Proud Papagiannis back to boost Greece: ''It's an honor for everybody''

ANO LIOSIA (Greece) - Back in the national team for the first time since the FIBA Basketball World Cup, Georgios Papagiannis has spoken of his pride in representing Greece ahead of their pivotal double-header in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 European Qualifiers.

The 24-year-old center returns to the senior fold amongst a strong squad for the two games against Turkey in an important battle for control in Group B.

Papagiannis was part of the squads that represented Greece at FIBA EuroBasket 2017 as well as FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 and is looking forward to the contests with the opportunity of playing in front of their passionate home support.

"It's an honor for everybody to be here, especially for me," said Papagiannis.

"I think the game is going to be really exciting. Both teams want the win and we want our fans to be here and support us. Hopefully we can get the win and then on Monday, too."

"IT'S VERY SPECIAL FOR EVERYBODY TO REPRESENT THEIR NATIONAL TEAM."

Greece lost their opening game of the campaign on the road against Great Britain before bouncing back to beat Belarus on home soil. The group is wide open with all four teams on 1-1 records heading into the second window with any further defeats imperative to avoid.

And, the possibility of Greece not making it to the next World Cup in 2023 is not something that Papagiannis is contemplating at this stage.

"I don't even want to think about that. It's a very special moment for everybody to represent their country every year and a World Cup is a huge accomplishment for everyone to be there."

Greece host the first encounter with Turkey on Friday before a visit to Istanbul for the return fixture on Monday with a chance to take a major step towards the Second Round.

FIBA