REYKJAVIK (FIBA EuroBasket 2017) - Hlynur Baeringsson's journey with Iceland's senior team started half a lifetime ago for the 34-year-old.

In 2015, the Stykkisholmur-born player finally made it to a EuroBasket. And incredibly, Iceland pulled off the feat again this year when they clinched a place at FIBA EuroBasket 2017.

Baeringsson spoke to FIBA.com.

FIBA.com: Did you ever think that you'd reached the end with the national team?
Baeringsson: Maybe this was the third summer in a row I've done that. The year that we qualified the first time, 2014, was supposed to be the last and then 2015 after we played at the EuroBasket. Then we did it again this summer so I guess we'll do it one more time. It can be tough because I'm away from my family a lot. But it's been the most fun basketball I can get to. Everyone cares mostly about the team, or only about the team. The environment is so attractive, so refreshing. It's good to be a part of. Maybe I'll just keep coming back if they keep picking me.

FIBA.com: Does your family understand that you're experiencing something special with Iceland?
Baeringsson: Yes, my wife was in Berlin (for EuroBasket 2015). She knows. My wife told my oldest daughter, who is nine, that we qualified for the EuroBasket again and that I won the game (against Belgium). And she asked if she knew what that meant. She didn't like it that much because it meant I would be away next summer. So it's different kinds of emotions for the kids, I guess. When they come to the games, though, they love it. They do understand.

FIBA.com: Are you playing as well as you ever have for Iceland? For example you had 15 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists in a road win at Cyprus.
Baeringsson: Yes, I think so. I just had one of my best summers with Iceland. I felt like I was struggling a bit in July when we started practicing and then it just clicked in August. I had confidence. The ball went through me a lot this summer. I had the ball a lot to make decisions, which I like, so it went well.

FIBA.com: What about the responsibilities that go with being a veteran and dealing with the younger players?
Baeringsson: How you conduct yourself, how you prepare - it's huge for young players to know the right way. The way you handle yourself can influence those guys for the rest of their lives, so I talked to them, especially Kristofer Acox and Tryggvi Hlinason and tried to help them as much as I can. I hope that I'm helping them.

FIBA.com: Is the second time making it to the EuroBasket as sweet as the first?
Baeringsson: The big difference this time is that we won our last game to qualify whereas in 2014 we lost our last game but qualified. Now, we beat Belgium, a good team. It was kind of similar, sort of disbelief both times. Even if we had already qualified once, we were surprised we did it again.

FIBA.com: Where would you like to play your Group Phase games?
Baeringsson: Playing in Finland would be great because by far, most of our fans would be able to go there. Also, there's a huge interest in the national team in Finland so it would be a crazy atmosphere. But I wouldn't mind going farther south, Turkey or Israel. That would also be a new experience. Most of our fans would rather it be Finland. It's a direct flight.

Baeringsson and Iceland played in Berlin at EuroBasket 2015

FIBA.com: What part has luck played in these qualifying campaigns for Iceland
Baeringsson: If we have a group like Israel, Serbia, Montenegro, Estonia - we're not going to qualify. That's just the way it is. But sometimes, you have those groups when you have a chance. You just have to take advantage when the ball bounces your way.

FIBA.com: With FIBA's New Competition System coming in effect in November 2017, there will be home and away qualifying games for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019. Will you play?
Baeringsson: I don't know right now. When I get a little bit older, I want to be a contributor. I don't want to be taking spots away from young guys. I want to be able to make a difference in the team. I don't want my last time in the national team to have a coach tell me I'm not good enough anymore. I want to make that decision for myself. It's sad if you hang on too long.

FIBA.com: In terms of getting people to national team games, will this be easier during the windows?
Baeringsson: It's tough getting people to a basketball game in August, when there's a lot of stuff to do. So I think having those windows is going to help in that regard.

FIBA