National Team Faces Star Absences for Crucial Qualifiers
Key Players Unavailable for Greek Squad
The Greek National Team is set to compete in the second phase of the MundoBasket 2027 qualifiers, but they will do so without several prominent players. Following recent defeats against Romania and Poland in July, the team is looking to rebound in upcoming matches against Ukraine and Spain. However, coach Vassilis Spanoulis will not have the services of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kostas Sloukas, both of whom were instrumental in securing a bronze medal at EuroBasket 2025.
Antetokounmpo's Club Concerns Prevent Participation
A major reason for Giannis Antetokounmpo's absence stems from his club, the Miami Heat. Having been actively playing basketball since March 15th, Antetokounmpo's club team has decided not to grant permission for him to join the national squad. This decision is driven by concerns over a potential injury, emphasizing player welfare and avoiding burnout given his continuous playing schedule.
