Misiakos: “The presence of Diamantidis in the Children’s National Team is a divine gift”

OR Children’s National Team won the international ISCAR tournament in Madrid defeating Italy and Germany among others. The team coach, Dimitris Misiakostalked about these first samples, but also his presence Dimitris Diamantidis in the position of mission leader.

In detail what he said on the EEC website:

-What do you get from this first tournament?

“It was the first experience for these children in a European-level event with strong friendly games and with teams that present traditionally strong sets. It was a first-class opportunity to see what level we are at and what we need to improve.”

-We saw pressure defense, but also shots and long shots without hesitation. Is it in your philosophy?

“Yes, yes… As a philosophy in the national teams we want to pass on teamwork, the strength of the team and cooperation and express this on both sides of the pitch with passion in defense and attack and teamwork. To play defense with pressure and partnerships and in the attack this leads us to fast, but good attacks that will come out through the process provided and which gives us the best options. We place great emphasis on the importance of the pass. We want the children to feel that every action results from the group process. We want them to love playing for their teammates and understand that this will bring them out.”

– Germany, based on its wide victory over Spain the day before the final, was the one that was described as “favorite” by those watching the tournament. Along the way, Greece reached +24. What is it that “pushed” this group?

“Let’s say that the children these days and the previous two days that we did as preparation showed a willingness to join the philosophy of the national teams and that was very pleasant and hopeful. They were all willing to join in with what the team is asking for. We worked a lot these days and when you work through the team, when they work for each other the results will be good.”

– How important will the participation in the next two Rising Stars be?

“It is very important! What we also tell the children is that every day, every training session with the national teams or the clubs, we must push ourselves to become better. To remain humble in spirit, to love work and to build on them. Every day and every event is an opportunity for them to become tougher and stronger in character, but also to love the National Team.”

-How much does last year’s experience as an assistant of the respective National Children’s National Team that reached fourth place in the Eurobasket in Crete help you?

“Too much! Giannis (Kalambokis) is an excellent coach and person. It is a continuation of last year’s national team, we follow the same philosophy and what we had put into the team with the help of coach (Kostas) Papadopoulos. We try to build a common philosophy that governs all national teams. The help of Papadopoulos who came with us to ISCAR is important. There is continuity, development and perspective. We are also helped by the whole atmosphere that exists among all the people who are in the federation next to us and this reaches us and the children”.

-What does the presence of Diamantides offer to the children?

“For us it is a divine gift! It’s incredible how much it helps kids. His presence, the way he talks to them and gives them advice. He is a living example of how one should behave on and off the field. He is truly great and humble at the same time. They are motivated by his presence. This is the second year we have experienced this and we are grateful. His help is great.”