The group levels for the 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments are getting an increasing number of thrilling by the day. After showcasing intense and sensational outcomes previously weeks, the stage is lastly being set for the semifinals, which can current some of the anticipated clashes between Slovenia and Greece.
This matchup will not 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 it will likely be between two of the very best athletes within the NBA.
Luka Doncic, who’s the present NBA scoring champion, has already predicted how sophisticated the sport will likely be in opposition to Bucks famous person Giannis Antetokounmpo. “Giannis is tough to cease. We aren’t the favorites, however we now have to imagine till the top,” he expects of Saturday’s contest.
🇬🇷 Giannis Antetokounmpo and 🇸🇮 Luka Doncic meets a bit bit sooner than we anticipated ⚔️ #FIBAOQT
Who will take their staff to the finals? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/zQIwbO9JuF
— BasketNews (@BasketNews_com) July 4, 2024
The opposite semifinals will likely 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 characterize his nation,” stated 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 staff. For a famous person you don’t discover this straightforward. … He’s about successful.”
In preparation for the match’s first semifinal between each Mediterranean groups on Saturday at 16:30 CET, the Greek tactician defined what are his staff’s strengths for this problem, apart from Antetokounmpo’s management.
“This exhibits our id. Alternatively, we now have to enhance our protection. Particularly within the second quarter, I didn’t like a number of issues. It was nice that it occurred in order that it received’t occur once more. We now have to be extra stable in some elements of the sport,” assured the 42-year-old Spanoulis.
The Greek coach is aware of each Doncic and Antetokounmpo very effectively and defined the primary 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 all the time idolized the Olympiacos icon when rising up in European basketball.
“Our relationship is one in every of enormous respect, first as an individual after which as an athlete. I don’t have so much to say about him playing-wise. All people is aware of him. He’s an important individual and idol for lots of children,” the coach shared. “It’s necessary these days to have that sort of idol.”
Nevertheless, Spanoulis shares the identical sort of reward for his pupil Antetokounmpo, as he sees him as a task mannequin for society, not simply basketball. “I’m very completely happy that we even have an important famous person on our staff like Giannis, who’s an important individual, chief and idol for lots of children. We’d like this type of instance in our society,” the tactician stated.
Admiration apart, Spanoulis addressed how tough it will likely be to face this Slovenian squad, however is aware of how Greece can cease Doncic. “We now have nice on-ball defenders. However protection will not be solely particular person, it’s staff protection. We now have to have the ability to cowl each mistake on the ball, be able to throw the precise rotations, and defend the right manner,” he defined.