At the current EuroBasket, Slovenia's captain Luka Doncic stands out not only for his stat lines but also for unprecedented security measures: a personal bodyguard stays with him at all times. According to BasketNews, this is the only such case at the tournament — and it instantly became a talking point among fans and the media.
Security as Part of the Game-Day Routine
On game days the bodyguard accompanies Doncic literally from the arena tunnel to the locker room, does not step away during pregame warm-ups, and is present at open practice sessions. This is not just "a person nearby" — it's part of an established protocol designed to handle the high density of attention around the tournament's star.
Mixed Zone Under Watch
In the mixed zone, where interviews and flash interviews take place, the guard keeps within arm's length: he monitors the passageways, controls the space around the player, and helps maintain a working rhythm with the media without unnecessary crowding.
Off the Court: Hotel, Fan Activities, and Autographs
Reporters note the guard is visible beyond the arenas as well: at the team hotel and in the surrounding areas. When fans approach Doncic for an autograph or photo, he is the one who sets up a safe interaction path — so the player's recovery and preparation routine for the next games is not disrupted. The topic has already spread across social media and made international news roundups.
The Player's Position
Doncic declined to answer direct questions about the reasons for the enhanced security. Silence is a signal, too: amid intense interest in the national team's top star, security details are discussed reluctantly and handled "within the team."
What It Means for the Tournament
EuroBasket traditionally draws sell-out crowds and marquee stars, which means the risks — from overzealous fans to organizational hiccups — are above average. The personal protection system in Doncic's case is not a whim but an adaptation to reality: a balance between public accessibility and the strict regimen of an elite athlete in the thick of competition.
