Galanda urges Italy to relish home comforts at FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup
UDINE/CIVIDALE DEL FRIULI (FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup UDINE/CIV) - Double Olympian and EuroBasket champion Giacomo Galanda is backing Italy to shine at the FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup.
UDINE/CIVIDALE DEL FRIULI (FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2017) - Double Olympian and FIBA EuroBasket champion Giacomo Galanda is backing Italy to shine when they host the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup in July.
Speaking in the wake of the draw which took place in Udine and Cividale Del Friuli recently, the 47-year-old is keen to push the Italian players to make the most of competing on home soil and lean on local support to hit the heights.
That is something Galanda himself certainly knows about, since he reached the Olympic Gold Medal Game in 2004 - five years after climbing to the top step of the podium at EuroBasket 1999 in France.
He said: "It looks like we have a tough opening round because we have got USA and China – as well as Mali but playing at home always gives you a chance to win some games.
"We will be ready and everyone will be waiting to support the team as Italians always believe strongly in the power of the home court.
"I expect everyone will be doing lots to really support and push forward the Italian team and its players so they can get some great results."
While the draw has pitched them against the defending champions USA who are gunning for a staggering seventh straight title at the event, Galanda believes youth basketball in his homeland is rolling in the right direction and there is nothing to fear.
He added: "Basketball is all about challenging champions at any level and everyone is working hard for the entire movement of youth basketball in Italy which is in a good place.
"The results will always come with that hard work and support, so while meeting USA will of course be difficult, I know that Italy won’t stop against anyone.
"There are some great nations ready to complete and that includes the likes of Australia for sure, while China are also working hard with their youth programs right now and you can expect a strong challenge from and other historic European nations like France and Spain."
Galanda also took the time to emphasize the importance of the young players savoring their time at the event and making sure they soak up every aspect - both on and off the court.
He stated: "You have to make sure that you live every single moment when you participate in this kind of competition.
"It will stay with you forever and for the rest of your life - so you have to focus and give absolutely everything that you have got."
FIBA