By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
EuroBasket 2025 is just under three weeks away, and national teams across Europe are deep into their preparations.
The Estonian national team gathered on July 7 and has already taken important steps toward getting into the desired shape for the tournament. They are set to compete in Group A, which will be played in Riga, alongside hosts Latvia, Serbia, Turkey, Czechia, and Portugal.
One of Estonia’s leaders, Kristian Kullamäe, who recently won the FIBA Europe Cup with Bilbao Basket and returned to Lietkabelis Panevėžys this summer, spoke to Meridian Sport about the team’s preparation and the challenges ahead.
“Our preparation is going well. The first weeks were focused on physical condition, and now we’re getting into real basketball shape. Everybody is healthy and hopefully it stays that way until EuroBasket. That’s the most important thing — to come into such a tournament healthy and in good condition,” the 26-year-old guard said.
Three years ago, Estonia made a strong impression at EuroBasket, beating Great Britain convincingly and coming close to upsetting both Croatia and Ukraine.
“We played solid games, but unfortunately finished with only one win. I think we lacked experience at the time — and also a bit of luck. Now some time has passed, our main players are more experienced, and I hope we’ve learned from our mistakes and can turn things around this time.”
Despite a tough draw, Kullamäe believes Estonia has a real shot at reaching the second round.
“Obviously, Serbia is the favorite of the group — probably of the whole tournament. If you look at the names they have, it’s clear why. Latvia at home and Turkey will also be really, really tough teams. Portugal, Czechia, and Estonia will probably fight for the last spot to get through.
There’s still some time before the tournament to build chemistry, but our goal is to get through the group phase. I think it’s possible.”
Estonia will face elite talent like Nikola Jokić, Bogdan Bogdanović, and Vasilije Micić from Serbia, Alperen Şengün and Cedi Osman from Turkey, and Kristaps Porziņģis from Latvia.
“The challenge is there. Not many players get to face that kind of talent. It will definitely be an exciting moment when the game against Serbia starts. You have to embrace it and enjoy the challenge.”
While many national teams opt to naturalize players for big tournaments, Estonia continues to rely on its homegrown talent.
“Yeah, I think it’s something we can be proud of. To play only with the guys you grew up with means so much more. That’s why the fans care more — they’ve seen the players from the early days and how they’ve matured. It feels more like family. That’s just my opinion.”
In addition to Kullamäe, head coach Heiko Rannula has gathered the following players on Estonia’s preliminary roster:
Rasmus Andre, Leemet Böckler, Henri Drell, Kregor Hermet, Gregor Ilves, Janari Jõesaar, Mikk Jurkatamm, Artur Konontsuk, Maik-Kalev Kotsar, Kerr Kriisa, Gregor Kuuba, Siim-Markus Post, Sander Raieste, Joonas Riismaa, Mart Rosenthal, Kasper Suurorg, Matthias Tass, Kaspar Treier, Hugo Toom, Henri Veesaar, and Siim-Sander Vene.
On August 5 and August 7, they will face Israel and Georgia in friendly matches in Riga, respectively. They will then face Sweden in Stockholm on August 20. The friendly matches will conclude on August 22 in Tallinn, when Estonia will host Great Britain in front of their home crowd.