Spanoulis to lead Greece at Eurobasket

Vassilis Spanoulis is to resume his duty as the Greek national team leader at EuroBasket 2015 after missing out on out on last summer month's FIBA Basketball World Mug, Greece head trainer Fotis Katsikaris revealed on Friday.

The star guard headlines a remarkably deep 15-man preliminary lineup for EuroBasket 2015 which Katsikaris unveiled at a press seminar in Athens.

"Already in 2013 we had reviewed with Spanoulis his part on the group," Katsikaris stated.

"He will certainly comply with a specific programme during the initial days of training school prior to signing up with tasks with the rest of the players.".


"But that is all; he is otherwise in great physical problem.".

Spanoulis has actually been having problem with knee problems during the past 2 years as well as missed out on a number of video games with Euroleague runners-up Olympiacos this period, after remaining the 2014 World Cup to receive some much-needed recovery time.

Along with Spanoulis, Katsikaris will certainly additionally have the ability to count on the core of the group that had taken a trip to the World Cup, including increasing superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, Greece captain Nikos Zisis, forward Kostas Papanikolaou and playmaker Nick Calathes.

Two even more essential players are poised to draw on again the Greek jersey at the upcoming EuroBasket complying with a duration of lack from the nationwide team, in little forward Stratos Perperoglou as well as huge guy Kostas Koufos.

The veteran Perperoglou, that has actually simply penciled a deal for next period with Spanish powerhouse FC Barcelona, was compelled to leave of the Greek team last summertime as a result of injury.

Koufos, that has actually just recently signed up with the Sacramento Kings from Memphis Grizzlies, was consisted of in the Greek preliminary roster for the World Cup however ultimately did not report to training school.

"I was in the incorrect last year," Katsikaris explained bravely on Friday after announcing that the 26-year-old center would certainly strengthen the Greek frontcourt at European Basketball Championship 2015.

"I did not develop appropriate direct contact (with Koufos) and there was a misunderstanding between us.

"The player had some personal concerns, which are now settled.

"We fulfilled in the USA this year; I saw first-hand exactly how huge his need is to play for the nationwide team.".

Fotis Katsikaris, Greece, 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
Going coach Fotis Katsikaris intends to base the Greek video game on support and group play.
While the return of these three gamers into the national group mix was anticipated, the initial lineup additionally features the shock inclusion of 25-year-old center Zisis Sarikopoulos, which has bet Greece only at younger level.

"We aim to obtain the very best from each player," Katsikaris stated.

"On this lineup we can have numerous players who are big stars on their corresponding groups.

"But the good of the group is above any type of person.".

Greece will certainly commence plannings on Friday 31 July in Athens as well as Katsikaris was clear that throughout training camp the team will develop after what was presented throughout the World Cup, his initial tournament at the helm.

"Our playing style will be based on exactly what we showed in 2013 (at the FIBA Basketball World Cup)," the Greek trainer stated.

"The players delighted in that type of video game and also our fans liked what they saw.

"Unfortunately our World Cup project ended with a bad video game versus Serbia (in the Round of 16).

"But I think that we are now smarter compared to in 2013.

"Defence is what lifts you to triumphes and also we will be much better defensively this summer month.".

Greece will play in Group C at the EuroBasket and also will deal with The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Georgia, Slovenia, Netherlands as well as hosts Croatia in Zagreb.

Greece's preliminary squad for EuroBasket 2015:.
Nikos Zisis (Fenerbahce); Vassilis Spanoulis (Olympiacos Piraeus); Yannis Bourousis (Real Madrid); Kostas Kaimakoglou (Unics Kazan); Giorgos Printezis (Olympiacos Piraeus); Nick Calathes (Memphis Grizzlies); Kostas Papanikolaou (Houston Rockets); Kostas Sloukas (Olympiacos Piraeus); Stratos Perperoglou (FC Barcelona); Kostas Koufos (Memphis Grizzlies); Vangelis Mantzaris (Olympiacos Piraeus); Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks); Vlantimir Giankovits (Panathinaikos); Zisis Sarikopoulos (AEK Athens); Dimitris Agravanis (Olympiacos Piraeus).