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 up to now weeks, the stage is lastly being set for the semifinals, which is able to current one of the anticipated clashes between Slovenia and Greece.
This matchup is just not solely electrifying on account 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 one of the best athletes within the NBA.
Luka Doncic, who’s the present NBA scoring champion, has already predicted how difficult the sport shall be in opposition to Bucks famous person Giannis Antetokounmpo. “Giannis is troublesome to cease. We’re not the favorites, however we have now to consider till the tip,” he expects of Saturday’s contest.
🇬🇷 Giannis Antetokounmpo and 🇸🇮 Luka Doncic meets somewhat 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 shall be Croatia, who defeated Slovenia within the group stage, in opposition to the Dominican Republic. Greece, then again, 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 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, 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 a variety of issues. It was nice that it occurred in order that it gained’t occur once more. We now have to be extra strong in some components of the sport,” assured the 42-year-old Spanoulis.
The Greek coach is aware of each Doncic and Antetokounmpo very effectively 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 among big respect, first as an individual after which as an athlete. I don’t have lots to say about him playing-wise. Everyone is aware of him. He’s an important particular person and idol for lots of children,” the coach shared. “It’s necessary these days to have that sort of idol.”
Nonetheless, 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 particular person, chief and idol for lots of children. We’d like this sort 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 now have nice on-ball defenders. However protection is just not 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 suitable rotations, and defend the correct approach,” he defined.
