Greek National Team 2022

[JABroy2]

Hi,
DIMITRIS ITOUDIS will be the head coach for eurobasket 2022,
and GIANNIS will participate.

This is the 23 preliminary team:
Nick Calathes
Kostas Papanikolaou
Kostas Sloukas
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Georgios Papagiannis
Thanasis Antetokounmpo
Ioannis Papapetrou
Giannoulis Larentzakis
Dimitris Agravanis
Leonidas Kaselakis
Lefteris Bochoridis
Kostas Antetokounmpo
Michalis Lountzis
Tyler Dorsey
Panagiotis Kalaitzakis
Dimitris Moraitis
Nikos Chougkaz
Kostis Gontikas
Ioannis Kouzeloglou
Alex Antetokounmpo
Lefteris Mantzoukas
Omiros Netzipoglou
Giorgios Tanoulis

What do you think about starting lineup and bench?

My hypothesis:

Starting lineup
PG Dorsey
SG Sloukas
SF Papanikolaou
PF Papapetrou
C Giannis

Reserves
PG Calathes
PG/SG Lountzis, Larentzakis
PG/SG/SF Kalaitzakis
SF Thanasis
PF Kostas, Agravanis
C Papagiannis

 

[slice me nice2]

Hi,
DIMITRIS ITOUDIS will be the head coach for eurobasket 2022,
and GIANNIS will participate.

This is the 23 preliminary team:
Nick Calathes
Kostas Papanikolaou
Kostas Sloukas
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Georgios Papagiannis
Thanasis Antetokounmpo
Ioannis Papapetrou
Giannoulis Larentzakis
Dimitris Agravanis
Leonidas Kaselakis
Lefteris Bochoridis
Kostas Antetokounmpo
Michalis Lountzis
Tyler Dorsey
Panagiotis Kalaitzakis
Dimitris Moraitis
Nikos Chougkaz
Kostis Gontikas
Ioannis Kouzeloglou
Alex Antetokounmpo
Lefteris Mantzoukas
Omiros Netzipoglou
Giorgios Tanoulis

What do you think about starting lineup and bench?

My hypothesis:

Starting lineup
PG Dorsey
SG Sloukas
SF Papanikolaou
PF Papapetrou
C Giannis

Reserves
PG Calathes
PG/SG Lountzis, Larentzakis
PG/SG/SF Kalaitzakis
SF Thanasis
PF Kostas, Agravanis
C Papagiannis

I had some infollution about this Omiros Netzipoglou. The federation official told me that Omiros Netzipoglou is actually Turkish during U-20 tournament this summer. And said his actual name is Omer Necipoglu. But, I couldn't find any Greek source that verifies this claim.

Any Greek friends know something about his roots?

He is from Thessaloniki just like my grandparents. A bonus for having sympathy towards this guy. I have been there twice, even visited the village of my grandparents in Kozani who migrated from there in 1939.

 

[Victorious2]

I had some infollution about this Omiros Netzipoglou. The federation official told me that Omiros Netzipoglou is actually Turkish during U-20 tournament this summer. And said his actual name is Omer Necipoglu. But, I couldn't find any Greek source that verifies this claim.

Any Greek friends know something about his roots?

He is from Thessaloniki just like my grandparents. A bonus for having sympathy towards this guy. I have been there twice, even visited the village of my grandparents in Kozani who migrated from there in 1939.

There is not much info about him. All I could find that his roots are from Asia Minor. You would call people like him, Rum.

 

[slice me nice2]

There is not much info about him. All I could find that his roots are from Asia Minor. You would call people like him, Rum.

Hmm. FIBA listed him as Omer Netzipoglou in official tournament page, not Omiros though. That is too strange to see a Rum with Turkish name if his roots are really from Anatolia. Both his name and surname are so Turkish, I really wonder what is the real case here.

 

[R1ou2]

Hmm. FIBA listed him as Omer Netzipoglou in official tournament page, not Omiros though. That is too strange to see a Rum with Turkish name if his roots are really from Anatolia. Both his name and surname are so Turkish, I really wonder what is the real case here.

I read in another forum that he is a pomak.

