GRE - T. Papaloukas: "I would never like to go up against… us"

ATHENS (FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournamenent for Men) - After finishing Group stage with a perfect record, Greece is getting prepared for its quarterfinal game against Canada. The Greek captain, Theo Papaloukas, is giving his thoughts about this game, the Olympic Qualifying Tournament thus far and the team's abilities.

On Greece's performance so far in the Tournament:

"We haven't played many games so far, just two; so we cannot judge from such a short sample. To speak for sure about the abilities of this team we will have to wait till the Olympic Games, supposed we hopefully make it to Beijing. However, I can say that we are showing eagerness, desire and consistency so far; every player who steps on floor gives his best. We reached the quarterfinals; now is the time that the Tournament actually starts."

On the fans' enthusiasm:

"The fans were impressive supporting us. They enjoyed the game against Brazil and left happy to home".

On how much the team has changed after four players from last years' squad are gone now:

"We lost in terms of experience, but we gained in enthusiasm and aggressiveness. Kakiouzis, Papadopoulos, Dikoudis and Chatzivrettas were aggressive, too, but the young guys' energy on court is even stronger and inspires the rest of the players also. As Panayotis Fassoulas once has said 'playing alongside a kid, you become a kid yourself'".

On the captain's responsibility he is bearing:

"We don't have any problems to deal with. My job is easy. Everything in the team works fine. So, my only responsibility is to ask the coach to give us a day-off or the Federation for some extra game-tickets!"

On the quarterfinal against New Zealand:

"They use the contact and their bodies a lot, but the final outcome is up to us. Should we play at the level we can, keep our high standards on defense and show consistency on offense, than there is no way we could be knocked out."

On Greece's motivation:

"To qualify, play at the Olympic Games, and compete for another achievement. In Beijing, one Olympic circle that opened in Athens, 2004, will close. But, the stone keeps rolling…"

On his career so far:

"As I have said before, I feel blessed from God. The other guys think the same, too. But, the effort to keep on track never stops. Personally speaking, I set up motives for myself day-after-day; it's the only way to remain at the highest level. In that time, my only concern is how to help the National Team. So don't ask me about my return to Olympiacos and the rivalry with Panathinaikos. I am getting old to have so many things in my mind in the same time!"

On Greece's potential:

"We know, we are convinced now that we can beat every team. Supposing we face Team USA at the Beijing Games, any outcome will be possible. There is one thing I know for sure, though: I would never want to have to face… us!".

Press Office
Local Organising Committee