The group phases for the 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments are getting increasingly thrilling by the day. After showcasing intense and sensational outcomes previously weeks, the stage is lastly being set for the semifinals, which is able to current probably the most anticipated clashes between Slovenia and Greece.
This matchup shouldn’t be solely electrifying as a result of the truth that each nations are on the doorways of qualifying to the game’s largest stage in Paris this month, but in addition as a result of will probably be between two of the most effective athletes within the NBA.
Luka Doncic, who’s the present NBA scoring champion, has already predicted how difficult the sport will probably be in opposition to Bucks celebrity Giannis Antetokounmpo. “Giannis is troublesome to cease. We’re not the favorites, however we have now to consider till the top,” he expects of Saturday’s contest.
🇬🇷 Giannis Antetokounmpo and 🇸🇮 Luka Doncic meets a bit of bit sooner than we anticipated ⚔️ #FIBAOQT
Who will take their workforce to the finals? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/zQIwbO9JuF
— BasketNews (@BasketNews_com) July 4, 2024
The opposite semifinals will probably be Croatia, who defeated Slovenia within the group stage, in opposition to the Dominican Republic. Greece, alternatively, did beat the Caribbean nation after a dominating efficiency from the Milwaukee ahead.
“Giannis likes to be right here. He likes to signify his nation,” mentioned Greece coach Vassilis Spanoulis afters star had 32 factors in 19 minutes, going 11-of-11 from the sector. “He’s very humble. He’s a part of the workforce. For a celebrity you don’t discover this straightforward. … He’s about successful.”
In preparation for the event’s first semifinal between each Mediterranean groups on Saturday at 16:30 CET, the Greek tactician defined what are his workforce’s strengths for this problem, aside from Antetokounmpo’s management.
“This exhibits our identification. Alternatively, we have now to enhance our protection. Particularly within the second quarter, I didn’t like numerous issues. It was nice that it occurred in order that it received’t occur once more. We’ve to be extra strong in some elements of the sport,” assured the 42-year-old Spanoulis.
The Greek coach is aware of each Doncic and Antetokounmpo very properly and defined the principle distinction between the celebs forward of the semifinal conflict
When requested about Saturday’s matchup in opposition to Slovenia, Spanoulis solely had phrases of admiration for the Mavericks guard, who at all times idolized the Olympiacos icon when rising up in European basketball.
“Our relationship is one in every of big respect, first as an individual after which as an athlete. I don’t have quite a bit to say about him playing-wise. All people is aware of him. He’s a terrific individual and idol for lots of youngsters,” the coach shared. “It’s necessary these days to have that type of idol.”
Nonetheless, Spanoulis shares the identical type of reward for his pupil Antetokounmpo, as he sees him as a job mannequin for society, not simply basketball. “I’m very blissful that we even have a terrific celebrity on our workforce like Giannis, who’s a terrific individual, chief and idol for lots of youngsters. We want this type of instance in our society,” the tactician mentioned.
Admiration apart, Spanoulis addressed how troublesome will probably be to face this Slovenian squad, however is aware of how Greece can cease Doncic. “We’ve nice on-ball defenders. However protection shouldn’t be solely particular person, it’s workforce protection. We’ve to have the ability to cowl each mistake on the ball, be able to throw the appropriate rotations, and defend the right manner,” he defined.
