Our National managed to overcome the barrier of Lithuania, celebrating the victory of 87-76 and qualifying for the first Eurobasket semi-finals for the first time in 16 whole years!
At the end of the match and during the press conference, our national coach Vassilis Spanoulis stressed that he felt proud of his players, remembered the quarter -finals with Turkey in 2009, and made it clear that he was not dreaming, but he knows that he was in his hands!
In detail what the national coach said:
“After the first 2-3 minutes we didn’t start well, we checked the game. My players did a great job following the shot, struggled with a big heart in front of thousands of Lithuania fans in a nice atmosphere. I am proud of my players, all the congratulations to them.
Costas Antetokounbos made a great game. Its energy and concentration was high and helped us a lot like all children. We know what it can offer to the team and it was very important for our victory ».
For the quarter -finals with Turkey in 2009 and the semifinals coming: “I remember that game, we had a very good appearance. I had a very good game too, I had some three -pointers, but I had made some silly mistakes in the end. Now we have another game, we will have our plan and we will be ready. ”
“I’m not dreaming. I know what my players can do, I trust them, I know how we work from day one. It’s not a dream, it’s a reality, we have a really good team and we’ll be ready for the next game. ”
“I think we have very good shooters, everything is confidence and confidence. We have great spacing, we have a superstar ready to share the ball and everyone trusts John that he will do the right pass when needed. ”
“John has to get more foul. When they grab him and go 2-3 players on him, many are unprofessional fouls. He had to get more shots than other players in Eurobasket. ”
“John is starting to talk more about the team, this year he does it more than ever. He is a man who always improves, may be at the top, but still improves. He is committed and focused on his goals and the team. He is a great leader, but also one of the most humble leader we have seen. But on the court he wants to dismantle everyone, not alone, but with his teammates, whom he trusts. ”
“We have always been motivated, we represent our country. There is always hunger, sometimes you do it, but not. We have to live the moment, enjoy it now and move on. We didn’t win any medal or no cup. We won the quarter -finals and move on to the next. ”
“I took over the national team because I very much believe in Greek players, myself, my partners … The way my president and my brother, Nikos Zisis approached me was very hot. I always loved the national team too much. We always struggled, with injuries or not, for the national team and we were there for it. It was very easy for me to accept this challenge, to bring back Greek basketball high, to fill the stadium kids playing basketball and every national victory increases the chances. It was a win, I know what my players can do. We went to the semifinals, neither cat nor damage, we go for the semifinals ».
Source: Sport Fm
I am currently a news writer for News Bulletin247 where I mostly cover sports news. I have always been interested in writing and it is something I am very passionate about. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family and friends.
