIBA being waited on, new twist happened. FIBA has rejected application from Bosnian Federation for Preldzic to receive back Bosnian citizenship so that he could play for them. One of the reasons cited was that Slovenian Basketball Federation did not give the approval for such action. So for the time being it seems Preldzic will remain naturalized Slovenian international. Whether he will ever play for Slovenian remains highly doubtful, given the fact he has stated on numerous occasions he will only play for Bosnia. One thing remains certain however and that is the Prelidzic will definitely miss this year's European Championship. He is in a need of rest after long season in Euroleague and TBL with Fenerbahce.
Emir Preldzic started his career with Celik Zenica. He moved to Slovenia where he played for Triglav Kranj and Geoplin Slovan in Slovenia. In 2007, he signed with Fenerbahce in Turkey, where he is currently playing. This year, Preldzic appeared in 40 games averaging 8.8 ppg, 4.5 rpg and 3.5 apg while shooting 55.6 % from the field.   

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