TALLINN (Estonia) - Estonia are making their second FIBA EuroBasket appearance in the last 20 years, and they’ve only managed to get one win in the competition since 1993. That solitary victory, against Ukraine, occurred in the Group Phase of the 2015 edition. Interestingly, Estonia have been drawn in the same group with Ukraine again in this year’s tournament. Is another upset in store?

Here’s the thing about this Estonian team: they arrive in Milan as massive underdogs, and already making it to the main show is a big success, but don't be surprised if they raise some eyebrows during the event. This team is young, probably the youngest in the whole competition, and they are hungry.

They only won twice during the qualification campaign but that was enough and both of those victories came away from home, including an overtime triumph over Italy (at a neutral venue) in which Jukka Toijala’s men really showed what they’re made of.

Estonia combined a lot of speed and desire with the obvious lack of international experience – in that particular game they were up by 16 going into the final quarter, but let their lead slip and Italy pushed the encounter into overtime, where Estonia just really wanted it that much more. That result was crucial for the Estonians to obtain the coveted ticket to EuroBasket.

The Finnish coach does have some experience in the backcourt in Sten Sokk - the team’s oldest player - and Martin Dorbek. The latter is the team’s captain and mostly plays at the shooting guard position for his club Kalev/Cramo but he’ll have his share of time at the point guard spot at EuroBasket. Arizona Wildcat Kerr Kriisa and experienced ACB player Kristian Kullamae give Estonia some flexibility in the backcourt.

Their strongest and, perhaps, the most versatile line is on the wings: There is the extremely talented and long Henri Drell, who spent the second part of the last season with Windy City Bulls in the NBA G League. Then there is another athletically gifted youngster in Sander Raieste, who has had a taste of top European club basketball with Baskonia. Add to that list Janari Joesaar, who always has an impressive dunk or two in his bag, and then polish it with one of the team’s veterans in Siim-Sander Vene, who can be relied on to show his best when he plays for the national team.

Henri Drell injects a lot of flair and energy into the Estonian frontcourt

Estonia’s frontcourt looks just as strong. Kaspar Treier is a solid power forward with years of experience at Italian clubs while Kristjan Kitsing can stretch the floor and is capable of shooting the lights out from long range. Center Maik-Kalev Kotsar however will be the most productive in both scoring and rebounding. The big man plays the game with a lot of heart and possesses some nifty post-up skills which he’s worked on in the NCAA as well as in the German BBL.

This team will have no pressure when playing in Milan and - possibly - Berlin, and this is a great position to start the tournament. Can they make another huge step forward and enter the knockout stages for the first time in almost 30 years?
 

 IN THE LAST 10 FIBA EVENTS

HOW DID  QUALIFY: FIBA EUROBASKET 2022 QUALIFIERS - 3rd IN GROUP B (2W - 4L)

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