Her coach National basketball of Greece, Vassilis Spanoulis talked about the start of Eurobasket And it was fun for the last time the “blue whites” was in the first step of the podium.
Shortly before the first jumper for Eurobasket, Vassilis Spanoulis appeared optimistic about the course of his team and … bowed to the humility of Greek national basketball leader Yiannis Antetokounbos.
Spanoulis’ statements
For this year’s tournament: “We had a steady preparation. We know our advantages and disadvantages, what team we are. I’m optimistic about Eurobasket. “
For the premiere: “Italy is a very good team, it has been playing together for years. We know them and they know us. We recently played a friendly. We will prepare. For me the premiere is always difficult. I am confident about the team, I like my players and my roster. We will be ready. “
For the tournament he won as a player 20 years ago: “I first think that I had hair then! It was incredible moments, we took millions of Greeks on the streets. Now we want to pursue our dreams again, to make our people proud. Everything is possible in such a tournament, but we want to go step by step. We are just thinking about the match with Italy. “
For how difficult this year’s Eurobasket is: “Every year we say that an event is more difficult. Every event has its difficulties. This was also the case at the Olympics. Basketball changes, everyone is pushing more, they are more athletic. As a team, we have to prepare for this game. We will be ready. “
For the match with Italy: “I see many say that we are playing the final in the first match. It’s not a final. It is important, but not the final. We don’t want to put pressure on. All matches are important to us and you don’t know what will happen. We want to go to the “16” and then we’ll see what happens. Who knows couples? Tomorrow is the match with Italy. John will play as much as I want to play. We are in official games without restrictions. “
For Giannis Antetokounbos: “From last year I see that he is very humble, given what player he is. It is too humble outside the parquet. In the parquet he wants to win. He wants to get the team to another level with his teammates. It’s good with everyone. He listens, but also leads. It’s unique. I’m glad we’re all here together. “
For the different basketball that Greece was playing in the previous summers: “We need to improve things from friendly. Like duration, automation, defense details. We have children who can run, play defense, shoot, create. We have very good chemistry, we have a star. I trust the kids and I am confident about the races. “
For the national team’s scoring rates behind 6.75 meters: “I don’t need to prepare them, they are ready, they have a vast experience. Papanikolaou was small 13 years ago and did not miss a shot on the Final Four. Now he is even more ready to put them. We have players ready, with a big heart, not to say anything else … I think we are ready to put big shots. But in order to put them on, we have to be good, confident. Nationals are more than tactic. “