After a two-year absence, Nick Calathes is returning to the Greek national team to help it qualify for the World Cup.
The 37-year-old guard, who will play for PAOK next season, will be part of the “nation’s favorite” team’s roster for the crucial games against Ukraine in Riga (Aug. 28) and Spain at the Telekom Center Athens (August 31). His most recent appearance was in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Olympic Games against Germany.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Vassilis Spanoulis is also expected to have Tyler Dorsey at his disposal, who is returning after winning the bronze medal at EuroBasket. The presence of the Olympiacos shooting guard means he will be the naturalized player, so Thomas Walkup, Naz, and Eliza Mitrou-Long will not be on the roster.
On the other hand, Kostas Sloukas, Nikos Rogavopoulos, and Giorgos Papagiannis, who are recovering from injuries and need time to get back to 100%.
As for Giannis Antetokounmpo, the federation is trying to secure permission from the Miami Heat, but it seems most likely that the Greek Freak will not be available. On the other hand, his brothers, Kostas and Thanasis, are expected to play as usual.
Neoklis Avdalas and Alexandros Samontourov are also expected to be absent due to commitments with North Carolina. Mitoglou, Kalaitzakis, and Flionis are also expected to play during the July training camp.
Vasilis Spanoulis’s call-ups are expected later this week, while Greece’s training sessions will begin with the full roster next week. The schedule also includes two friendly matches at the Telekom Center Athens, against Poland on August 22 and Cyprus on August 24.
*photo source: fiba.basketball
