ATHENS (Greece) - Greece's fans aren't celebrating in the streets, yet it's safe to say that a lot of people in the country believe the national team could be poised to go on a deep run at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 in China following the recent draw in Shenzhen.

Thanassis Skourtopoulos, who coached the Greeks through a successful European Qualifiers campaign, one that helped them secure a top seed for the draw, is already looking ahead to games in Group F against Brazil, New Zealand and Montenegro.

If they finish in the top two of that pool, the Greeks will advance to Group K in the Second Round where they would face the top two sides from a Group E that includes two-time reigning world champions USA, Turkey, Czech Republic and Japan.

A top two finish in Group K would put the Greeks into the Quarter-Finals.

"IT WAS A POSITIVE DRAW... MANY MORE DIFFICULT OPPONENTS COULD HAVE BEEN IN OUR WAY."- Skourtopolous

"Brazil is a traditional South American force," Skourtopoulos said. "We don't know the roster yet, but we expect a team that plays a fast and spectacular game. Montenegro is a very familiar team to us, especially in recent years, a tough group, youthful and with great motivation. Finally, New Zealand is traditionally a competitive and very combative group that can cause serious problems to anyone that doesn't pay attention to them. The first thing is to have a healthy and full roster and then we'll be ready to face any team."

The play caller was quick to put things in perspective.

"It was a positive draw... many more difficult opponents could have been in our way," he reasoned. "The goal is given, whatever our opponents, to present the team ready for any challenge from the beginning of the event. 

"I firmly believe that if we come to the level where we all believe we belong, the first qualification will come and the national team will strive for the best possible continuity (in the Second Round)."

Greece are looking forward to the return of Giannis Antetokounmpo to the national team for the World Cup

Greece have taken on all of their First Round opponents before, though not in competitive games in the recent past. In 2006, current Brazil star Anderson Varejao was in his national side when the teams clashed in Hamamatsu, a game the Greeks won en route to a spot in the Final. That same tournament, in fact, saw Greece upset the USA in the Semi-Finals, 101-95 and yes, fans did pour into the streets in Athens to celebrate that famous win.

Two years later and Greece took on New Zealand at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Athens and beat the Kiwis, 75-48. The Greeks met Montenegro at FIBA EuroBasket 2011, winning that meeting, 71-55. When those games were played, no one could have dreamed that a talent like Giannis Antetokounmpo would emerge and become one of the best players in the world, which he currently is.

One player that helped Greece in the European Qualifiers was point guard Nikos Gkikas of Promitheas Patras. Like Skourtopoulos, he is upbeat about the team's chances.

"The draw is very good for us," he said to ERT2. "The target for the players to go, and for the national team, is first place (in the group). It seems very straightforward. Our team is generally very good, with Giannis (Antetokounmpo) and everyone. It's our chance for something big."

Gkikas is hopeful of making the team but even if he does't, he'll know that he contributed to the country's success.

"We always dream of a medal for Greece," he said. "All the players, we helped, we will be entitled to a medal, if this comes for our country."

When asked about superstar Antetokounmpo and whether or not he expected his friend to play, he answered: "He will surely come first, because he loves the national team and secondly, because it is the kind of tournament that everyone goes to. He will definitely be there!"

FIBA