European Hoops: EuroBasket 2025 Preview Series – Georgia

With EuroBasket 2025 tipping off, this is your one-stop destination for in-depth previews of all 24 national teams heading into Europe’s premier basketball tournament. Whether you’re tracking MVP candidates, X’s-and-O’s brilliance, or just figuring out who might crash the medal party, our Power Rankings and team-by-team breakdowns will keep you ahead of the curve.

 

Georgia: Big, Bruising and Built for the Halfcourt

Group C – EuroBasket 2025 Preview

Georgia enters EuroBasket 2025 leaning into their identity — physicality, interior playmaking, and bruising mismatches in the halfcourt. Tornike Shengelia remains the heart of the team, but if Goga Bitadze and Sandro Mamukelashvili are available, Georgia’s frontline becomes one of the most imposing in the tournament. The question is whether they can balance that interior force with enough shooting and transition defense to hang with more dynamic rosters.

Best Players: Shengelia did the heavy lifting in the qualifiers, averaging 23 points and 7 boards while commanding attention on nearly every halfcourt possession. If Bitadze suits up, Georgia gets an elite rim protector and strong defensive anchor. Mamukelashvili adds a stretch-big wrinkle and a connector in lineups that need more fluidity.

Path: 3–3. Dropped both games to Serbia and stumbled early vs Denmark, but bounced back with two crucial wins over Finland and a narrow revenge win vs Denmark at home. Qualified by grinding games out — true to form.

Strengths: Few teams can match Georgia’s big-man rotation in raw size and versatility. Shengelia’s inside playmaking is a legitimate offensive hub and the team plays well off cuts and short rolls. If Goga plays, they gain a high-level rim deterrent and paint presence. Overall, there’s toughness, rebounding, and a willingness to play through contact.

Weaknesses: They’re built for the halfcourt, but that comes at a cost. Transition defense is spotty at best, and they allowed far too many easy run-outs during qualifiers. With only 33% shooting from three and limited movement threats, spacing can vanish quickly. That allows teams to load the paint and live with the results.

Bottom Line: Georgia knows exactly what it is — and they’re banking on size, discipline, and interior play to get them through Group C. But the margins are thin. Without better floor spacing or improved defensive urgency, they’ll need near-perfect games from their stars to make noise past the group stage.

Expectation: Heavy but Unpolished

Physicality alone gets them through games. But for a deeper run, they’ll need a little more finesse.

 

This article was co-written by the hosts of the European Hoops podcast, Tiago Cordeiro and André Lemos. Subscribe to the podcast and follow European Hoops on Twitter: @EthosEuroleague.

European Hoops: EuroBasket 2025 Preview Series – Bosnia…

With EuroBasket 2025 tipping off, this is your one-stop destination for in-depth previews of all 24 national teams heading into Europe’s premier basketball tournament. Whether you’re tracking MVP candidates, X’s-and-O’s brilliance, or just figuring out who might crash the medal party, our Power Rankings and team-by-team breakdowns will keep you ahead of the curve.

 

Bosnia and Herzegovina: Firepower, Frontcourt and Flaws

Group C – EuroBasket 2025 Preview

Bosnia and Herzegovina arrives at EuroBasket 2025 with their usual promise: a dynamic offense, physicality inside and just enough unpredictability to ruin someone’s knockout bracket. They’re not among the tournament’s elites, but with a motivated roster and two high-level NBA bigs potentially joining, they could be more than just dangerous.

Best Players: Dzanan Musa is the engine. The Euroleague star is the team primary creator, scorer and heartbeat, but he’s not alone. Aleksandar Lazić and Kenan Kamenjaš were efficient, double-digit scorers during the qualifiers, playing off Musa’s gravity and showing real toughness. If Luka Garza and Jusuf Nurkić suit up — and the latter seems increasingly likely — the team instantly becomes one of the most physical in the paint.

