GRE - Calathes gaining confidence with Greece

ATHENS (FIBA World Championship) - Nick Calathes is back for his second year with the Greece team and is starting to get comfortable.

The 21-year-old Panathinaikos star made his debut with Greece last summer and was on the squad that went on to win EuroBasket 2009.

The experience was something of a whirlwind for the youngster, but he is now working towards the FIBA World Championship with a much better understanding of the demands that come with being in the senior squad.

"Certainly our goal is to get back up there," he said of Greece's targets heading to Turkey. "We want to reach the semi-finals. We have a good team, and I've learned that this group always sets high goals and we all want more silverware.

"It would be great to reach the final four and then perhaps beyond."

Calathes is enjoying being back with the national team, particular now the faces around him are more familiar.

"Last year I admit I did not know what to expect," he said. "I was nervous. Now I am much more confortable. I know what my team-mates can do on the court, and they know what to expect from me.

"And I also feel much more comfortable off the court."

Calathes is now looking forward to the final stages of Greece's preparations, which will include a friendly against the United States.

The Florida-born guard, who holds dual nationality, cannot wait to his face his old home.

"It is a game I am really looking forward to," he said. "I have been watching a lot of their players and I know a lot of them."

Greece are being considered as one of the favourites headed to Turkey, but Calathes has no interest in such labels.

"I do not think at an event like this there can be any favourites," he said. "The point is to play as well as you can. You have to be prepared and find a good performance when it matters. A poor showing in the wrong game and you go home, but a good performance at the rigth time can take you all the way."

FIBA