During Slovenia’s first game with Australia Uroš Slokar had neck problems. Miha Zupan helped out playing a bit at position number 5, although he's more of a power-forward, but Alen Omić had to take most of the responsibility for playing at center position. He was in the starting five and successfully stood up to the Australian giant Aron Baynes, with whom he played together half of last year's season in Olimpija. The naturalized Slovenian player learned a lot from his Australian colleague while playing together for Olimpija Ljubljana. "I was happy when Jure put me in the starting five at the first game already. I'm satisfied with the minutes I get. Some things still have to be improved, especially in defense, and I have to be stronger when rebounding."
Omić then also played well against another powerful center, Mexican Gustavo Ayon. Until the end of the group stage he will also have to face his Lithuanian peer, center Jonas Valančiunas. However Omić is not rushing things and is taking it game by game: "I'm pleased, for it's nice to be winning. First we have to focus on the next two opponents and then we'll think about Lithuania. We know them well. I know Valančiunas especially well and I know what he can do. They also have Lavrinovič under the basket, so it will be tough."
Huge progress while playing national team basketball
This is the first national team campaign for the 22-year-old youngster, who came to Slovenia from Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina. This is his first ever appearance at a big tournament: "I wasn't nervous. I know in my head what I have to do and how I have to play. I'm giving my best. Even when we start watching videos I focus on my opponent and my position. I think I have made progress in this period spent with the national team. Coach Zdovc doesn't back down and we always work to the maximum. You can't relax, not even for a second. The rhythm is 100 percent all the time."
The 216 centimeters tall player is the only classic center Slovenia has. In his first two games at the world championship he averaged 9 points and 5 rebounds per game. He fit in well with his teammates, especially with the Dragić brothers, who fed him a few balls under the basket after nice pick'n'roll plays: "You can see that they're experienced and excellent players. Zoran and Goran are incredible. Goran plays in the NBA and it's so delightful to play with guys like that. And Zoran is also outstanding. They make it easier for you. They carry out their tasks so that when you get under the basket, all you have to do is lay it in."
Always wears a bracelet on his hand
After the match against Mexico, coach Jure Zdovc said he was woken up by few foolish stunts by Omić prior to the game. The basketball player made no comment on the issue, but said he welcomed the fact that under coach Zdovc they practice to the maximum without backing down: "When you practice for two hours, your thoughts can start flying away and you're not so focused anymore. Maybe sometimes I forget what I have to do. In situations like that a warning from the coach is most welcome. I know what our coach wants. It took me some time to find out, but now I know very well what coach Zdovc expects from us."
In the last two years Omić has been playing for Olimpija Ljubljana. He'll stay with the club next year as well, unless a really tempting offer comes along. His dream destination, as a big supporter of the Barcelona football club, would be the Catalan capital. He's already looking forward to play in Barcelona in the elimination stages of the tournament: "Of course I am coming back to Ljubljana, which is my home now. No, I really do enjoy playing for Olimpija. Ljubljana really is a nice place to live and play basketball in." He also added that he always wears a bracelet on his wrist, given to him by his grandmother. He never takes it off. He rather won't play if he would have to. That's why he always bandages it and hides it well. In Olimpija he wears jersey number 23, in honour of Michael Jordan. He's also a big fan of Lebron James, who also wore number 23. Omić is also a bit superstitious before games. If it's an early game, he takes a nap for 23 minutes, and if it's a late game, he takes a nap for 1 hour and 23 minutes.