By Dimitris Minaretzis/ info@eurohoops.net
With Cyprus hosting Group C of the EuroBasket 2025 in Limassol, between August 28 and September 4, Darral Willis of Aris Midea will remain on the roster, covering the available spot for one naturalized player. The plan to instead feature Moses Wright fell through.
The Cyprus Basketball Federation announced the decision on Thursday.
“The selection of Darral Willis was made based on many criteria. He is a player whom I know personally, since we have worked together in the past,” said head coach Christophoros Livadiotis, “He played with us last year, and his help was huge. He adapted easily, as he had previously played alongside several of the other players.”
The connection between the Wisconsin native and Cyprus extends from five caps during the Qualifiers of EuroBasket 2025 to the top of his professional career and joining Keravnos in the 2018-19 season.
In the next assignment, the 29-year-old forward/center will enter training camp on July 25, at the bottom end of preparations. He will suit up for the friendly games of the ECOMMBX Cup on August 9 and 10, against Israel and Serbia.
Moving into official matchups and the first-ever showing of Cyprus in the EuroBasket, the schedule features Bosnia-Herzegovina on August 28, Greece on August 30, Spain on August 31, Georgia on September 2, and Italy on September 4.
Similar to the three remaining preliminary groups, the top four seeds will advance to the knockout stage, to be played in Riga between September 6 and 14.