Path: They went 3–3 in a tricky group. They lost both games to France, one at the buzzer, but crushed Cyprus and split with Croatia. Most telling was their win over Croatia in the final game — a physical battle they took over late, suggesting they’re a team that knows how to impose their will when it matters.

Strengths: They play an unselfish, high-IQ brand of offense. While Musa is clearly the go-to guy, the ball moves well and they’re not overly reliant on isolation. On the glass, they’re relentless — and if Nurkić and Garza both join, they’ll be among the tournament’s best rebounding teams. Their frontcourt size and physicality will give teams problems, especially in slower, half-court games.

Weaknesses: Their weaknesses are familiar: they shot just 34% from three during qualifiers, which on its own isn’t a massive issue, but it came on extremely low volume. Without reliable perimeter threats, opposing defenses can sag into the paint, making life difficult for their creators. Defensively, their bigs are slow-footed and vulnerable in space—switches, hedges, and blitzes often lead to breakdowns. Inconsistencies in defensive discipline and communication also remain a concern.

Bottom Line: This roster has a real chance to punch above their seeding — especially if Nurkić joins the roster. Musa is a proven star and their core has chemistry. But without more consistent shooting and better defensive structure, they may find themselves stuck in the middle tier. Still, no team in Group C will enjoy facing them.

Expectation: Big, Bold and Bruising (but still flawed)

Not quite a dark horse — yet. With Nurkić and Garza in, they might be knocking on the door.

 

This article was co-written by the hosts of the European Hoops podcast, Tiago Cordeiro and André Lemos. Subscribe to the podcast and follow European Hoops on Twitter: @EthosEuroleague.

European Hoops: EuroBasket 2025 Preview Series – Greece

With EuroBasket 2025 tipping off, this is your one-stop destination for in-depth previews of all 24 national teams heading into Europe’s premier basketball tournament. Whether you’re tracking MVP candidates, X’s-and-O’s brilliance, or just figuring out who might crash the medal party, our Power Rankings and team-by-team breakdowns will keep you ahead of the curve.

 

Greece: Built Around Giannis, But Is It Enough?

Group C – EuroBasket 2025 Preview

Greece heads into EuroBasket 2025 with a proven formula: elite defense, discipline and Giannis Antetokounmpo doing superhuman things. It has worked before and it will keep them in any game. But as always, the question is whether the supporting cast can carry its weight — especially when Giannis is not on the floor. They were quietly shaky in qualifying and unless a few wings step up, they might walk the familiar tightrope between contender and crash-out.

Best Players: Giannis is the obvious focal point and after a strong Olympic campaign in the “group of death” last summer, he enters EuroBasket ready to dominate. His rim pressure, transition game and defensive range change the equation entirely. Papanikolaou brings toughness and defensive stability on the wing. Toliopoulos was the most consistent presence in the qualifiers, playing all six games, though he often took a backseat when higher-caliber talent was available.

Path: Greece finished 5–1 in a surprisingly competitive group. Wins rarely came easy: their largest margin was just 9 points, and even the games against lighter opponents were tight — they beat the Netherlands by 4 and 2, and lost to Great Britain by one. It was enough to qualify comfortably, but not without flashing a few warning signs.

Strengths: Defense is the identity here. Greece finished top-4 defensively in the qualifying stage, and Giannis only elevates that ceiling. The coaching staff does an excellent job masking weaknesses and playing to the strengths of each lineup. Off-ball movement and role clarity are key pillars — though those may shift a bit with Giannis absorbing more on-ball usage.

Weaknesses: The half-court offense remains a concern. Without Giannis, creation dries up quickly, and shooting limitations across the roster can shrink the floor even when he’s in. Spacing remains an issue, and teams that load up the paint can neutralize much of their drive-and-kick action. They’ll need someone to find rhythm as a secondary engine.

