Georgia look ahead to Zagreb
TBILISI (EuroBasket) - Qualifying for a EuroBasket can sometimes be just as difficult as winning games in the actual tournament. Georgia understand that very well. After back-to-back appearances at
TBILISI (EuroBasket) - Qualifying for a EuroBasket can sometimes be just as difficult as winning games in the actual tournament.
Georgia understand that very well.
After back-to-back appearances at EuroBasket 2011 and 2013, the Georgians didn't clinch their place at this summer's event until the very last day, when they overcame Portugal, 71-59, on 27 August, 2014.
That result gave the Igor Kokoskov-coached Georgians their fourth victory from six games.
The Czech Republic and Hungary also boasted 4-2 records in Group E but Georgia and the Czechs finished first and second, respectively, and advanced, with Hungary missing out on a goal-differential tiebreaker.
“@Bucks:With today's win @zaza27 & Georgia finished 1st in their Group and have qualified for #EuroBasket2015!@Bucks thanks for your support
— Zaza Pachulia (@zaza27) August 27, 2014"These two months were not easy, but fortunately, everything finished as all of us wanted," Georgia center Zaza Pachulia said at the time. "Thanks to my team, thanks to our fans - get ready for the next year."
That is exactly what Georgia are doing now, a couple of months on from the EuroBasket 2015 draw.
Georgia ended up alongside Croatia, Greece, the Netherlands, Slovenia and The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (MKD) in Group C.
Can this Georgia team advance to the Eighth-Finals?
They made it through the initial group phase in 2011 but not in 2013.
Pachulia, the long-time NBA center who plays for Milwaukee Bucks, was injured and unable to suit up for EuroBasket 2013 but he is expected to be in the line-up.
His presence on the interior would make a huge difference for Georgia.
The 2.10m center averaged 17.5 points and 7.8 rebounds per game in six qualifying games.
He is more than just a big body that scores and rebounds, which he has shown this season in the NBA.
Croatia, who will be hosting Group C in Zagreb, Greece, Slovenia and MKD have proven in recent years they are very difficult opponents, but Kokoskov's focus right now is on something else, the great unknown that is the Dutch team.
"Right now, the main target is the Netherlands and we have to do everything that we can to beat them."
Squad selection, as always, is a hot topics for national teams.
Last summer, Nikoloz Tskitishvili was not in the squad and everyone in Georgia is wondering if the 31-year-old will feature again.
"He decided that his career would be better for a summer vacation," Kokoskov said.
"No one is ruled out.'
Kokoskov said that Ricky Hickman, the explosive guard who helped Maccabi Tel Aviv win last year's Euroleague crown and is now on the books of Fenerbahce, is also firmly in his plans.
Hickman did not play in Georgia's difficult but ultimately successful 2nd Qualification Round campaign.
Georgia are putting tthe finishing touches on their preparation plans and already know they will have 10 friendly games.
The players and coaches will gather in July.
FIBA