ATHENS (2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments) - Vasilis Charalampopoulos has been a star in Greece's youth teams the past several years, showing plenty of flair and determination. He is most important of all a winner.

Charalampopoulos is a big reason why Greek fans expect the national team to remain among the best in international basketball for years to come.

Just 19 years of age, Greece coach Fotis Katsikaris thinks so highly of the 2.02m forward that he has included him in his preliminary squad for the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Turin. Greece will need to win the event to clinch a spot in the Rio de Janeiro Games.

Charalampopoulos has spoken to FIBA.com about the call-up.

FIBA.com: Was it something you expected? What was your first reaction and your first phone call after getting the news?
Charalampopoulos: It wasn't something I expected, I must confess! But I stayed calm. Probably because it was hard to realize (laughing). The only thing I can say is that I instantly felt very, very happy. And of course, the first phone call I made it was to call my parents to check if they already knew.

FIBA.com: What do you expect to gain from this experience?
Charalampopoulos: A lot. When you are called for the first time to the men's national team, it's something very important for any athlete. I believe that I can gain a lot of things. You become richer from any new experience. Just imagine this situation.

Charalampopoulos (GRE) is now training with the national team

FIBA.com: How difficult do you think it’s going to be for Greece this time, with so many of the most experienced players now absent?
Charalampopoulos: I don't know if it’s going to be easy or difficult. What I know is that every year, the national team presents something good in all competitions and that there is a goal every player will try to achieve. This is what this team is going to try to do this year: to achieve a goal.

FIBA.com: Every summer since you were 15, you have spent it in white and blue. What does it mean to you?
Charalampopoulos: For me, the summer means national team - simple as that. My wish is that my summers will remain blue and white for many years to come, because I love basketball and I love playing for my country. Nothing compares to that.

FIBA