Bottom Line: Giannis gives Greece a real chance, and their defense will keep them alive in any matchup. But without better shooting and more reliable creation, the same old story could play out. If role players step up, they’re dangerous. If not, they’ll lean heavily on one of the best player in the tournament to carry the load — again.

Expectation: Dangerous, But Still Dependent

This is a top-heavy team. Giannis can win you a knockout game, but they need more than that to win the whole thing.

 

This article was co-written by the hosts of the European Hoops podcast, Tiago Cordeiro and André Lemos. Subscribe to the podcast and follow European Hoops on Twitter: @EthosEuroleague.

European Hoops: EuroBasket 2025 Preview Series – Cyprus

With EuroBasket 2025 tipping off, this is your one-stop destination for in-depth previews of all 24 national teams heading into Europe’s premier basketball tournament. Whether you’re tracking MVP candidates, X’s-and-O’s brilliance, or just figuring out who might crash the medal party, our Power Rankings and team-by-team breakdowns will keep you ahead of the curve.

 

Cyprus: Host Role, Harsh Reality

Group C – EuroBasket 2025 Preview

Hosting EuroBasket 2025 should be a moment of celebration for Cyprus, but on the court, it’s shaping up to be a steep uphill climb. The home crowd will bring energy, but the talent gap is stark — Cyprus went 0–6 in the qualifiers and none of the losses were particularly close.

Best Players: Konstantinos Simitzis showed flashes during qualifiers, while Darral Willis was one of their better performers but won’t suit up for the tournament. Filippos Tigkas is the name to watch — a crafty young guard who could emerge as a breakout player despite the team’s struggles.

Path: 0–6. Cyprus never managed to find footing or momentum and couldn’t compete for wins across the board. As tournament hosts, they qualify automatically — but on paper, they remain a tier below the rest of Group C.

Strengths: Tigkas brings legitimate talent and flair to the backcourt. He’ll be given the keys and a green light, which could lead to some highlight moments even in tough losses.

Weaknesses: The talent gap is real. Cyprus struggles to shoot from deep, turns the ball over too often, and lacks the depth or size to compete for four quarters. They’ll battle — but realistically, they’ll be outgunned in every matchup.

Bottom Line: Cyprus is here thanks to the host berth, and they’ll embrace the stage — but every game will be a survival test. Still, the experience could be invaluable for their younger core.

Expectation: #24 – The Host Underdog

Competitive spirit isn’t the issue. Talent is.

 

This article was co-written by the hosts of the European Hoops podcast, Tiago Cordeiro and André Lemos. Subscribe to the podcast and follow European Hoops on Twitter: @EthosEuroleague.

European Hoops: EuroBasket 2025 Preview Series – Germany

With EuroBasket 2025 tipping off, this is your one-stop destination for in-depth previews of all 24 national teams heading into Europe’s premier basketball tournament. Whether you’re tracking MVP candidates, X’s-and-O’s brilliance, or just figuring out who might crash the medal party, our Power Rankings and team-by-team breakdowns will keep you ahead of the curve.

 

Germany: Reloading in Group B with NBA Talent and Experience

Germany’s 4–2 qualifying run was solid but hardly the full story. They swept Montenegro, split games with Bulgaria and Sweden — including a dominant 19-point win over Sweden at home — showing they can adjust and respond under pressure.

Best Players: David Krämer was Germany’s steadiest presence during the qualifiers, delivering efficient scoring across all six games. But the real firepower arrives with the NBA reinforcements: Dennis Schröder, Franz Wagner, and Tristan da Silva headline a dynamic core. Isaiah Hartenstein will miss the tournament due to rehab, but if the rest stay healthy, this is one of the most talent-rich groups in the field.

Strengths: Schröder and Wagner provide clear leadership in the backcourt and wing, while Krämer and Andreas Obst offer elite off-ball shooting and movement. The big men are versatile, able to make plays in the post or stretch the floor. Germany’s defined roles and experience from recent international play give them a strong foundation.

