RIGA (Latvia) - Portugal will finally be returning to the continental stage as they locked up a ticket to the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 to end a 14-year wait since their last appearance.
The Portuguese fought their way through Group A which also included Slovenia, Israel and Ukraine and will be playing in their fourth EuroBasket and the first one since their last appearance in 2011.
Portugal managed only three victories in 24 games over the qualifying campaigns for the 2013, 2015 and 2017 EuroBaskets, but they finally turned their fortunes around on the road to FIBA EuroBasket 2025.
They registered their first EuroBasket Qualifiers win in over seven years, as they defeated Ukraine in Window 1 of the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 Qualifiers and followed it up with impressive displays against Slovenia in November 2024, which helped them secure a top three spot in their group.
How they qualified
Gameday 1: POR 70-72 ISR Gameday 2: UKR 77-79 POR Gameday 3: POR 82-74 SLO Gameday 4: SLO 83-82 POR
Remaining fixtures
Gameday 5: ISR vs POR Gameday 6: POR vs UKR
Qualifiers heroes
The main duo for Portugal has been Travante Williams and Miguel Queiroz. The two veterans both averaged double figures besides helping the team in various other ways as well - Queiroz with his rebounding and Williams as a distributor and strong perimeter defender.
Another major contributor has been Diogo Brito, who poured in 16 points in the memorable victory over Slovenia in the November 2024 window. Diogo Ventura and Rafael Lisboa played solid roles as playmakers.
History
A full generation of Portuguese fans have gone without seeing their heroes on the continental stage. But that is past now as Coach Mario Gomes' men ended a 14-year drought. Portugal will be making their fourth appearance in Europe's flagship event.
Portugal last participated in 2011 when they finished 21st. The Iberians notched a best-ever ninth place in 2007. The only other EuroBasket came way back in 1951, when Portugal took 15th place.
Best finish: 9th - 2007
Tickets
FIBA