Zouros: “The game against Jordan is important for the national team after Mitoglou’s injury”

She called her game very important National with Jordan, after the shock of his injury Dino MitoglouElias Zouros.

The Georgia coach spoke to EEC WebRadio and referred to his team’s maiden appearance in the final stage of the World Cup, to the favorites of the competition, as well as to the situation that must be managed by the whole Dimitris Itoudis.

The statements of Ilias Zouros in detail:

To adjust to Japan hosting Group F: “So far things are a little different compared to the situation that exists in the other two countries. Here they are very strict with the schedules. There are some situations that really surprise us, but that’s the process and that’s how people work. A typical example is that we are outside the training ground, there is no one inside, we have arrived 5 minutes early and until the time for the start of the training arrives, you are not allowed to enter. There are a few things that have made life a little difficult for teams. The Japanese, however, are very kind and approachable people. On the other hand, the stadium is very nice. We can’t wait for the Worlds to start, because it’s Georgia’s first participation and we hope to get the best results we can as a first-time country».

For Georgia’s first World Cup appearance: “It is a huge success in itself and it shows from all the events. For example, the President of the state will come and attend the games, several politicians from Georgia are coming, yesterday (24/08) the first arrivals started. A lot of importance is given to this event and it is a great success for us who are here. Of course, the issue also has to do with the health of the players. I hope at least, with as many players as are healthy, we can make a good start».

For tomorrow’s (26/08) Georgia’s opener against Cape Verde: “They are a team that plays in a different way to the European style and has one of the best tall players in Europe, Tavares. It is a particularly difficult game for us. The first match is against a completely different basketball. We are certainly looking forward to it, but there is always the anxiety of how the team will face the first game with completely different basketball than what they are used to. We hope to be good, play good defense, help the game and get our first World Championship win».

For the tournament favorite: “At this level there are no differences. There are teams that stand out, like Australia, Germany, France, USA, Serbia, Slovenia, either because they have very big NBAers, which means very great athleticism, or because they have players with a lot of experience. The Georgia National Team has 5 players from the local league and some other players who do not play in very high leagues. We have two NBAers, who are young and haven’t “formed” their basketball skills yet, they don’t have the experience of other players. It is difficult to predict anything or to anoint a team of favorites in a game. This can only be seen inside the stadium».

On his team’s “identity”: “First, all players must be present. There are some contingencies at the moment, which we cannot tell. The most important thing for us is to be competitive. We look at each game individually, it’s a great experience for all the players and the team, which has won big in the 7.5 years I’ve been here. On the other hand, you must constantly gain experience and improve. So the first thing we want is for the team to be competitive, try to be as tough as possible and make it through the first phase, which is not easy».

For the Greek National Team: “I think her first goal is to enter the tournament well, to win, to gain time and psychology, so that she can pass the first stage and enter the next. I think she will be competitive in all games. They are all kids who have basketball in them. All children will get the chance to fight more. A loss always adds more stubbornness and courage to others to fight for something more. Unfortunately, several players are missing, which would allow for more comfort during the tournament. I wish from the bottom of my heart that the National Team will advance as much as possible».

On how the absence of Dinos Mitoglou will affect the National Team: “Always when there is an absence and even at the last minute it is very difficult and bad for a team. I experienced it last year also with Georgia in the preparation for Eurobasket, where they had found a rhythm, started to play very well and one week before the tournament the captain, our best player, Sengelia, was injured. Greece begins its duties against Jordan, a team assembled. Despite all that, I think she won’t face much problem if she is serious in the defensive part, so that she can lay the foundations from the beginning and win. The first game after the shock of the injury is important. From there, it can be regrouped and prepared. The must-win game next is against New Zealand. Theoretically, you see the fight with the USA as lost. On the other hand, you have nothing to lose and it is a process that can only give you profits».