Spanoulis: “The National Team doesn’t belong to Sloukas or Antetokounmpo — it belongs to a
Source: ProtoThema English
Vassilis Spanoulis spoke during the National Team’s Media Day, addressing the absence of Tyler Dorsey, as well as Papagiannis and Rogkavopoulos, who will not be part of the team’s efforts.
On the eve of Greece’s first preparation friendly against Belgium (6/8, 20:00), Vassilis Spanoulis, speaking today (5/8) at the national team’s media day, discussed expectations for EuroBasket 2025, the players’ mindset and condition, as well as the absences of Rogkavopoulos and Papagiannis.
During the Media Day, Spanoulis talked about Greece’s effort at the upcoming EuroBasket and was also asked about Nikos Rogkavopoulos’ decision not to participate in preparation for the second summer in a row.
“Do you know many 23-year-olds who don’t want to play for the national team? I don’t,” he said.
“We’ve begun our efforts for EuroBasket. There’s great desire and motivation from the players. It’s a different vibe than last year; we’re proceeding at a different pace. The players have worked hard and are at a normal level — not where we want to be yet. We need practice to find our rhythm and get our legs under us. We want to play a style of basketball that suits us and that I personally enjoy. That’s why we’ve scheduled five friendlies — to see what’s working and where we need to improve,” he initially said.
On Dorsey’s presence instead of Walkup:
“They’re different types of players, so I have to adjust my plan accordingly. Tyler is an excellent player and we’re happy to have him with us.”
On the absence of Papagiannis and Rogkavopoulos:
“I contacted both players. For personal reasons, they’re not here and I have nothing else to add — you can ask them yourselves. Giorgos (Papagiannis) has been with the National Team for many summers. As for Rogkavopoulos, it’s his personal choice not to join for two summers. Better that he explains it himself. I’m very happy with the players currently on the roster. I prefer to talk about those who are here. Do you know many 23-year-olds who don’t want to play for the National Team? I don’t.”
On player fatigue after a long season:
“There have been many games. The players are exhausted, but when you play for the National Team, you’re playing for your ideals. You must really want to represent your country. This National Team doesn’t belong to Spanoulis, Zisis, Sloukas, or Antetokounmpo — it belongs to all Greeks. If you don’t feel that, you can’t participate. You’d rather rest or do something else.”
On the team’s hunger for success:
“There’s always hunger. All the players are eager every summer. There’s no need to add pressure by saying ‘this is the year.’ Whether it’s been 5, 10, or 15 years without a medal, all we do is build pressure and disappointment. This year I prefer to build chemistry, work hard, and when the crucial games come, we’ll be ready to win.”
On Giannis Antetokounmpo’s condition:
“Giannis is following a program we’ve coordinated so he’ll be in top form for EuroBasket.”
On Wednesday’s friendly against Belgium:
“We’ve had two good practices. The players are a bit tired. We’ll rotate the squad — don’t expect everyone to be in top shape. Expect to see some mistakes, which we’ll work to fix, but also some of the combinations we’ve been practicing.”
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The original article: belongs to ProtoThema English .
