MUNICH (FIBA EuroBasket Women 2017 Qualifiers) - Kostas Keramidas has been given a mandate to take Greece to EuroBasket Women 2017 after taking over responsibility from the departed George Dikeoulakos.

The Athens born play-caller has coached multiple women's club teams during the past two decades in his homeland, including the likes of Sony Athinaikos - as well as a brief spell abroad with Solna Vikings in Sweden.

He also served as an assistant to Panagiotis Giannakis at EuroBasket 2005, has taken charge of Greece at the Mediterranean Games and is a Professor of Physical Education.

"It's a great honour for me to take over," said Keramidis in the wake of his appointment.

"We have a difficult journey ahead of us, but with the help and the collaboration of all the athletes of the national team, we will try to qualify for EuroBasket Women 2017.

"We must be well prepared, because there are two games ahead of us against Switzerland and Bulgaria at the end of November."

Greece will also face Russia in Group F and the coach has a tough act to follow in Dikeoulakos, who masterminded Greece defying expectations to reach the cusp of the Quarter-Finals at EuroBasket Women 2015.

Keramidas is to be assisted by Eleni Kafantari who helped Greece gain promotion after a second place finish at the U20 European Championship Women Division B.

FIBA