Chatzidakis fighting to bring Greece back to top - as a family

ATHENS (FIBA U16 European Championship 2016) - Despite a tradition of being a basketball powerhouse, Greece have struggled at the FIBA U16 European Championship level with just one podium finish in the last 16 years. Manolis Chatzidakis wants to change that this summer - with a feeling of family. 

The last time Greece reigned over Europe at the FIBA U16 European Championship was in 1993 - with the likes of Mihalis Kakiouzis, Efthymios Rentzias and Dimitrios Papanikolaou. And Greece's last cadet final dates back to a 16-year-old Nikos Zisis leading the way in 1999. Since then, Hellas have secured just one podium finish - a third-place showing in 2013.

"The national team in general deserves to be more decorated," said Chatzidakis. "That's why I believe that we and the future generations have to compete and work really hard so that Greece will be at the top level."

The 2.08m big man believes the Greeks could shine in Radom at the tournament from 12-20 August. 

Manolis Chatzidakis is Greece's captain at FIBA U16 European Championship 2016.

"We have worked a lot, and I believe that all we have to do is to follow our coaches' lead. We have to follow their orders and to believe in our team," he said. "If we do these two things we'll have our chance to accomplish something good."

When asked what the team's strengths are, Chatzidakis said: "As a team we begin with defence. Strong defence is our biggest strength. Plus the fact that we are not a team - we are a family."

Greece's possible journey to the podium will start in Group D with Estonia, Finland and Serbia. 

"It's a really tough group and we have to respect each and every opponent," Chatzidakis said. "We have Serbia, who are one of the favourites of the tournament, while Estonia and Finland are both really good teams."

Chatzidakis will play a big role in Greece's chances for success in Radom. The center just recently signed a seven-year contract with AEK Athens, two years after first moving to Athens from the small island of Leros, which has a population of about 8,000. The big man has also been selected as captain of the Greece team for Radom. 

"The national team in general deserves to be more decorated. That's why I believe that we and the future generations have to compete and work really hard so that Greece will be at the top level." - Chatzidakis

"It's a great honour to be the captain, but it comes with great responsibility," he said. "I will do whatever is possible to be worthy of this trust the team showed me."

Another of the team leaders will be Nikos Arsenopoulos, of whom Chatzidakis is a big fan.

"Nikos is an amazing kid and a friend," Chatzidakis said. "He is one of the best players in our generation and I believe he will do the best possible thing to help the team achieve its goals in Radom."

Especially if they work together as a team and as a family.

FIBA