ATHENS (Greece) - It took until the last two seconds of a dramatic overtime thriller in the far-flung destination of Riga until Greek fans could properly celebrate and look ahead to FIBA EuroBasket 2022.

The unthinkable calamity – failing to qualify for the first time since 1985 – did not occur despite ups and down in qualification. But Hellenic faith was tested to the limit before second place in Group H was secured.

Slate wiped clean. Largely, now, a refreshed roster – gathering in Milan following a one-month training camp and FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 European Qualifiers against Serbia and Belgium as one of the outstanding favorites.

Greece sense a genuine opportunity to claim only their third European title and a first since 2005 with the return of two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo to the national team fold, with his brothers Thanasis and Kostas also included in the squad.

Star power with NBA champions on board, plus new Dallas Mavericks’ signing Tyler Dorsey. Surrounded by stellar names within Europe too. A spectacular cast to choose from for head coach Dimitris Itoudis as he prepares to lead his own nation in an international tournament for the very first time.

Dimitris Itoudis, arguably the most successful Greek coach at club level, has been handed the reins of the national team for the first time in his career

Nick Calathes, Kostas Sloukas, Ioannis Papapetrou, Kostas Papanikolaou and Georgios Papagiannis, all back in the fold and with a hunger to, at the very least, reach a podium for the first time since EuroBasket in Poland in 2009.

A wave of huge optimism accompanies Giannis, on duty for the first time since FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019. Arguably the greatest player in the current era, he has hit his prime since then as an unstoppable all-round force. There is a redemption story for him to write.

Three summers ago, amid insane hype, the Greek Freak could not even lift his side into the Quarter-Finals in Asia as waves of defenders were thrown his way and his mistakes proved costly.

In the build-up to this tournament, Itoudis had one overriding goal: to build a team that will take advantage of Antetokounmpo’s dazzling brilliance – but not be wholly reliant on it.

That means enough physicality in the paint, principally through Papagiannis, to allow their star to stay foul-free. Screeners who can help him get open and show his range. Defenders who can spell him minutes and unlock the door for his offensive brilliance to come to the fore.

Plus playmakers, like Calathes and Sloukas, whom can be relied upon to run this system and create enough variation that the athletically-gifted Greeks are tough to stop. Josh Oppenheimer, assistant coach at the Milwaukee Bucks, has been drafted in to install some of the tricks that make Antetokounmpo such a magician in the NBA.

But Itoudis has solid experience at the highest club level in Europe to ensure that large helpings of talent can become better in unison.

In the Group Phase, there will be familiar foes in the shape of Great Britain with whom they split the series 1-1 in the First Round of Qualifiers for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup. Reunions with old rivals Italy and Croatia.

Plus intriguing tests from Ukraine and Estonia. In theory, the ‘Blue and White’ will be favorites to gain top spot. Expectations do not always translate into achievement, though.

But Greece will have, bar any late switch, the Great Giannis. Capable of carrying his country on his back and with an opportunity for the 27-year-old to land a first international medal at any level.

It would be extra special if some or all of his siblings are at his side. Brothers-in-arms pitching up in Milan looking for a family photo that would have all of Greece ready to pin it up on their wall.

 IN THE LAST 10 FIBA EVENTS

HOW DID  QUALIFY: FIBA EUROBASKET 2022 QUALIFIERS - 2nd IN GROUP H (4W - 2L)

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