Weaknesses: Schröder’s aggressive style can lead to turnovers and forced offense, sometimes settling for tough isolation plays or contested threes. Wagner’s outside shooting remains a question after shooting 20% from deep at the last Olympics. If that doesn’t improve, opponents can clog driving lanes.

Bottom Line: Germany arrives in Group B with championship aspirations. If their stars stay healthy and Schröder cleans up his decision-making, they’ll be a major threat. Their blend of experience, NBA talent and clear roles makes them one of the favorites.

Expectation: Legit Title Contenders

One of Europe’s elite teams looking to make a serious run at EuroBasket 2025.

 

This article was co-written by the hosts of the European Hoops podcast, Tiago Cordeiro and André Lemos. Subscribe to the podcast and follow European Hoops on Twitter: @EthosEuroleague.

European Hoops: EuroBasket 2025 Preview Series – Great…

With EuroBasket 2025 tipping off, this is your one-stop destination for in-depth previews of all 24 national teams heading into Europe’s premier basketball tournament. Whether you’re tracking MVP candidates, X’s-and-O’s brilliance, or just figuring out who might crash the medal party, our Power Rankings and team-by-team breakdowns will keep you ahead of the curve.

 

Great Britain: A Team of Grit, Size and Searching for Identity

Group B – EuroBasket 2025 Preview

Great Britain heads into EuroBasket 2025 with a roster that has shown flashes of promise but still lacks a clear, consistent identity. Their 4–2 qualifying record included some eye-catching wins but also moments of defensive confusion. The question is whether they can build enough cohesion to challenge the continent’s heavyweights.

Great Britain: Depth and Size Without a Dominant Big

Best Players: Great Britain doesn’t have a single go-to star, but several players took turns leading the way during qualifiers. Gabe Olaseni anchored the interior while Quinn Ellis emerged as a dynamic backcourt threat. OG Anunoby remains eligible but is still a question mark for FIBA play and Brooklyn Nets forward Tosan Evboumwan could give them a much-needed physical boost inside if available.

Strengths: Great Britain’s roster boasts size and length at nearly every position, which allows them to compete physically. They’re disciplined in shot selection, consistently hunting the best look. Their three-point shooting is solid, even if it comes on low volume, adding an important dimension to their offense.

Weaknesses: When Ellis isn’t on the floor, the team struggles for clarity and rhythm. They lack a dominant interior presence, a vulnerability that could be exposed against physical teams like Lithuania, Germany, or Montenegro. Despite their energy, defensive rotations are often sloppy, leading to costly mistakes.

Bottom Line: Great Britain is a scrappy, sizable group that can hang with most teams for stretches. But unless they tighten up defensively and develop a clearer identity on offense, deep runs will remain elusive in a loaded Group B.

Expectation: Middle Tier team

Size and effort are there, but consistency and direction are still a work in progress.

 

This article was co-written by the hosts of the European Hoops podcast, Tiago Cordeiro and André Lemos. Subscribe to the podcast and follow European Hoops on Twitter: @EthosEuroleague.

European Hoops: EuroBasket 2025 Preview Series – Montenegro

With EuroBasket 2025 tipping off, this is your one-stop destination for in-depth previews of all 24 national teams heading into Europe’s premier basketball tournament. Whether you’re tracking MVP candidates, X’s-and-O’s brilliance, or just figuring out who might crash the medal party, our Power Rankings and team-by-team breakdowns will keep you ahead of the curve.

 

Montenegro: Moving On From Perry, Leaning on Vucevic

Group B – EuroBasket 2025 Preview

Montenegro’s EuroBasket campaign starts with a clear challenge: replacing the heart and engine of their team. Kendrick Perry qualified them almost singlehandedly — including a 31-point closer — before retiring from international play. With NBA veteran Nikola Vučević still anchoring the frontcourt and Kyle Allman stepping in as the new lead guard, the team enters a transitional phase, high on talent but still searching for identity.