 

[Victorious2]

Hmm. FIBA listed him as Omer Netzipoglou in official tournament page, not Omiros though. That is too strange to see a Rum with Turkish name if his roots are really from Anatolia. Both his name and surname are so Turkish, I really wonder what is the real case here.

I agree with you and R1ou that Omer as a first name would indicate that he is either Pomak or Turkish. I also found the name Omer Netzipoglou in a Greek article. So the FIBA site is correct.

 

[fasoulaki2]

Nikos Papadogiannis from Gazzetta says that Eurobasket 2022 was the last opportunity for Greece to win something because when Sloukas, Papanikolaou and Calathes will retire, we will not have enough new player material of high standard to replace them. How do you judge this statement? I fear that he might be right. European basketball is improving a lot while greek basketball is moving in a declining direction. I fear that the change in the federation lead came 5-10 years too late. Sending the NT without coach or Missas or Skortopoulos to tournaments was a crime. Now a high level of professionalism returned to the federation but it might be too late.

 

[Toruko2]

Nikos Papadogiannis from Gazzetta says that Eurobasket 2022 was the last opportunity for Greece to win something because when Sloukas, Papanikolaou and Calathes will retire, we will not have enough new player material of high standard to replace them. How do you judge this statement? I fear that he might be right. European basketball is improving a lot while greek basketball is moving in a declining direction. I fear that the change in the federation lead came 5-10 years too late. Sending the NT without coach or Missas or Skortopoulos to tournaments was a crime. Now a high level of professionalism returned to the federation but it might be too late.

I think you can replace Papanikoloaou very easily but Calathes and Sloukas are not replaceable and this is what I have been claiming for a certain time. I saw this Eurobasket as the last time window to win something. I mean both will be playing next year in the world cup but they wont be younger so you need Giannis to participate to be competitive in the next tournaments.

 

[Red_Butler2]

I said the same as Papadogiannis before the European Championship. That was the last chance to win a title for a long time. Unless the federation changes the policy and will also deal with naturalizations of players in the future.

In my opinion, there are two points that directly damaged Greek basketball. On the one hand, the financial crisis and the associated significantly reduced funds that flowed into the sport and, on the other hand, the change in the size of the playing field in 2010, which has focused the sport much more on the athletic attribute and less on defense and basketball IQ.

 

[fasoulaki2]

On the one hand, the financial crisis and the associated significantly reduced funds that flowed into the sport and, on the other hand, the change in the size of the playing field in 2010, which has focused the sport much more on the athletic attribute and less on defense and basketball IQ.

I agree with both points. But even you should admit that the attitude "We have players we dont need a coach" was wrong. It was a lack of professionalism. I guess it was not the only area were the federation lacked profesionalism. So what I want to point out is that some of the 2005 players came out of nowhere. For example Chatzivrettas and Dikoudis had very little success with their youth national team. In addition I think Papaloukas was not part of any youth national team. Maybe some players will show up and rise in future too.

What about Vasilis Charalapopoulos it seems he has improved his game playing in Italy.

Carlos Delfino, by the way, just won the AmeriCup 2022 at a crisp 40 years old with Argentina against Brazil in the final. Delfino played an average of 16 minutes in the tournament, scoring 5.2 points on average with a fantastic 3-point percentage of 46%. He kicked out Greece from the Olympic tournament 2008 and he is still around winniing tournaments.

 

[fasoulaki2]

What do you think about the Kalaitzakis brothers Panos and Georgios? They are quite tall for PGs!

 

[Toruko2]

What do you think about the Kalaitzakis brothers Panos and Georgios? They are quite tall for PGs!

They are no PGs. A secondary ball handler in the best case. Panagiotis did a better job planning his career. Giorgios lost too many time to chase after his NBA dream. Panagiotis is the better player right now. Both look like they are finisher. In order to secure the ball Giorgios was always turning to his back and couldnt see much. No pick and roll upside for higher levels either. Ball control is ok for wings but not PG. Shortly said they are no PG.

