Greece look to balance youth and experience
ATHENS (FIBA EuroBasket Women 2017) - Greece might have a greater share of 'golden oldies' than most nations at the Final Round next month, but they are also relying on younger players breaking through.
ATHENS (FIBA EuroBasket Women 2017) - Greece might have a greater share of 'golden oldies' than most nations at the Final Round next month, but they have also moved to make a statement about their long-term future after announcing a 16-player squad.
While the legendary Evanthia Maltsi is the standout name alongside her fellow veterans Styliani Kaltsidou, Iouliti Lymoura and Aikaterina Sotiriou, a significant page has also been turned.
Greece 16-player squad for FIBA EuroBasket Women 2017
| Eleanna Christinaki | Ioanna Diella | Niki Eivery | Maria Fasoula |
| Styliani Fouraki | Styliani Kaltsidou | Afroditi Kosma | Iouliti Lymoura |
| Evanthia Maltsi | Petroula Mouli | Angeliki Nikolopoulou | Aikaterina Sotiriou |
| Artemis Spanou | Anna Spyridopoulou | Evdokia Stamati | Anna Stamolamprou |
Without two of their most influential and productive players in Zoi Dimitrakou and Olga Chatzinikolaou, as well as the experienced Pelagia Papamichail, there could be a chance for several potentially key younger players to step up to the plate and shine.
Not least, center Maria Fasoula who is a big talent in the paint and got to step out at the last edition of the tournament along with Eleanna Christinaki. Both could be vital this time around if they are able to push for more minutes.
There is also a spot for the free-scoring Anna Stamolamprou, who might finally get a major tournament at the senior level under her belt after excelling at youth level.
Head coach Kostas Keramidas won't be short on experience and will also be looking for his premier players such as Artemis Spanou to shift up the gears. Especially since Greece have been drawn in Group C, which looks seriously tough against France, Serbia and Slovenia.
FIBA