REYKJAVIK - Iceland's supporters travelled well this past summer. A boisterous group of fans, their presence in Berlin added much to one of the greatest EuroBaskets of all time.

They injected plenty of emotion and passion into Group B for Iceland's games against Germany, eventual winners Spain, Serbia, Italy and Turkey. They experienced unforgettable moments, like on opening day against the tournament hosts and their iconic player, Dirk Nowitzki.

By taking part, one of Iceland's long-time stars, Jon Stefansson, realized a dream. He played in a European Championship for the first time.

"I get goosebumps just talking about it," he said this week to FIBA.com. "We lost all of our games but it was an incredible experience. I will cherish it for the rest of my life."

Jon Stefansson (ISL) at EuroBasket 2015

By playing at a EuroBasket, basketball took center stage back in Stefansson's homeland. People watched games and talked about the sport like never before.

It will be like that come November 2017, too, when fans start to see their national team more regularly. Under FIBA's new system of competition, national teams will play regular home and away games over a four-year cycle from 2017 through 2021 to qualify for the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup and the 2021 FIBA Continental Cups.

"I think it's a much better system, to be honest. I know that Olafur Rafnsson, the [FIBA Europe] President who passed away (in June 2013), he fought for this," Stefansson said.

One aspect to the new format is that when players leave clubs sides during the season, they will not need weeks to get in shape for a national team game. The players will end up having more of a break after their club seasons.

"Guys have been playing two pre-seasons," Stefansson said. "They play pre-season with their clubs. Then the season like here in Spain goes to the end of June, then you go home, rest a couple of weeks before you're back in pre-season with the national team. For me, that system doesn't make sense. Club pre-seasons in Europe are really hard so definitely the other system when you're in shape during the season, you go home and you play games [is preferred]."

Having games throughout the year will also create an opportunity for Iceland's basketball federation. They will have the chance to keep their team in the public eye.

I think it's better to market the sport, to get sponsors because in the summer, it's just different. I think it's going to be better for everybody, not just the players but the federation. - Stefansson

Stefansson is right now enjoying something in baskeball addition to his national team. He is in the middle of an undefeated season with Valencia Basket, one that has seen the Spanish side win all 14 of its games in the Liga Endesa and all 10 of its games in the Eurocup.

"I'm lucky to have great teammates and the chemistry in the locker room is just unbelievable," Stefansson said. "On the court, also. In practices, I think we have a group of guys that work hard and you never see anybody complain. We do our job, do it professionally, in training and it shows in the games. The coach keeps telling us to keep our feet on the ground, though."

Just how long Valencia keeps up this torrid pace is anyone's guess. It's what teams do at the end of seasons that people remember.

What Stefansson seems to have accepted is that his national team career is not over. He knows that he has a lot to give for his country and the solid performances of last season have made him believe that making it to EuroBasket 2017 is a realistic aim.

Iceland finished with five defeats but could very well have won three of those games. In their opener, hosts Germany edged them, 71-65, and on Day 2, Italy scraped a 71-64 victory over them.

Though already eliminated, Iceland's players fought like their lives depended on it and pushed Turkey hard before falling after overtime, 111-102.

"When you experience something that good, you want to chase it," he said. "So, I had been thinking of probably stopping with the national team but after this, I might continue and try to be back there in 2017."

FIBA