Greece boss Skourtopoulos promises to reward efforts in Qualifiers; expects Antetokounmpo in September

ATHENS (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 European Qualifiers) - One of just a handful of teams still undefeated in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 European Qualifiers, Greece have set an example for others of how a systematic approach to the national team can not only lay the groundwork for future success but also bring about immediate benefits.

There isn't much coach Thanasis Skourtopoulos has had to worry about recently, at least when it comes to the Qualifiers. Having got their work done early, Greece booked their ticket to the Second Round back in February and added a convincing 96-78 win over Israel on Thursday evening to move to 5-0 in Group H before their final game in Estonia.

They have found a winning formula, seizing the opportunity to introduce new names and new talent to the national team without actually sacrificing much in terms of expectations and results, both traditionally sky-high in Greece.

"THE WINDOWS HELP THE PLAYERS BECOME A TEAM, ACHIEVE HOMOGENEITY AND BUILD AN ATMOSPHERE ON THE TEAM. IT GIVES US THE OPPORTUNITY TO TIE THESE GUYS TOGETHER AND TEST THEM, EVEN AT SOME RISK SOMETIMES."Skourtopoulos

 "From the very first moment I made clear that all of the players that are here belong to this team. It is no joke to play for the national team, even if it's for a few games," highlighted Skourtopoulos, who has been in charge of the program since the start of the Qualifiers.

"And just because some players have been on the national team in the past, it does not mean that they have to play constantly. It is very important to expand the national team base."

Over the course of the first three windows, Greece have already tested 20 different players - ranking from experienced first-teamers like Ioannis Bourousis and Nick Calathes to intriguing up-and-comers like Lefteris Bochoridis or Konstantinos Mitoglou.

"The windows help the players become a team, achieve homogeneity and build an atmosphere on the team.  It gives us the opportunity to tie these guys together and test them, even at some risk sometimes. And when the time of the final selection comes, everyone will have all the indications," the head coach explained.

"From my experience, there always used to be 10 or 11 players who were guaranteed about the final roster and the others competed for the remaining spots. Now it's not like that. All the players are evaluated and we follow their development. This way, we can make the most accurate conclusions."

Skourtopoulos and Greece have used the Qualifiers as a test ground for players who might have otherwise been overlooked by the national team. At the same time, the coach admits, staying on the same page with the high profile players that are currently not on the team is also a top priority.

"They are part of our family," stressed Skourtopoulos. "Even with the guys that did not come, we have very good communication and I think we will have them with us soon."

One player the coach is particularly hopeful about is NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. "I think Giannis will be with us in September," the coach laid out the plans for the next window, which will get the Second Round of Qualifiers underway.

"Unless something extraordinary and very serious arises, I think he will come to the national team. He is aware of everything about the camp, he has the training program. He has shown interest and I think he will be in the national team for the first games of the next phase."

"WE WANT TO SHOW THAT WE OPERATE PROPERLY. AND I'M SURE THERE ARE PLACES IN THE FINAL ROSTER FOR THE PLAYERS WHO MADE A HUGE EFFORT DURING THE WINDOWS IF WE QUALIFY FOR THE WORLD CUP IN CHINA."Skourtopoulos

 But even when the 'Greek Freak' rejoins the national team, coach Skourtopoulos promises not to forget the effort and dedication that all players involved in the Qualifiers put in throughout the campaign.

"We want to show that we operate properly. And I'm sure there are places in the final roster for the players who made a huge effort during the windows if we qualify for the World Cup in China," he said. "I think a significant number of the players who played in the windows will have a place on the final roster. There will be an opportunity to be compensated."

FIBA