How to Stop Jokic? Italians Have a Plan: "He Mustn't Get the Ball, and When He Does – Hit Him!"

In that game, Jokic dominated with 32 points and 13 rebounds, shooting 57% from the field. Although Gianmarco Pozzecco was the "Azzurri" coach, his advisor Carlo Recalcati, the man who brought Italy its last medals in 2003 and 2004, played a crucial role in preparation.

When asked how to stop Jokic, Recalcati responds that it's impossible, but his impact can be limited.

"You can't even think about stopping him, but you can limit him. We applied a similar plan against Antetokounmpo. Although they are different players, the dynamic is the same. Both often handle the ball, so the first instruction was to prevent transition. As soon as we lost possession, all five players had to immediately get back behind the ball so the opponent would attack a set defense," explains Recalcati.

That was just the beginning of the strategy.

"Then you have to attack him. Melli knows this perfectly; that's exactly what he did: he finished the game with 18 shots, a number he usually takes in two or three games. It's not in his nature, but it was necessary to challenge him."

The experienced coach continues with the plan's details.

"You have to force them into turnovers, double-team them, especially when they put the ball on the floor. Also, you have to be better on offense and try to shoot with better percentages. Spissu was outstanding there (22 points, six threes). You must not turn the ball over, or at least as little as possible. That way, you can compensate for their expected higher number of rebounds, as they are physically more dominant."

And what about the dilemma of letting Jokic score to prevent him from setting up teammates?

"You can't let him do the same thing over and over. If you decide to let him score and guard the others, he'll drop 50 points instead of 30. Instead of 20 free throws, he'll have 30. There has to be a balance. You have to limit the other players too. The most important thing is that they always play against a tough, set defense."

Recalcati emphasizes that Serbia is not a one-man team.

"You have to play in transition, be less static, and use your strengths. If you convert that transition into more shots with few turnovers, then you can hope to reduce the difference Serbia will create with their physical strength under the basket."

Nicolo Melli, one of the key defensive players, shares a similar sentiment.

"We must be maximally physically tough, ensure he receives as few balls as possible, and when he does get it, make him seriously struggle, attack him, hit him. On offense, we must run and keep him busy on both ends of the court. That's what all teams try to do."

Current coach Luca Banchi concludes that a team effort is needed.

"We have certain solutions, regardless of who will be his direct defender. A team effort is needed. Besides his scoring abilities, he is known for fantastically setting up his team. Serbia is a very good team, especially when he inspires them. We must be careful and pay attention to defensive setups. It's possible that both Jokic and Milutinov will be on the court together. I wouldn't say Serbia is a one-man team. It's serious teamwork."