BUL – Stoykov: "People who didn’t believe in us … I am sorry for them"

SOFIA (EuroBasket Qualifying) – Bulgaria are in EuroBasket 2009 but only after surviving a topsy-turvy qualifying campaign.

No one is happier than national team captain Todor Stoykov.

Bulgaria, who were led by Stoykov and Israeli coach Pini Gershon, beat Hungary, Finland and Italy in their first three Division A contests but then slumped to defeat in four of their last five games.

Nevertheless, the 4-4 record was good enough to secure the last direct ticket to next year’s big event in Poland as they finished as one of the three best second-place teams in the four groups.

“It was very hard,” Stoykov said.

“I know there are a lot of people who didn’t believe in us, and I am sorry for them.

“We have unique fans, a unique team and a unique coach.”

The Group A qualifying games proved to be every bit as competitive as people had expected.

Serbia, though young, are one of the traditional powerhouses in the game and under legendary coach Dusan Ivkovic, most expected the Blues to take one of the tickets.

They won seven of their eight games.

In addition to a reinvigorated Bulgaria with former Maccabi Tel Aviv coach great Pini Gershon at the helm, Italy are European giants while Hungary and newly-promoted Finland also difficult teams to play.

“There were a few people who were optimistic after the draw in the summer, but we were successful,” Stoykov said.

“It doesn’t matter how we qualified, it is important that we are where our place is.

“There is no Italy, no France, no Bosnia (and Herzegovina), but Bulgaria.

“So we deserve respect. We have a lot of young talented players who have great futures.

“There are players who don’t have clubs for next season, yet they have qualified for the EuroBasket.”

Bulgaria will not start among the favorites at the EuroBasket, but if the players maintain their enthusiasm and concentration under Gershon, anything is possible.

“I am sure that next year we will make all of Bulgaria happy with our playing in Poland and we will reach our targets,” Stoykov said, “so all that love us will love us more, and all that hate us will hate us more.”

FIBA