Eurobasket 2009 draw

[Straight forward]

Well, the tradition for Lithuania to start the Eurobasket against Turkey is here again Just like in 2005 and 2007. I wonder how strong Bulgaria is. Poland will have a lot hope, but I don't think they have a lot of potency here, though I have no doubt this Eurobasket will help a lot to develop BB popularity for our neighbours. It will be realy interesting how renewed Serbia will look. Will finally Spain dominate this competition? Navarro already said, that they are favorites Unfortunately, he's 100% right.
As for Lithuania, the biggest intrigue is a question if we'll have our mohicans in the roster or the team will be filled with new players. Federation says that the team will be renewed in WC 2010.

[brss]

Well, the tradition for Lithuania to start the Eurobasket against Turkey is here again Just like in 2005 and 2007. I wonder how strong Bulgaria is. Poland will have a lot hope, but I don't think they have a lot of potency here, though I have no doubt this Eurobasket will help a lot to develop BB popularity for our neighbours.

Well..We have some problems on the 1-2 positions. But the 3-5 positions are looking pretty good IMO. Ignerski, Lampe, Gortat, Szewczyk, Dylewicz and mayby Wójcik (+Roszyk on the SF). If those players are gonna play than we can make some trouble to Turkey team.
On PG posiotnions we have Koszarek and Szubarga, but those two aren't on the right level (Eurobasket level). We have some ideas on naturalizing (dont know if this is the right word) Dan Dickau or Chris Thomas, so we will see.

Sry for my english. i know it is a pretty low level.

[Straight forward]

Well..We have some problems on the 1-2 positions. But the 3-5 positions are looking pretty good IMO. Ignerski, Lampe, Gortat, Szewczyk, Dylewicz and mayby Wójcik (+Roszyk on the SF). If those players are gonna play than we can make some trouble to Turkey team.
On PG posiotnions we have Koszarek and Szubarga, but those two aren't on the right level (Eurobasket level). We have some ideas on naturalizing (dont know if this is the right word) Dan Dickau or Chris Thomas, so we will see.

Well, yes, Lithuanian spies already brought this information home I have to say that if Gortat, Lampe and other Polish stars will play than it might be interesting team, specially if Lithuania and Turkey will lose some of key players. For example, Lithuania is one team with Jasikevičius and other without him, the same with Šiškauskas (god, damn it!). But i have to say I don't like the fact that Poland goes the same way as Russia, Germany while trying to naturalize some players. Errr...I heard that Shaq's grandmother is from Lithuania, maybe we should grab him while Ilgauskas is hard a issue I would suggest to stay with your own players, this is all about NATIONAL TEAM anyway.

[woma]

Group C is the toughest probably. Spain is the fav of course but it will be interesting to see how Serbia looks like. Tough luck for GB. In any other group they could have a chance for an upset win. Not here.

The best part about this group it's that it will be played in Warsaw!!! . So potentially 6 exciting live games for me...

[Mindozas]

The best part about this group it's that it will be played in Warsaw!!! . So potentially 6 exciting live games for me...

And I couldn't say the same thing about Lithuania's fans, who has plans to go and cheer for NT Wroclaw is the worst city (I mean distance) to play in for Liths fans. I was hoping for a Gdansk or Warsaw or atleast Poznan, but only not Wroclaw Atleast the second round will be played in Lodz, but in play-offs stages (if we'll reach it) again it's Katowice, a city near border with Czech republic, but atleast all games will be played during weekend, so it shouldn't be big problem to stay there for some days. It's interesting what tickets' prices might be for the games.

[Levenspiel]

Turkey has to stay focused, just as they did in the qualification round, otherwise we may easily end up last in the group. Poland and Bulgaria will see us the most probable team to upset. I expect intense games between us three.

I guess Turkoglu will join the NT but I hope Okur won't. By experience, we know we play more concentrated without our stars, and we usually win close games. I expect Ilyasova, Turkoglu, Omer Asik to carry us in the tournament, and I'm optimistic.

The best part about this group it's that it will be played in Warsaw!!! . So potentially 6 exciting live games for me...

It's too early but I'm planning to attend the games in Poland. Do you know which city will host Group D games?

[Mindozas]

It's too early but I'm planning to attend the games in Poland. Do you know which city will host Group D games?

Wroclaw

Link: Fibaeurope.com

Edit: Thanks, Mindozas. -sariss-

[brss]

For example, Lithuania is one team with Jasikevičius and other without him, the same with Šiškauskas (god, damn it!).

