Stamolambrou: “It doesn’t change anything for us that we have already qualified for Eurobasket”

Qualification may be assured as Greece will be one of the host countries, however Anna-Niki Stamolamprou stresses that the Women’s National Team will give everything for the best possible results in the qualifying matches, as the capacity groups will also be decided : “The national team gathered again and the emotions are joy and impatience. Despite the qualification we have secured as organizers of EuroBasket 2025, nothing changes for us in terms of competitive readiness. We will look to make wins, which are important for the capacity groups in the draw of the final phase of Eurobasket».

The international guard points out that window games are an opportunity for the Women’s National Team to add extra elements to their game: “Windows are always special. Most of the gymnasts have come from competitions for Europe and domestic championships and we are burdened. The truth is that since the summer we have laid the foundations of our game and now we are trying to add some touches».

The end of the qualifiers will automatically bring Greece into the final stage with Stamolambrou seeing this as a great opportunity. “Competing for your country is an honor in itself. We are talking about an event that will be held in more than a year and a half and all the gymnasts will work and fight for a place in the 12th. Of course, the fact that the Eurobasket will take place in Greece is special. We want to benefit and the main thing is to promote women’s basketball in our country».

The premiere of the obligations in these qualifiers brings Italy as the first opponent for Greece: “It is a difficult game for us against a strong team with its own path in European basketball. We played a friendly in the summer, while coach Prekas, who has been working in Italy for the last few years, has a complete picture of our opponents. There is a change of coach in Italy and I think their team will present itself differently in relation to Eurobasket. Let’s go try what the coach has prepared for us and measure our strength. The fact that we have qualified as one of the host countries will give us the opportunity to test, but in no case will we be indifferent. On the contrary, the motivation is great, as a high position in the Group will give us a better ranking for the draw».