Papadopoulos: “Children want to prove that they are not just … talents”

OR Young Men’s National Has in her schedule his big appointment Eurobasket U20 to Heraklion Cretestarting by July 12when at the premiere of the European Championship will face the Lithuania at 18.00.

The coach of the “blue whites”, Kostas Papadopouloswas hosted at Eok webradio and talked so much about the preparation in the face of Eurobasketas well as for the tournament.

He said in detail:

For his impressions of preparation so far: “So far the preparation has gone well. Children are conscious, motivated. In Greece, Eurobasket is being done and that’s why it is a great motivation to play in front of their families, in front of all of Greece. From then on, we made a defeat with Italy. We didn’t want to lose such a difference, but it is a good defeat to see our mistakes. Many times victory is a “quilt” that covers it all. We played without basic players there because we had injuries and illnesses, but it was good to see the rest of the kids so we would slowly start making decisions about the final dozen. It is also a “batch” that is … a headache to take a dozen. The Italians are generally a “batch” where children will move on. We can also achieve them in the finals. They have a very good roster. “

If children have become a group: “It is the teamwork that will make both good players and good team. Children will become a strong character through team cooperation. I think we’re on the right track. The kids have become a group. The 2006 children are hurt that last year they did not go well. This has saddened them, but also persuaded. 2006 is a “batch” that has come and wants to prove that they are not just … talents, but they can work together, become a good team and claim things. The 2005 kids have experience since last year, satisfaction with the bronze medal and want more. Everything is aware. So it wasn’t only on my side to make the effort, they want the kids themselves. “

On whether they have settled somewhere on the final dozen: “We haven’t come out yet, we’ll get out after the last two friendly we will give with Iceland to Crete. Therefore, as soon as the preparation is over, the definitive dozen will come out. It is important for the kids to be strong, because we had some minor injuries this year. We have protected some games and some players to get back in full and be strong in the tournament. “

For the difficult premiere against Lithuania: “All matches are difficult. We went out last year in the group last year and got a medal. Last year Israel had finally come to the group and went to the final, where he almost won France. I think it counts which will be the most team in easy and difficult. We certainly start with a derby against Lithuania, which always has bodies, players with basketball IQ, shoot well, run to surprise. I think we’ll be ready. “

For the appearance of Neocles Avdala with Germany: “Neocles, yes he put the last basket and had 20 points, but it wasn’t the most important. It was that he made 9 assists, which no one mentioned or stressed. Nine assists in a game is a big number, that’s the most important. Nevertheless, all the kids fought in the race. “

For the fact that in previous years it turned out to be talent: “There are always talents, the point is to work properly, to stay landing, to consider nothing for granted or that they will be given to them and to know that everything will win through sacrifices and hard work. This is what we are trying to pass on to them, to learn not to give up. Set goals and fight for these goals. “