EuroBasket 2025: Serbia and Greece victorious in their preparation openers
In early preparation for EuroBasket 2025, Serbia and Greece both won their opening summer friendly matches. Serbia defeated Poland (79-67) in Belgrade, while Greece overcame Belgium (74-60) in Athens. The two teams will meet this Saturday in Cyprus.
Serbia solid against Poland
By defeating Poland 79-67, Serbia recorded their second victory in two matches. After the offensive showcase against Bosnia-Herzegovina (126-89), coach Svetislav Pesic’s team relied on defense to secure the win. « Score? Doesn’t matter. What’s most important is transferring what we work on in practice to the court, » commented the head coach at the press conference.
Present at the Belgrade Arena, Serbian Basketball Federation president Nebojsa Covic witnessed a convincing performance, despite having to manage some minor injuries (Trifunovic, Micic, Smailagic).
U drugom pripremnom meču naše reprezentacije u Beogradskoj areni Orlovi su slavili nad Poljskom. 🏀
Naši momci za vikend odlaze na pripremni turnir na Kipar 🇨🇾 pic.twitter.com/sx7tLk1G7Z
— Mozzart Bet (@MozzartBet) August 6, 2025
« We’re progressing day by day. Most importantly, players need to stay healthy. The goal is to build positive energy and focus on our work, with discipline », Pesic continued.
Serbia will continue with two new tests in Cyprus on August 9 and 10, against the host nation and Greece. « These are useful games to see what awaits us at EuroBasket. Greece is a medal contender, it will be a good test, » concluded the Serbian coach.
Greece delivers without Giannis
Speaking of Greece, they played their first preparation game this Wednesday. Without their star Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Hellenic team still got the job done against Belgium (74-60). Led by an efficient Dinos Mitoglou (18 points in 17 minutes), the team coached by Vassilis Spanoulis (who turns 43 this Thursday) relied on their defense (22-11 in the final quarter) to make the difference.
« We wanted to see where we stand. We saw good things, and others to improve. Health is most important. And everyone needs to be ready to seize their opportunity, » explained Spanoulis after the game. However, the coach had to deal with two injuries: guard Giannis Toliopoulos, and especially young forward Vangelis Zougris, who hurt his right ankle.
For the rising generation, this campaign is a great opportunity. This was notably the case for young Nasos Bazinas (19), who earned his first cap. « I was nervous at first, but I got good support. It’s an honor to wear this jersey. I’m here to learn as much as possible from coach Spanoulis, » he confided.
On the court, Tyler Dorsey‘s leadership (20 minutes played) was valuable. « We’re moving forward step by step. We need to find our rhythm, but I’m sure it will come, » stated the point guard.
🇬🇷 74-60 🇧🇪https://t.co/LUWJeqQfKe#PantaDipla #MakeYourMark #GREBEL #HellasBasketball 🏀🇬🇷 pic.twitter.com/KITVR8118P
— HellenicBF (@HellenicBF) August 6, 2025
Saturday’s real test awaits
On Saturday, Serbia and Greece will face off in Cyprus, in what promises to be an exciting preparation match between two ambitious teams, though still finding their rhythm. While waiting for their leaders to return (Giannis, Micic…), every minute of play allows the coaches to build the collective foundation for what they hope will be a golden summer.
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