By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
The EuroBasket 2022 is a big deal and it always has been in Europe. However, with European players becoming global superstars, as FIBA secretary general Andreas Zagklis said, more and more fans from all around the world are watching.
Due to the tradition of the event, dating back to 1935, and to the level of playing, which includes names like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic, and Nikola Jokic, this is a must-see tournament for every basketball fan all over the world.
So if you are new to this, we have some basic questions answered for you.
– Why is Eurobasket 2022 such a big deal?
The top 24 teams in Europe are playing for the trophy and that should be enough. The names mentioned above also help. In total, 35 NBA players will suit up for their national teams. Plus, due to the COVID pandemic, it’s been five years since the previous Eurobasket which was held in 2017. That makes this year’s event a landmark and there’s also a big change in FIBA global calendar.
From 1935 until 2017, we had one Eurobasket tournament every two years. From now on, Eurobasket tournaments will be played once every four years under the new FIBA competition four-year cycle. So, the 2022 edition is already a historic event.
– Where can I watch the games?
Depends on which country you are living in. The games are televised pretty much all over the world. Since this question frequently comes from the US, you would be happy to know that ESPN+ has the rights. Also, no matter where you live, there’s also the option of FIBA’s streaming service “Courtside1891”.
– Why the rules are different than the NBA?
Cause FIBA, the International basketball federation, has a different set of rules. There are some variations on how the game is called, some of them are not that important – there’s no “flagrant foul”, but there’s an “unsportsmanlike foul”, which despite its differences, essentially is the same – but others are totally changing the game.
The rule of basket interference is totally different. In FIBA rules you can push the ball out of the basket after it has hit the rim without real worries about the ball being over the rim’s cylinder. Plus there are no defensive three seconds, making zone defenses a lot more functional and easier for opponents to pack the paint against players like Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Last but not least, the three-point line is shorter at an arc radius of 6.75 meters (22.1 ft), and the court is also a little bit smaller. In the National Basketball Association (NBA), the court is 28.7 by 15.2 m (94 by 50 feet). In FIBA games, the court is measuring 28 by 15 meters (91.9 by 49.2 ft).
– Why the games are shorter?
That’s also part of the FIBA rules. Each quarter has a duration of 10 minutes, plus there are fewer timeouts available. Just two in the first half, three in the second half (but only two in the last two minutes of the fourth period), plus one timeout per overtime. They have always a duration of 60 seconds and they are never carried over.
– Which country is the host?
Eurobasket 2022 is co-hosted by Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic, and Georgia. To be more specific the group phase will be held in Tbilisi (Georgia), Milan (Italy), Prague (Czech Republic), and Cologne (Germany). The top four teams of each group will travel to Berlin, Germany, for the final phase. More details on the format and schedule can be found here.
– Why the event is held in four different countries?
For the long answer, check FIBA secretary general Andreas Zagklis’ interview. Speaking practically, it’s a financially successful model, which helps spread the interest of fans around Europe, plus the distances around the continent are short. The biggest flight involved in the tournament is the one from Tbilisi to Berlin, which is four and a half hours.
– Why are US players competing in the event?
Technically they are not US players, they are naturalized players. One is allowed per country, there’s an ongoing debate about this FIBA rule and it’s an issue that FIBA secretary general Andreas Zagklis’ already addressed.
– Why Latvia and Porzingis are not playing?
You have to win your spot for all major FIBA tournaments, including the FIBA World Cup, via the qualifiers, commonly known as “FIBA Windows”. Latvia couldn’t make it this time.
– Why do the coaches ask their players to foul when they are leading by three in the closing seconds and they don’t play defense?
Cause this is how we do things in Europe. And if you don’t foul and your opponent hits a three, then expect a mob from local fans and journalists, especially when the national team is involved.
– Is it more important for an NBA player to win the Eurobasket title than a ring?
Sometimes it’s just a matter of personal taste, but in general, when you are representing your country, winning feels different and first and foremost makes your fellow countrymen feel different about you.
For example, winning a Eurobasket title with France has been haunting Tony Parker for years. He had already won three NBA rings with the Spurs until 2007, but he kept pushing for a trophy with France until finally, he won Eurobasket gold in 2013.