By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
The Greek national team is in full EuroBasket preparation mode, with head coach Vassilis Spanoulis speaking at the Media Day about the team’s goals, the absences of key players, and the status of Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Greece will play its first preparation game this Wednesday against Belgium at OAKA.
“There’s great energy and willingness from all the guys,” Spanoulis said. “It’s very different from last year, when we played games without even practicing. This time, we’re moving at a better pace. The players worked on their own during the offseason and came in at a decent level. Now it’s all about practice, finding rhythm, and returning to a brand of basketball that I enjoy, and I believe the players enjoy too. That’s why we scheduled so many friendlies — to see where we’re good and where we need to improve.”
Spanoulis acknowledged the team is different from last year’s Olympic Qualifying squad:
“I wouldn’t say we’re wiser, but we are a different team. Last year we reached our ceiling — we were close to making the Olympic semifinals for the first time. This year we have changes, and my job is to get the best out of whoever is here. Not always what I envision, but what the players give me and are willing to follow.”
He commented on the absence of Georgios Papagiannis and Nikos Rogkavopoulos.
“I spoke with both players. They’re not here for personal reasons. I have nothing more to say. George has given a lot of summers to the national team. As for Rogkavopoulos, it’s his personal choice to miss two straight summers. You’d better ask him about that. I’m happy for those who are here — I prefer to talk about the present players. How many 23-year-olds do you know that don’t want to play for their national team? I don’t know any.”
Spanoulis also spoke about Tyler Dorsey and Thomas Walkup. The first one is now with the team, while Walkup played at Paris Olympics as a naturalized player.
“They’re different types of players, and I have to adjust the plan accordingly. Tyler is an excellent player, and we’re happy to have him with us.”
He also emphisized that “the national team belongs to everyone”.
“There are many games, and players are worn down, but when you play for the national team, you represent your country and your values. The national team doesn’t belong to Spanoulis, Sloukas, or Antetokounmpo — it belongs to all Greeks. If someone doesn’t feel that, they shouldn’t be here. They can rest or do something else.”
Spanoulis urged against overloading the team with pressure.
“Every summer we say, ‘Now is the time.’ Fifteen years have passed, and all we’ve done is add pressure and then say, ‘We didn’t make it again.’ I prefer to work hard, take it day by day, and when the time comes, play the right way and win.”
He confirmed that Giannis is following a specific plan.
“Giannis is following a program we agreed on to be in the best shape for EuroBasket.”
Greek national team head coach also touched on the upcoming friendly against Belgium.
“We’ll rotate the players; they’re a bit fatigued — it’s normal in preseason. We can’t expect everyone to be in top shape. We’ll see a lot of mistakes, but that’s how we improve.”
Greece’s Group at EuroBasket (Group C, Limassol):
August 28: vs. Italy
August 30: vs. Cyprus
August 31: vs. Georgia
September 2: vs. Bosnia & Herzegovina
September 4: vs. Spain