Vassilis Spanoulis addressed media on the eve of the Greek basketball team’s first friendly against Belgium in preparation for Eurobasket 2025, discussing their expectations, the mood and condition of the players and the absences of Rogavopoulos and Papagiannis.

The Greece coach spoke at the team’s media day on Tuesday ahead of the game against Belgium, which will take place Wednesday evening at 8pm Greek time, expressing enthusiasm over what he has seen thus far.

“There is a great mood among the players. Quite an appetite. We are going at a different pace,” Spanoulis said.

The coach stated the squad has worked hard in their holiday period and arrived at a good level, which they hope to improve on with the coming friendlies they will play before the tournament.

“That’s why we have scheduled quite a few friendlies. To see where we are good and where we need improvement. So the players can find their rhythm,” Spanoulis said.

The Greek team’s last high-profile event was last year’s Olympics with Spanoulis confirming there have been slight alterations to the squad.

“I wouldn’t say the team is wiser than last year. I would say it’s a different team. Last year we hit our ceiling, we came one win away from advancing to the Olympic semifinals for the first time in our history,” he said.

“A lot of the guys are from last year, but we have some changes. I’m called upon to manage the current and get the best I can from them. Not always what I have in mind, but what the players can give me.”

Regarding the expectations that exist and the thirst for success, he stated:

“Let’s enjoy it, take it day by day. Above all, let’s stay healthy. And in the end, let’s go to EuroBasket and present a good image and play attractive basketball that will bring results.

He stressed they are always eager to win and they need to ease the tension heading into the tournament.

“We’ve gone 5, 10, 15 years without a medal and all we do is put pressure on ourselves and get disappointed. This year, I would prefer to build our chemistry, work hard and when the time comes to play the crucial games, be ready to win them.”

Speaking about Dorsey, who will play instead of Walkup, he said: “They are different players. Each player has their own characteristics. Tyler is an excellent player and we are happy to have him here with us.”

Spanoulis then addressed the absences of Rogavopoulos and Papagiannis and did not hesitate to be blunt.

“I contacted the guys. They are not here for personal reasons. I have nothing else to say about this. You have to ask them themselves. Giorgos has given many summers to the national team. For Rogavopoulos, it is his personal choice not to be with the national team for two summers and that is why it is better for him to talk to you himself. I am happy with the players who are on the roster. Do you know many 23-year-olds who do not want to participate in the National team? I don’t know any.”

The Greek coach also addressed the increased schedule of games, saying:

“There are too many games, the players are very stressed, but when you play for the national team, everyone plays for their ideals. You have to really want to represent your country. The national team does not belong to Spanoulis, Zisis, or Antetokounmpo, it belongs to all Greeks.”

Spanoulis also spoke on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s condition, saying: “Giannis is following a program that we have agreed upon to be in the best condition for EuroBasket.”

He closed by speaking directly on the Belgium game, stating: “We had two good practices, the kids are a little stressed. We will make changes. We shouldn’t expect all the players to be in great shape. I like that basketball is a game of mistakes.”