By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
The game of the Greek national team has to be built around Giannis and coach Missas explained that things are going to change: “The most important thing is the style of basketball that we want to play. We will have to attack during the first 8-10 seconds of each possession when we can in order for the opposing defense to react and not have time to act. We have to be extra careful when we will change the tempo from fast to slow, something that we have to monitor during the preparation game. We have an athletic team, we can pressure the ball and we can switch on the pick and rolls, at least most of our players”.
With limited time to prepare for the tournament, Missas wants to run sets which are familiar to his players: “We cut a lot of video from Olympiacos, Panathinaikos and Milwaukee Bucks. We want to build on those plays in order to gain some extra time in our preparation. So far this idea worked”.
And when he was asked about Giannis, Missas who has also coached him in the u19 team, explained that the rest of the team can keep up with him: “He has made a vast improvement. However, all our players have improved especially on their athletic abilities. Giannis can use his speed and play as the point guard in transition. On five on five situation things will be different”.