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Olympics: Can Serbia’s “Big Four” Shock the World And Win Gold Medal?

By Matthew Medley

Aug 19, 2016; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; The Serbia bench reacts in the game against Australia during the men's basketball semifinals in the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games at Carioca Arena 1. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 19, 2016; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; The Serbia bench reacts in the game against Australia during the men's basketball semifinals in the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games at Carioca Arena 1. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 7, 2016; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Serbia center Miroslav Raduljica (13) and Australia power forward Aron Baynes (12) battles for a loose ball during the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games at Olympic Aquatics Stadium. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports
Aug 7, 2016; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Serbia center Miroslav Raduljica (13) and Australia power forward Aron Baynes (12) battles for a loose ball during the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games at Olympic Aquatics Stadium. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports /

Miroslav Raduljica

The 29-year-old center is one of Serbia’s most consistent players and is among the most efficient scorers in Rio.

Raduljica has averaged 15.9 points per game over the tournament (seventh-highest in Rio) and is shooting 64 percent from the field, which leads all players.

He reached double-digit scoring in all seven games, but his personal numbers slightly regressed in Serbia’s last three wins. After scoring 16 points or more in each of Serbia’s first four games, he has scored between 10 and 12 in each of his last three.

However, Serbia is on a three-game win-streak and some of the reason for that is due to the fact that other stars have come to life. Raduljica was one of Serbia’s only consistent sources of offense early in the tournament.

The U.S. found out firsthand how the go-to scorer can affect the game, even against formidable opponents, as Raduljica put up 18 points in their preliminary round meeting.

Whenever Serbia is struggling to score, it can feed the big man down low, and the seven-footer has a soft touch near the rim.

Whether he’s throwing down dunks, using the glass or showing off some beautiful spin moves, Raduljica is certainly a player the U.S. will look to contain. He also is an above-average free-throw shooter, making 35-of-47 from the line (75 percent).

DeMarcus Cousins and DeAndre Jordan are a fearsome center tandem to say the least, but Raduljica will not back down and already knows he can score against them.

Next: Bogdanovic