Matic Earns Opportunity with Serbia U23 3x3 National Team
Few players exemplify growth and development quite like Simona Matic. The 5'6" guard has worked tirelessly throughout her career with the Dalhousie Tigers, continually refining her skill set and evolving into a more complete player on both ends of the court. With each passing season, Matic has expanded her impact and become an increasingly important contributor to the program.
After shooting 32.8% from the field in her first season, Matic improved that mark to 35.2% by her third year, demonstrating greater confidence and efficiency offensively. Her progress from three-point range has been even more impressive, as she raised her shooting percentage from 13.5% as a rookie to an outstanding 36.8% in her third season. Those numbers are a testament to the countless hours she has invested in developing her game and becoming a more dangerous scoring threat.
Matic's commitment to continuous improvement has now earned her the opportunity to represent her home country of Serbia at an upcoming FIBA 3x3 tournament in Latvia. It is a well-deserved honour for a player whose dedication, perseverance, and growth have defined her time as a Tiger.
Interviewer (James Wise): Tell us a little bit about the training camp and the tournament.
Simona: I'm currently in Belgrade, which is home for me, but tomorrow I head to a preparation camp for Serbia's U23 3x3 national team.
The camp will take place in Novi Sad and run throughout the month of June. We will be training and preparing for two tournaments in July. There will be nine or ten players at camp, and six will ultimately be selected to represent Serbia in Latvia. Both tournaments will take place in Riga and will run for two to three days each.
Interviewer (James Wise): The tournament is 3x3 rather than 5-on-5. Can you talk about the differences between the two formats?
Simona: I've played 3x3 during Dalhousie practices and competed in a few tournaments in Serbia last summer. It's a completely different game. The rules are different, the style of play changes, and the pace is much faster.
It's also much more physical. Defensively, there isn't the same level of help coverage, and the tactics are different. Everything happens more quickly, so you have less time to make decisions. There is also no coach courtside during games, which means the players are responsible for making adjustments and decisions on their own. It's a very different challenge.
Interviewer (James Wise): What does it mean to represent Serbia?
Simona: It means a lot. I think every young athlete dreams of representing their country. Growing up, we watch athletes compete for Serbia—or other countries—at events like the Olympics and World Cup, and it's something you aspire to achieve.
Representing your national team is one of the highest honours in sport. I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity and excited for the chance to represent Serbia on the international stage.
Interviewer (James Wise): Is there anything you miss about Serbia during the school year? And now that you're home, is there anything you miss about Halifax?
Simona: When I'm in Canada, I definitely miss my family and the food back home. But when I'm in Belgrade, I miss my friends and teammates in Canada—and I miss my boyfriend. I also miss being busy. I enjoy the routine of basketball, school and work, and really appreciate having all those things together in one schedule.