Someone has to, and they will...

If you compare the Serbian national basketball team roster that, for instance, played in the EuroBasket Round of 16 against Finland last year, with the one that tonight, in Pinar, outplayed Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup qualifiers, you'll find only three similarities: Nikola Jokić, Nikola Jović, and Aleksa Avramović.

All other players in those two games are completely different. In this final window of the first qualification round, where Serbia defeated both Switzerland and Bosnia and Herzegovina, there was no Gudurić, Petrušev, Bogdanović, Dobrić, Marinković, Micić, Milutinov, or Vukčević (due to injuries, overly long and demanding club seasons, and perhaps even coach Alimpijević's desire to inject some fresh blood into the national team and assess future prospects). Instead, their spots were filled by second-stringers, players who don't typically get opportunities on the biggest stages.

And every single one of them delivered a phenomenal performance. Both in the clash against the Swiss and tonight, against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Naturally, Nikola Jokić and Nikola Jović were the team's driving forces, playing exactly as we've come to expect from them on NBA courts (combining for 52 points). However, credit must also go to the others, who did a tremendous amount of dirty work.

Stefan Momirov and Jovan Novak, for example, constantly pressured the Bosnian and Herzegovinian players, being aggressive on rebounds and ball handling, thereby significantly stifling the opponent's offensive production. Nikola Đurišić also stood out with a solid scoring performance (16 points), but generally, everyone, like true soldiers of the national team, unquestioningly executed the tasks assigned by coach Dušan Alimpijević. Player egos, dissatisfaction with playing time, or seeking individual spotlight – none of that was evident.

It's clear that one of Dušan Alimpijević's primary missions when he took over the Eagles' bench was to continue fostering the unity and warrior-like discipline that have characterized this national team for years. And so far, he's succeeding exceptionally well.

They might not be at major tournaments, but their contribution in the qualifiers should never be overlooked. Because when the mainstays and key players are unavailable, they are always there. Regardless of the season, whether the club season is over or in full swing. After all, if it weren't for them – and by "them," we don't just mean the group of guys who defended the national jersey in this cycle, but all those who have stepped in when needed over the years – how would Serbia even play in major tournaments?

As the song goes... "Someone has to, so I will."

They will.

VIDEO Jokić full of pride before Bosnia and Herzegovina: "It's my first time as captain..."