I tottaly agree with you. And btw. Is Slanina has any chances to make the NT team (mayby for Kaukenas backup)? And one more: Jasikevicius? Is he gonna play? Does he said anything about the Eurobasket 2009?

But i have to say I don't like the fact that Poland goes the same way as Russia, Germany while trying to naturalize some players.

Don't worry about it, because our organisation is trying for something like 2 years to naturalize a American PG, but no results for now. And IMO they dont gonna make it to the Eurobasket.

P.S. How many teams advance from the group to the next round? 3 or 2?

[Straight forward]

I tottaly agree with you. And btw. Is Slanina has any chances to make the NT team (mayby for Kaukenas backup)? And one more: Jasikevicius? Is he gonna play? Does he said anything about the Eurobasket 2009?

I don't think Slanina will come to NT camp even if he'll be invited. Back to the preparation of Eurobasket 2007 he worked realy hard all summer and than he was reject before the competition. After that he said that he would think hard if he would come for another time. The coach is still the same, so i don't think Slanina will come or even will be invited. On the other hand, he always struggled to show his best in national team.
As for Jasikevičius, he said that he'll think about it after season. No idea if he'll play.

[Mindozas]

P.S. How many teams advance from the group to the next round? 3 or 2?

3 teams will advance

[Great Macedonian]

There is finally time to play against Greece


Salute from Skopje Macedonia

[AlbionGate]

There is finally time to play against Greece

Salute from Skopje Macedonia

Don't be ashamed by your country true name? So far, you live in F.Y.R.O.M. (former yugoslavian republic of Macedonia).

[Great Macedonian]

Don't be ashamed by your country true name? So far, you live in F.Y.R.O.M. (former yugoslavian republic of Macedonia).

Who would win in this game that gets the right to carry the name of Macedonia.

[rikhardur]

Guys let's not start shall we? If you really want to discuss the matter, go here.

[flyinturk]

Turkey has to stay focused, just as they did in the qualification round, otherwise we may easily end up last in the group. Poland and Bulgaria will see us the most probable team to upset. I expect intense games between us three.

I guess Turkoglu will join the NT but I hope Okur won't. By experience, we know we play more concentrated without our stars, and we usually win close games. I expect Ilyasova, Turkoglu, Omer Asik to carry us in the tournament, and I'm optimistic.


It's too early but I'm planning to attend the games in Poland. Do you know which city will host Group D games?

we don't need Okur. i was surprised watching O.Savas and F.Solak in the elimination, they had decent games i didnt miss O.Asık.Expectation might be big for a 2nd pot team but i agree with you about ending up last.

[AlbionGate]

I expect Enes Kanter to be in the team.

[rafal10]

Wroclaw is the worst city (I mean distance) to play in for Liths fans. I was hoping for a Gdansk or Warsaw or atleast Poznan, but only not Wroclaw Atleast the second round will be played in Lodz, but in play-offs stages (if we'll reach it) again it's Katowice, a city near border with Czech republic, but atleast all games will be played during weekend, so it shouldn't be big problem to stay there for some days.

No Wrocław is the best city . I live near Wrocław and I'll go to games with group D.Wrocław is basketball city.

PS.We invite all Lithuanians fans.

[Hakkapeliitta]

Finland with very little chances of course.

I am happy that we are staying at A-level, that was a reasonable aim right from the beginning. What comes to spreading info on basketball, Italy and France are the best possible ones. We get to see and play against legit NBA stars: comparing that a year ago we were still talking about Pippen in Finland, this is quite a step forward! Although I bet that our newspapers will make bigger titles if Longoria comes or not than what's-his-name-that-husband-of-hers-who-plays-that-orangeball?

I believe Finland manages to play one outstanding game at home. Hopefully that's enough for one win.

[Iverson.A]

now that Tal Burstein is back in shape and we have Raviv Limonad and Omri casspi in the 2009 squad.. we're looking great.strong back-court but we're lacking of another dominante good 5.. we cant depand on Green! Hope we can finally win our greek friends.

[Great Macedonian]

Todor Gecevski player basketboll club Zadar
said that there is time to avenge on Israel.




I hope that the time has come to win Israel, which is a large debtor of Macedonia. Still we are tears in the eyes when you remember the 1999 defeat in the French and last year in Menorca Spain. However, I think that duel between Macedonia and Greece will be with a lot of emotion for us players.