Record-breaking Maltsi inspired by Ginobili and Nowitzki

TENERIFE (FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2018) - Evina Maltsi will celebrate her 40th birthday soon, but age is not what usually defines the Greece national team legend.

Her talent, leadership, performances, inspirational qualities and sparkling resume are  so often way above her date of birth when it comes to talking points.

However, having broken not one but two records at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2018, it's tough to ignore the fact that she is displaying remarkable levels of career longevity.

"I ALSO LOOK UP TO GREAT PLAYERS LIKE MANU GINOBILI OR DIRK NOWITZKI AND ALL THESE PEOPLE WHO HAVE PLAYED NBA, WNBA OR OTHER (LEAGUES) - MEN OR WOMEN, IT DOESN'T MATTER. THEY'RE MY ROLE MODELS."- Maltsi

Earlier in the Group Phase, she became the oldest player in the competition's history to score more than 20 points in a game, a fact the player herself was not even aware of.

"I didn't know that," smiled Maltsi, as she was told about some of the Women's World Cup legends she had passed, such as Hortencia Marcari.

"I also look up to great players like Manu Ginobili or Dirk Nowitzki and all these people who have played NBA, WNBA or other (leagues) - men or women it doesn't matter. They're my role models.

"I have always wondered how they do it and always tried to reach that (level).I am really happy about it (the record) because I just really love basketball."

The former Women's EuroBasket MVP is also now the most capped player for her country after passing the previous high tide mark of 210 ,set by Sofia Kligopoulou when she stepped out against Korea.

"It's great when you take this from another great player," enthused Maltsi. "I had a huge respect for Sofia who was before me. She was a great role model as a captain and a player. I always wanted to copy her in many things - especially being captain of the team. It's a huge thing and I want to thank coaches and my team. It's a great feeling."

So how much longer might Maltsi continue for? In truth, it's a tricky subject to even bring up. There is perhaps a certain sense of fatigue for Maltsi in having to constantly answer a question that has been incessantly posed for several years.

"I want to play until I die," she declared.

With tongue in cheek, she then perhaps gave a truer indication of her outlook by adding: "I hope that we can qualify for the Olympic Games and only then will I retire."

When she does call it a day, Maltsi will leave a void that simply can't be filled. However, the veteran was quick to point out that the forecast does not need to be gloomy, with some rising stars beginning to make their presence felt.

"This year we have Maria Fasoula who is very developed compared to last year - she is much better and is a really good player," she pointed out.

"Eleanna Christinaki showed up in critical games last year and also in the FIBA Women's EuroBasket Qualifying windows. This generation coming up are very new and positive.

"Pinelopi Pavlopoulou also impressed us all during pre-season and has stepped onto the court and not played like a rookie for us. Especially as point guard is a difficult role and I bet she will be a player that we talk about a lot in the future."

For now, Maltsi and her team-mates can be satisfied with making it out of the Group Phase for the very first time and are just one victory away from reaching Friday's Quarter-Finals.

FIBA