 

[fasoulaki2]

They are no PGs. A secondary ball handler in the best case. Panagiotis did a better job planning his career. Giorgios lost too many time to chase after his NBA dream. Panagiotis is the better player right now. Both look like they are finisher. In order to secure the ball Giorgios was always turning to his back and couldnt see much. No pick and roll upside for higher levels either. Ball control is ok for wings but not PG. Shortly said they are no PG.

You know much about greek players. How come? I was so absorbed by work since the beginning of the pandemia that I did not even notice that Printezis retired.
What about their defensiv skills?

 

[Toruko2]

You know much about greek players. How come?

Its not that I am a Kalaitzakis bro expert. Watched some games here and there. The reason is my interest in youth development I guess and some countries like Greece and Lithuania and some others draw my special interest.

I was so absorbed by work since the beginning of the pandemia that I did not even notice that Printezis retired.

Well, I am a software developer and work just 60h per month since my salary is still enough and I work mostly at home I have enough time for basketball.

What about their defensiv skills?

Both are solid defenders at least as far as I could observe.

 

[fasoulaki2]

Well, I am a software developer and work just 60h per month since my salary is still enough and I work mostly at home I have enough time for basketball.

lucky you! I am in academia/research. I could work 24x7 and still would not finish my work. Maybe I will manage to watch the WC qualification games in November though.

 

[Jazz2]

Well, I am a software developer and work just 60h per month since my salary is still enough and I work mostly at home I have enough time for basketball.

How much is really "Enough time for basketball" for a hoops addict like yourself?

 

[R1ou2]

So considering they most likely will make it to the WC next year, Itoudis in a recent interview said that he personally asked the players (I suppose the most important of the squad) if they are willing to participate next year and didn't receive any negative answers, Calathes also is rumoured to be a lock until 2024 etc.

Regarding the roster I'd change Agravanis in a heartbeat with someone like Mitoglou (ideally) but since there's nothing about his punishment yet I'd consider taking Tsalmpouris who's started the season with Betis and seems to be doing quite good so far. Koufos is also active this season in Eurocup with London Lions and Itoudis had him in CSKA previously, he'd be a good solution considering Papagiannis is soft and heartless and times and K. Antetokounmpo quite raw.

At forwards I think Thanasis being more or less inactive has had a big impact on him, looked completely lost this year and it was possibly his worst NT summer. Rogkavopoulos would provide more scoring although we'd lack athletisicm if neither him nor his brother Kostas make the final roster. Looking forward to Charalampopoulos' season in Italy as well, plenty of options there.

At guards Dorsey should be the biggest questionmark although needs to be said that Naz Mitrou-Long is willing to play for the team in a case similar of Ignas Brazdeikis as Canada would have to agree on im withdrawing his Canadian passport. Would like to have someone of Kalaitzakis bros there if they'd have a good season, also looking forward to see if Moraitis is going to have a good season for Peristeri with Spanoulis on the bench.

 

[Victorious2]

So considering they most likely will make it to the WC next year, Itoudis in a recent interview said that he personally asked the players (I suppose the most important of the squad) if they are willing to participate next year and didn't receive any negative answers, Calathes also is rumoured to be a lock until 2024 etc.

Regarding the roster I'd change Agravanis in a heartbeat with someone like Mitoglou (ideally) but since there's nothing about his punishment yet I'd consider taking Tsalmpouris who's started the season with Betis and seems to be doing quite good so far. Koufos is also active this season in Eurocup with London Lions and Itoudis had him in CSKA previously, he'd be a good solution considering Papagiannis is soft and heartless and times and K. Antetokounmpo quite raw.

At forwards I think Thanasis being more or less inactive has had a big impact on him, looked completely lost this year and it was possibly his worst NT summer. Rogkavopoulos would provide more scoring although we'd lack athletisicm if neither him nor his brother Kostas make the final roster. Looking forward to Charalampopoulos' season in Italy as well, plenty of options there.

At guards Dorsey should be the biggest questionmark although needs to be said that Naz Mitrou-Long is willing to play for the team in a case similar of Ignas Brazdeikis as Canada would have to agree on im withdrawing his Canadian passport. Would like to have someone of Kalaitzakis bros there if they'd have a good season, also looking forward to see if Moraitis is going to have a good season for Peristeri with Spanoulis on the bench.

