Zisis: “If you want to reach the goal, sooner or later you will have to deal with the best”

OR Men’s National She will learn her opponents in the first phase of Eurobasket on Thursday (27/3, 15:00), which will take place from August 27 to September 14th. THE Nikos Zisiswith many years of experience as a player and now in the role of General Manager of the Greek team, he talked about the importance of the draw.

-How important is the draw for a large tournament for players?

“What I can tell you is that there are a lot of players and players who are much less. Personally I had a very good picture and-because I was as a player-I liked to have a picture of the date of the draw, the potential opponents and the capacity groups. In general I had a picture of where we were, what we were going to face both before and after the draw. Of course, Greece is a team that almost always has very high goals, so players know that if they want to reach the goal, they will have to win the best sooner or later. ”

-Has there been any case you wanted to avoid an opponent in the group stage of a big event?

“I honestly say that, even though we played so many tournaments, so many big events, I didn’t think I wanted to avoid a specific opponent as a team. On the contrary, I would say that there were times when I wanted to be drawn in clubs with an opponent and that was the US. I wanted to play with a team that consists of so many superstars and if we didn’t find them in the clubs, I don’t know if we would have the opportunity to face them later. ”

-Do you pretend to be the risk of knockouts or a more difficult group and a more possible junction?

“If I had to choose, I would say the second. In such an event, where there are five opponents in the group, it is true that you have the ability to correct some straits that may be done. The only sure thing is that all teams have shown very good evidence and you have no right to underestimate anyone. All national groups now have one dynamic, even those that may be considered less well known. We also see it in the windows even if some teams have a loss in the roster. If you go relaxed you can lose from anyone. In groups of six teams such as Eurobasket is such a format that enables you to correct something that did not go well. And to win races that will bring you in the knockout. But it is also very important that in a strong group you are given the opportunity to prepare even better for the next phase and you are more ready when knockouts come out. ”

-Greece has made a wonderful course in the windows and this is one of the reasons high in FIBA’s ranking … Do you conclude that eventually every race, every victory, which may seem meaningless at the moment, does it mean too much to the national team?

“It is a fact that according to the data we are one of the best teams in Europe in the windows. And we have even achieved all the qualifications. A total of four, plus the pre -Olympic! It is really very important. Certainly the process of windows leaves us a very sweet taste. It is a very difficult process, which I did not live as a player, but I lived very strongly with my new role. The children showed self -denial and zeal. They represented their country, which was a dream of a lifetime for them, and helped the team achieve big wins. That means a lot! The national team is an independent person. Nationals are nobody, whoever represents it always tries for the best! From players to coaches. And I will say that we have succeeded. I can say it for sure now knowing that windows are a very difficult process. ”

-Is there a secret to the group?

“It is such the nature of the tournament that a mistake can be forgiven. It is also very important to say that this year at Eurobasket there will be only one back to back game that is very important. With this decision, which results in a day of extra rest for the players before a match, it was a step forward and it would be amazing if there could be no back to back in the next tournament. It is very painful. But what was decided for this year’s Eurobasket is great for players. It is certain that you have to go ready and completely prepared. The group, however, gives you an opportunity to build your form, find your rhythm and gradually reach the pic. When you have a team that has quality in one way or another you will be able to spend 16 and face the big challenges. “