Jaric happy to be back

Jaric, who missed on the FIBA World Championship last year after a disappointing 2005 EuroBasket, will make his first appearance for new coach Zoran Slavnic at the 2007 edition of the tournament in Spain later this year.

And the 28-year-old is delighted to have found himself back in the international fold and strongly believes Serbia can do well despite having been drawn with defending champions Greece.

"It is great to be back," Jaric told FIBA's official website. "I wasn't called last year for Japan, and I wasn't even sure if there was a call, but I'm really glad I'm here once again.

"It will be a great task for all of us, as many teams will come to Spain with high ambitions. We will have the same attitude.

"It won't be easy, one game can send you to the top or send you home, but we'll do our best to fulfil the expectations of our nation."

Along with Greece, Serbia will contest Group A with Russia and the eventual winners of the qualifying tournament.

EuroBasket begins on 3 September.