Completely false analysis. Greece had the strongest line up this year, absent Mitoglou. The only change next year can come from a possible good season of the Kalaitzakis brothers. Thanassis surely lost some form, but he was key in several games. He would be wise to go back to Europe and play good minutes. You're only young once. Koufos is history. Mitrou-long is not at the desired level. Rogkavopoulos is not even in the discussion at the moment. He has to make leaps to be part of this team. Perhaps after the Olympics.

 

[R1ou2]

Completely false analysis. Greece had the strongest line up this year, absent Mitoglou. The only change next year can come from a possible good season of the Kalaitzakis brothers. Thanassis surely lost some form, but he was key in several games. He would be wise to go back to Europe and play good minutes. You're only young once. Koufos is history. Mitrou-long is not at the desired level. Rogkavopoulos is not even in the discussion at the moment. He has to make leaps to be part of this team. Perhaps after the Olympics.

That's not even close to a strong line up when you have 3-4 unplayable guys in the roster. Thanasis provides nothing in the offensive end and makes silly fouls, Agravanis is a hot head and not someone you can trust, Rogkavopoulos will be far better player than him by the end of this year.

And yeah Koufos posting 14 and 10 in eurocup is still better than having Kostas Ante being unable to match up any real center out there. Unless you are happy of watching him dunking in the likes of Estonia and GB, Koufos would be a much better fit since he would actually help with both scoring and rebounding.

Mitrou-Long is actually a EL level player at the moment not sure what's the desired level by your standards.

 

[mojo132]

So considering they most likely will make it to the WC next year, Itoudis in a recent interview said that he personally asked the players (I suppose the most important of the squad) if they are willing to participate next year and didn't receive any negative answers, Calathes also is rumoured to be a lock until 2024 etc.

Regarding the roster I'd change Agravanis in a heartbeat with someone like Mitoglou (ideally) but since there's nothing about his punishment yet I'd consider taking Tsalmpouris who's started the season with Betis and seems to be doing quite good so far. Koufos is also active this season in Eurocup with London Lions and Itoudis had him in CSKA previously, he'd be a good solution considering Papagiannis is soft and heartless and times and K. Antetokounmpo quite raw.

At forwards I think Thanasis being more or less inactive has had a big impact on him, looked completely lost this year and it was possibly his worst NT summer. Rogkavopoulos would provide more scoring although we'd lack athletisicm if neither him nor his brother Kostas make the final roster. Looking forward to Charalampopoulos' season in Italy as well, plenty of options there.

At guards Dorsey should be the biggest questionmark although needs to be said that Naz Mitrou-Long is willing to play for the team in a case similar of Ignas Brazdeikis as Canada would have to agree on im withdrawing his Canadian passport. Would like to have someone of Kalaitzakis bros there if they'd have a good season, also looking forward to see if Moraitis is going to have a good season for Peristeri with Spanoulis on the bench.

So not the same issue with Brazdeikis and Mitrou-Long. Brazdeikis's issue was two-fold. He played for Canada after age 17 and thus needed to be released by Canada Basketball - this happened quickly and was not a problem. He also had to wait until Lithuania had a special change to their laws to allow him to hold both a Lithuanian and Canadian citizenship at the same time as he wasn't willing to give up his Canadian citizenship/passport. My understanding is this is what caused a couple year delay.

Mitrou-Long has never played for Canada in youth or senior competitons and is not tied to Canada Basketball. He is essentially a "Free Agent" and can play for Canada or Greece (he has stated he intends to play for Greece). However he has not yet recieved Greek citizenship. The last interview I saw is that it is expected by the end of this year - but it has been a multi year process. I don't know why it has taken so long (perhaps someone here can tell us) - perhaps he could not prove a right to Greek citizenship for some time? I am pretty sure he can hold both Greek and Canadian citizenship at the same time (correct me if wrong on Greece, but I know Canadians can be dual citizens) - so that doesnt seem the problem.

Both Mitrou-Long and Dorsey would be natuaralized players for Greece per FIBA rules, thus you can have only one per roster.

Who would you rather have at this stage?