Kanzouris: “Our team is moving towards the character we want to impose”

The direct partner of Vassilis Spanoulis in the Men’s National Team, Elias Kanzouris, spoke about the team’s playing situation ten days before the Olympic Games jumbo. At the same time, he praised the atmosphere in the friendly with Puerto Rico, referred to the minor injury problems that exist and the philosophy of the “official favorite”. He spoke in detail on EEC Web Radio:

For yesterday’s (16/07) friendly against Puerto Rico: “I think there are different things that we need to see from yesterday’s game. The most important thing is the presence of the crowd in Thessaloniki, which positively surprised all the members of the national team. It was something very beautiful. There was a very nice atmosphere, with children, with families. In terms of competition, it was a very useful match. Puerto Rico is a very good and dangerous team, they gave us a hard time, they have very good guards, who have a lot of talent. The results he had with Italy and Lithuania in the Pre-Olympics are no accident. Due to the absence of some of our very important players, we had to readjust some things basketball-wise. There are things we need to keep and fix, especially in attack. It is important, however, that the team moves in the character and DNA that we want to impose, that it can win even when it is not playing well. We made a very important turnover in the last quarter, we made very important defenses. It is something very good and positive, which we must keep for our next obligations”.

For players coming off the bench to come forward: “The most important thing in the national teams is that the players accept their role so that the coaches can give the right chemistry to the team. All the children have shown that they want to be members of the National Team, they give 100%. It is very important that everyone puts themselves in the shoes of their role and tries every time they enter the field to be able to give the things that we have asked of them.”

Regarding the injury of Vassilis Toliopoulos: “We said before the game that the primary goal is for everyone to be healthy. We have some minor issues, but I don’t think it’s anything serious. The kids have a lot of will and I think we’ll all be there when the games start.”

On whether they will change anything in view of the Olympic Games: “We don’t have much to add yet. There will definitely be some things that in the last few days we will want to fix, add or adjust. What we are interested in is what we are doing so far to do even better. We are going to a tournament with three very good teams. The details will make the difference and on this path we will have to focus on the last training sessions before the start of the Olympic Games.”

On whether Puerto Rico’s style of play is similar to Australia and Canada: “I wouldn’t say it’s that much like Australia. Australia is a team that plays very physical, with bodies, with guys whose speed of play and execution is quite high. Canada in terms of regionals offensive talent is a similar team, they just have more depth. We must not forget that Puerto Rico also beat Italy and Lithuania. All teams are very strong, each has its own style. We have to go there and try to impose our own style of play. This is the “key”. Let’s play very good and tough defense and in the midst of that we should be able to find baskets in the surprise and in general rhythm in the attack. In all the matches we have played well and won, this was the way the national team was able to reach its goal and we don’t need to change many things”.