There's no place like home for EuroBasket, says globetrotter Satoransky

PRAGUE (Czech Republic) - Tomas Satoransky is looking forward to home comforts at FIBA EuroBasket 2022 with Czech Republic one of four host countries at the upcoming event later this summer.

The official countdown to Europe's flagship event has ticked under 100 days as Czech Republic prepare to fare better than they did five years ago as they finished the 2017 edition with just one win from five games.

"IT'S DEFINITELY EXCITING. PLAYING IN MY HOMETOWN IS ALWAYS SPECIAL."

Satoransky started his playing career at USK Praha back in 2007 and is looking forward to returning for international competition as one of the main leaders on the national team.

"It's definitely as exciting as when I was a kid," Satoransky told FIBA.basketball. "Playing in my hometown is always special. I've not played that many times at home in my career, so it's definitely exciting to bring the team home with the recent success we've had."

Czech Republic won the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Victoria, Canada last summer to book a spot at the Tokyo Olympics - where Satoransky was a flag-bearer - having previously finished sixth in their debut appearance at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019.

Satoransky represented his country at all age groups before making a senior debut over a decade ago, and the Prague native continues to answer the call for the team with multiple major tournaments under his belt.

The 30-year-old hopes a fourth appearance at EuroBasket will prove successful with the added aim of inspiring the local people.

"We hope to play in front of good crowds - everyone is super happy and can't wait," said Satoransky. "It's important when the national team has success because it brings more kids and attention to the sport.

"We want to keep building up and prolong the success that the team has. Fortunately, we were able to go to the Olympics and now we have EuroBasket to continue the momentum and bring more people into the game.

"In the past, our game was built on the team success. Czech people love when everyone is involved, but sometimes you just have to think about winning and not how you do it. We have a lot of followers with the way we play the game."

The familiar surroundings of home life add to the comfort level and will allow the Czech team to settle into their usual in tournament traditions more easily. Team bonding can be just as important off the court to help translate to the on-court chemistry and Satoransky believes it will add to the overall experience.

"Everybody knows about us that we have a routine," he concludes. "It was misunderstood in the past that we would have a beer before the game, but that's not the truth - that would be unprofessional. We have a beer the night before - just one - and have our famous meeting in someone's room.

"This will be easier [at home]. It's always special to play with your teammates and countrymen that you've known since you were kids and it's always a lot of fun."

Czech Republic will take on Serbia, Poland, Finland, Israel and the Netherlands in an intriguing Group D in Prague from September 2-8, 2022 with the top four teams advancing to the Final Phase in Berlin, Germany.

FIBA