Estonia ready to fight all the way to prove Division A worth

RADOM (FIBA U16 European Championship 2016) - Estonia made an encouraging start to life in Division A and they will do all they can to ensure the experience is not a one-summer wonder.

Taking on Serbia in their opener was expected to be a tough start - and so it ultimately proved - but a 20-11 opening provided early belief they can compete at this level. 

Estonia booked their spot in Radom, 12 months ago, when they took gold in Division B to earn promotion for the first time at U16 level.

Karl Karpin was part of the squad that made history in Sofia, Bulgaria, last year and is relishing the experience of competing at the highest level this time around.

"It feels amazing to be playing in Division A for the first time," he said.

"Last year was incredible winning Division B and this is a very proud moment for us all.

"We want to show our talents and do well because we came here thinking that we could go far."

The second quarter was costly in their first game, as Serbia's Marko Pecarski began to dominate en route to an eventual 77-62 success, and it proved so again less than 24 hours later as Greece pulled away to prevail, 60-43.

Lessons are being learnt and long-lasting memories are being made, but Estonia are not here just to make up the numbers.

"The team acts like one, we all play for each other and we don't let our heads get down," Karpin said of the positives to take so far.

"We keep fighting and we will continue to keep fighting because we want to do well.

"We have played good [at times], we prepared well, but we know we can do better."

He added: "Serbia were a lot faster than us and got away in the second and then Greece played zone which really slowed us down.

"We couldn't get into our rhythm as we like to run a lot. We need to counter teams and try to get back to playing our own game."

Karpin puts it on himself to lead the team as the one of the more vocal members of the group and looks to use his towering frame to give his side an advantage in the paint.

"I do see myself as one of the leaders," he said.

"It is very important to keep the team together. Rebounding and communication are also my main responsibilities."

The 2.05m center had more joy against Greece with 10 points on 5-7 shooting along with six rebounds and two blocks.

Estonia are now 0-2 in Group D ahead of their final game against Finland, but Karpin is not resigning himself to a relegation fight just yet.

"Obviously it is important not to get relegated, but we want to try to win as many games as possible and have the belief to bounce back."

FIBA