Walkup: “I feel great to be in the National Team, when I hear the National Anthem it means a lot to me”

Her national team Czech Republic will face Friday (23/2, 21:00) at SEF and in its premiere for EuroBasket 2025 qualifiers the National us!

Ahead of the match, Mr Thomas Walkup he talked about how important it is for him to wear the blue and white, he expressed his satisfaction that FIBA ​​and EuroLeague seem to be on the same page when it comes to the “windows” of the national teams, and he also mentioned the goal of winning a medal!

What he said in detail



About Spanoulis’ speech: “What I would like to say is that I feel very grateful to be here. What he said, about the honor you have to wear this jersey and all the rest, put me in a very emotional state. Of course, my case is different from other children. I am given opportunities to live experiences that many children will never live. And for that I am very grateful. From the first moment I was called to the National team. The coach’s words were emotional for me. When I listen to the National Anthem it means a lot to me because I experience great things, such as the bonding with the other children that otherwise I would not have been able to build. It’s an opportunity for me to be part of a situation that’s really special”.

About the break of the National teams and the fact that the Euroleague players will play in the “windows”: “This break is good. For a lot of kids who don’t play in the National teams it’s a chance to take a breather, but at the same time personally I feel great to be here. I wouldn’t want to be on the other side of the players just resting. It’s a wonderful change to the routine we have every day with our teams. It’s a completely different feeling. You play for something different. It’s great that everyone is on the same page (including FIBA ​​and Euroleague) and even though I know it’s difficult, I’d like it to happen even more often. It would be nice to have two holidays during the season, in order for FIBA ​​to achieve its goals, as long as there is high quality. At the same time, we would also have some breaks within a season that lasts 10 months for some guys who will then return to 200%”.

For the “windows” process: “I don’t think it matters what I think about windows to be honest. I’m always happy and if they told me they needed me to train on a day off, I’d say: “Sure, I’ll come.” I love to play basketball. When I finish my career and look back I wouldn’t want it to cross my mind that… “My brother, you played in one window, you didn’t play in the other, you could have played in more matches in your career”. Basketball is such a great experience, it’s a shame to limit yourself and reduce the number of games you’ll play in your life. This is a tragedy. And of course, it’s good to rest, get your body back in good shape, etc., but an opportunity to play basketball is an opportunity to play basketball. And none of us should take this for granted.”

For the world’s connection with the National team: “The truth is that clearly these matches give the players and the National team the opportunity to create bonds with the world. If you think about it, in Olympiakos you play for some millions of people out of the 10 that this country has. But when you play with the national team, you play for people who are not fans and maybe they are not even crazy about basketball. They are not fans, they are ordinary people! You play for everyone. You represent a much larger number of people. And for that there is great pride when you play for the National team. You represent something much bigger”.

On whether he has had time to feel that there are unfulfilled goals: “Yes there is. A medal. This is what we discussed last summer. And this year, the Olympic Games are the greatest sporting scene we can find. And when I think about this, my mind goes to my friends and family who were there when they found out that I was getting the Greek passport, the first, but the first thing they asked me was: “So you can play in the Olympics?”. And of course I answered: “Yes, that’s it. That’s exactly it.” They didn’t feel bothered at all when I informed them that I will get the Greek passport. And that happened because they knew how much I love being here. Maybe things would have been different if I had told them I was going to get some random passport. Then they would probably ask me… “Ok, but why?”. In the case of Greece, everyone understood. They know I love being here, they know I will come back to this country to live the rest of my life. So my decision was a step forward for everyone”.