Ginzburg looks for new Czech Republic stars to emerge
PRAGUE (FIBA EuroBasket 2017) - The Czech Republic lost some momentum last summer when falling in two of three games at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Serbia but they can regain it this year.
PRAGUE (FIBA EuroBasket 2017) - The Czech Republic lost some of their swagger last summer when falling in two of their three games at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Serbia but they can get back on track with a strong performance at FIBA EuroBasket 2017.
With Tomas Satoransky, Jan Veseley and a host of other veterans at coach Neno Ginzburg's disposal, a strong showing in Group C in Cluj looks a strong possibility. There are familiar names missing, though, from the 22-player list announced by Ginzburg. There are no Pavel Pumprla, Blake Schilb or Petr Benda.
| Czech Republic's 22-man squad ahead of FIBA EuroBasket 2017 | |||
| Patrick Auda | Ondrej Balvin | Jaromir Bohacik | Dalibor Fait |
| Pavel Grunt | Filip Halada | Vojtech Hruban | Martin Kriz |
| Tomas Kyzlink | Michal Mares | Lukas Palyza | Adam Pechacek |
| Martin Peterka | Filip Petruzela | Tomas Satoransky | Petr Safarcik |
| Jakub Sirina | David Skranc | Kamil Svrdlik | Jan Vesely |
| Tomas Vyoral | Jiri Welsch | ||
Ginzburg believes there is enough firepower in the squad to overcome those absences.
"We lost three players from the starting lineup in Benda, Pumprla, Schilb," he said. "But it is again a challenge for other players. The preparation games will be enough to show who they are. Players who were on the bench must now take responsibility."
Ginzburg had indicated that impressive young marksman Tomas Kyzlink would get an invite to camp and so he has.
"Tomas Kyzlink is a new face and can develop into a good player," Ginzburg said to FIBA.basketball. "He's improving well."
Big center Ondrej Balvin, who has not played since the FIBA EuroBasket 2015 Second Qualifying Round, is also in the 22-man squad.
Patrik Auda played well at FIBA EuroBasket 2015
Patrik Auda, who had a prominent role in 2015, figures to be important to the cause.
Satoransky will join the team following his first season in the NBA, where he played for the Washington Wizards. Vesely returns to the side after a strong campaign for Fenerbahce in Turkey's top flight.
At FIBA EuroBasket, the Czechs will meet Spain, Montenegro, Croatia, Hungary and Romania in the Group Phase.
FIBA