Slovenia will be glued to TV screens tomorrow when a new European basketball champion is being determined in Istanbul, the newspaper notes in Saturday's front-page commentary.

Given that basketball masters Goran Dragić, Luka Dončić and other players have triggered one of the biggest exoduses of fans since independence, the Sinan Erdem Arena will also be coloured in Slovenian colours.

"Delo" nevertheless notes that the biggest pilgrimage of Slovenian fans happened in 2000, when 10,000 Slovenian football fans flooded Amsterdam's Dam Square.

But the basketball explosion proves that Slovenians still love the ball and the ball increasingly loves them-"Delo"  lists Slovenia's success in team sports from the past four years noting that they inspire happiness at the same time giving some a reason for envy.

"In the most popular team sports, Slovenia is one of the most diversified (super)powers."

The hockey team was seventh at the 2014 Olympics and secured another Olympic appearance last year.

The volleyball team won silver at the European Championships in 2015 and the handball team secured bronze at the World Championships this year.

The football team has not advanced to a major competition since 2010, but Maribor this year qualified for the Champions League for the second time in four years.

Judging by these achievements, Slovenia is outperformed only by the EU's leading powers France and Germany, while there is no match for it in the region.

Old discussions about whether the Slovenians are solo or team players are now obsolete, and so are the traumas that the Slovenians have a defeatist attitude.

"Given the money invested in them and a small poll of players, our athletes are simply exceptional and top-notch."

"Let's enjoy this unrepeatable moment. "It will be no miracle if the already secured silver turns gold tomorrow."