Hugaz: “The Czech Republic relies a lot on its shooting, Veseli’s absence is crucial”

THE National team of Greece begins his obligations for his qualifications Eurobasket 2025 and confronts her Czech republic on Friday (23/2, 21:00) at SEF.

In an analysis of the first opponent of the “blue and white” team, Mr Chris Hugaswho coached two teams in Czech republic and has more general contacts with the country’s basketball and its national team.

In detail what he said on the EOK WebRadio “Live Replay” show:

For the Czech Republic: “Czechs in general are a people who love basketball. Physiologically, they are tall and strong bodies, esteemed players and very hard workers. They have made a team that has a base with homogeneity, because they have been playing together for many years, yet the coach is new. They always put in “new blood” and with this perspective I went to the historical team in Prague at the time, with the aim of getting new kids. There is a whole support mechanism for this process.”

For Audrey Senal who himself first introduced it in Prague: “Then I had put in for the first time in his 20s and, in fact, after a major injury that had left him out for 1 year, Audrey Senal, a child with tremendous physical and mental qualities. He had really played amazingly since the first year and became a key member of his National Team and I am very happy about that. He is a tall kid, who can mark all positions because he is very strong, he is an “ace” who also goes to “2”. I think the Czech Republic can play with Satoransky and Senal, that is, with two operators. He has great confidence, a very good shot, he is a good defender. I don’t know if they are among the first choices, because they really have a lot of experienced guys. Also there is Samoura, a young kid who when I was in Prague was in the teenage team. He is also very talented. Everything in the Czech Republic is moving according to plan.”

On the absence of Jan Vesely: “There is Balvin, there is Auda, there are bodies in general, but it is definitely not Veseli. It is very important for the Czech Republic that the duo of Satoransky-Veseli are with their eyes closed, so they will also miss this partnership.”

What the National Team should pay attention to: “In terms of their offense, they rely too much on shooting. We have to pay attention to their homogeneity-based automation and offensive rebounding, because they are big bodies. They want to run, but they also like organized play.”

On whether the presence of Spanoulis on the bench of the National team is an inspiration for the players to give that little bit more: “Inspiration is the most important part as far as the coach is concerned, to be able to give the motivation. Surely Spanoulis will give it and will be able to “marry” it with modern basketball. Along with the motivation and memories he has, he will be able to pass that passion and motivation on to the players as well. It’s clearly not enough on its own, so I believe he will have the support to pass what he wants.”