Dikoudis: “It seemed that there is talent and a single basketball philosophy, optimistic messages came”

Another “full” summer with the action of national teams is approaching its end, the Men’s National is at the starting point for Eurobasket and the EEC Board of Directors of the EEC Board of Directors, Municipality of Dikoudis, reports the efforts made by the teams and the image. The veteran power forward thinks there were optimistic messages about the future.

– Having the image complete, based on the planning that existed, what is the “fund” of the presence of national teams in the events they participated?

“Personally I would call it a teaching summer, during which many useful conclusions came, some positive and some negative ones. As a result, there has not been any success as the ordinary world means, that is, a medal, but for us who are watching this effort from the beginning and set goals and timetable there have been encouraging elements. The fact that the Young Men’s National, for example, who lost its entry into the medal zone from an unfortunate moment, presented a high -level basketball and gained the recognition of the world, even without the medal that never hid that it was the goal, was applauded and was not the case. And we are talking about the … age “flagship” of the teams, in the sense that it is the generation that comes to the fore and already three athletes were found ready for the men’s team.

– This is a key issue, a topic discussed, whether there is a depth behind the current protagonists, as everything shows that an important generation of national men is completing its cycle.

“Yes, there is a good thing that this positive image extends to the U18 and U16 groups. It has been proven over a long time that from every age team, basketball at the highest level will not everyone play along the way. Here, however, we see that in each of these national teams there were athletes with the prospect of standing up to the most competitive level, with rich talent and serious effort, so there are conditions for the next generation of protagonists gradually being manned. Next summer there is no official event for the men’s team, so until the world of 2027 and through the “windows” they will be in the mood and players to frame those who will continue to men, those who got the first taste this year and all together. Another positive thing is that all those who come, have seen this year, more than other years playing a basketball with the same identity as we wanted and having recognized the new sports directions worldwide. Obviously we have also identified our own weaknesses and we work methodically. ”

– The last piece of “single” basketball sounds like something very important, not changing at age and style and the habit for players is lost somewhere.

“As I said before, this summer was instructive. We saw things well, but we also saw things we miss and there we will emphasize. Bad lies, in order to succeed all of this need coordinated actions and the clubs are not only done in the few days of preparing national teams. That is why we are in constant contact, we discuss and agree to do a common job. We may not come out in our country as many big bodies as in others, but we can improve the athletics of existing players, play faster and go to more possessions per race. In these elements, the training of all national teams work with a program and method together. Certainly, the fact that it was obvious more than any other year the common racing direction of the teams showed that the effort was performed. This was also the planning of the definition of an archbishop, Kostas Papadopoulos and his constant contact and cooperation with all national coaches, to enter common basic principles. There are properly structured preparations, the right choice of players, participation in international tournaments and a coordinated effort to marry modern fast basketball with some basic Greek authorities. ”

– Because especially at younger ages, there is a major role and other elements of the development of athletes, the presence of athletes as members of a team and especially satisfied you?

“I would say absolutely and this is another, very important, part of the work we do and we have aimed at the time we have all these kids in national groups. Much has changed in basketball, as life changes, many new things have come in, from the enlargement of the media and, by extension, to promotion to the opportunities of acquiring early money, and unfortunately they have increased in a bad way. A great people from us who are from various posts close to the nationals, we give a great deal of emphasis on understanding and feeling the athletes how great honor and joy it is to call the national team and represent your country by doing what you love. We explain to them some situations, and it is pleasant that they understand and accept them not only in words, but by showing it and in practice with their impeccable attitude and behavior. It is very important to understand where they are coming, not to convey any external concern to the national team and to only try for the common good without second thoughts. ”

– Having focused on the above in the national teams of boys, is there the same perspective and direction with the athletes?

“Yes and I wanted to mention separately because the conditions are somewhat different. The number of athletes, the “tank” as we say is smaller. The takeover of Eurobasket women in our country, however, had multiple targeting and the great success with the crowded people allows us to hope. Waiting for more girls to go to basketball, and thus the proportional increase in the number of options available, which will be able to follow this very talented and quality generation that now exists and we have seen in the chef’s races. “