THE Nick Calathes returned to National team ready to contribute as much as possible so that Greece gets the ticket that will lead it to the Olympic Games. The Monaco guard’s interview in detail on the EEC website:
Being with your teammates in the Men’s National Team is always a very pleasant moment for you. What are your first thoughts on your return to the team and how are you looking forward to the matches of the Pre-Olympic Tournament?
“It is always an honor to play for the National team. Last summer I was unable to be with her due to an injury. But now I am here, I have the opportunity to represent the country and of course, I am very happy to be with the children again. I’m excited. For me every summer is important. I know that we have not achieved the presence of the team in the Olympic Games for several years. So the fact that I have the opportunity to play in the Pre-Olympic tournament and hope for our presence in the event, for me, is amazing.”
Claiming the ticket that will put you on the plane to Paris is a very big challenge for everyone. What are you thinking two weeks before the start of the Pre-Olympic Tournament?
“For sure it will be very difficult because the games are odd and their result will decide whether you will go to the Olympics or your home. What the team needs this season is for everyone to be healthy and play the best basketball we can at the right time. Indeed, it is a great challenge. We have to face very good teams and we will be playing in front of our fans, who will be a huge support for us. Their presence is important. They give us the boost we need and we can’t wait to compete in front of them.”
At this moment you are all at the disposal of the technical team, together with Giannis Antetokounmpo. How much does it help you in your preparation?
“It’s great that Giannis is here and that everyone in the team is healthy. It’s a big push to play the best basketball we can and present our best selves.”
And the presence of Vassilis Spanoulis on the bench of the Men’s National Team? He is a new coach with an important mission.
“The coach may be a new coach but he has a lot of passion. She has been a player, she has competed with the National team, so she knows very well what it means for an athlete to wear her shirt. He has gone through this process, and that is a very big advantage. He has a great feel for the game. I always say that players who have played basketball at the highest level make great coaches. I believe that coach Spanoulis will be one of them in the future. After all, if you watch the training sessions, you will see the energy he brings, which he also transmits to us.”
Tonight (21/6, 20.00) the team will play the first friendly match against opponents Poland and will follow the “Aegean Acropolis” tournament, where the task for you will be to “tie” in a short time.
“Yes, it is very important to give great importance to every friendly match we play. Let’s have the highest possible performance and find each other’s rhythm.”
Participating in the Olympic Games is a very big goal for all athletes. Are you looking forward to experiencing such a moment with the team?
“There are not too many athletes who can say that they have taken part in the Olympic Games. I am looking forward to the effort we will make and the matches we will play in Athens”.
Source: Sport Fm
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