LYON (FIBA Basketball World Cup) - Ukraine were a huge hit at the EuroBasket in Slovenia this summer.

Not many people, including Ukrainian fans, expected the side coached by Mike Fratello to go on a strong run to the Quarter-Finals and ultimately finish sixth to qualify for the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

The achievement could not have come at a better time because Ukraine are hosting EuroBasket 2015, so the national team has given everyone in the country cause to believe they can reach the podium in two years.

What made the Ukrainians' run at EuroBasket 2013 all the more impressive was that some big-name players from the past were missing.

Among them was Oleksiy Pecherov, a forward with NBA experience who couldn't help Ukraine qualify in this year's tournament because of an injury.

The 27-year-old center is fit again and just signed a contract with Valencia Basket in Spain where he is now alongside compatriot and good friend, Serhiy Lishchuk.

Both players could end up featuring in the Ukraine squad for the World Cup.

Pecherov has joined Valencia because of an injury crisis.

"I want to help as much as possible," he said. "I know it's a very good club, professional, a good organisation.

"For the past five to seven years, always a good team that gets in the final four of the Spanish championship. My friend (Lishchuk) has played in the team already for four years.

"We can only meet each other during the summer and when we have a chance to talk, he always has good words about Valencia as a city and the basketball."

Pecherov knows exactly how he can help.

"(Bring) Energy and experience and try to help wherever they need me," he said.

"Whatever the coach tells me I try to do what is needed."

Valencia Basket will be in action on Wednesday at ASVEL Villeurbanne Lyon in France.

FIBA