Best Players: Perry is gone, and his impact will be hard to replace. Vučević is now unquestionably the focal point — a skilled, floor-spacing big who still commands attention in FIBA play. Marko Simonović remains a steady frontcourt partner, and Kyle Allman is the newcomer tasked with filling Perry’s massive creation void. His style is somewhat similar — slashing, aggressive, on-ball — but he’s never suited up for Montenegro before, which adds uncertainty.

Path: Montenegro finished qualifiers 3–3. They lost both games to Germany by 19, swept Bulgaria (thanks largely to Perry), and split with Sweden — a 25-point blowout at home and a tight loss on the road after qualification was secured.

Strengths: Vučević brings versatility on both ends, stretching the floor and offering an inside option. He pairs well with Simonović, even if Chicago never quite figured that out. Allman gives them a scoring threat who can generate offense off the dribble — something they badly need post-Perry.

Weaknesses: The glaring hole is creation. Without Perry, they lack a proven organizer. Allman may fill that void, but he’s never played for them. The team is also a poor three-point shooting unit — both in volume and efficiency — which compresses spacing. Defensively, they’re shaky and prone to lapses, conceding over 80 points per game in qualifiers. Focus and chemistry will need to come fast.

Bottom Line: Montenegro has the pieces to make noise, but cohesion is a question. If Allman meshes and Vučević leads from the front, they can hang in Group B. If not, things could unravel quickly.

Expectation: Fringe Knockout Contender

Margin for error is slim, but the talent keeps them in the mix.

 

This article was co-written by the hosts of the European Hoops podcast, Tiago Cordeiro and André Lemos. Subscribe to the podcast and follow European Hoops on Twitter: @EthosEuroleague.

European Hoops: EuroBasket 2025 Preview Series – Sweden

With EuroBasket 2025 tipping off, this is your one-stop destination for in-depth previews of all 24 national teams heading into Europe’s premier basketball tournament. Whether you’re tracking MVP candidates, X’s-and-O’s brilliance, or just figuring out who might crash the medal party, our Power Rankings and team-by-team breakdowns will keep you ahead of the curve.

 

Sweden: Guard-Driven and Reinforced

Group B – EuroBasket 2025 Preview

Sweden heads into EuroBasket 2025 with a familiar profile: guard-heavy, well-organized, and in need of a talent boost. Fortunately, they’re getting one. Melwin Pantzar carried the team through qualifiers as their engine, but now he’ll get some help — NBA-level wings Pelle Larsson and Bobi Klintman are expected to join the roster, adding much-needed size, versatility, and scoring upside.

Best Players: Pantzar was the MVP of the qualifying run, averaging 16 PPG and operating as the team’s lead guard. His playmaking and defensive energy set the tone. Barra Njie complements him well with grit and defensive activity. But the major additions are Larsson (a high-level wing with playmaking and shooting skills) and Klintman, a physical forward who can stretch the floor and help defensively.

Path: A perfectly balanced 3–3 record: Sweden won every home game and lost every game on the road. They were blown out in Germany and Montenegro and lost narrowly to Bulgaria. But they showed composure and control in their wins — especially at home.

Strengths: Sweden plays with structure and discipline. Their guards pressure the ball and play downhill, and their three-point shooting is average, but improving — especially with Larsson and Klintman stepping in. They rarely stray from their game plan and execute well in set plays.

Weaknesses: Creation is still too guard-dependent. Without Larsson, the wings lack shot-making and decision-making. Their bigs are the weak link — soft on the glass, often outmuscled, and vulnerable when blitzing or defending in space. Physical teams can expose them inside.

Bottom Line: With Pantzar as the leader and the arrival of NBA-ready talent, Sweden is trending up. But they need their frontcourt to hold up, or they’ll struggle to make it out of a deep Group B.

Expectation: Sleeper Team

Better than their record shows. If the new pieces click, they could sneak up on people.

 

This article was co-written by the hosts of the European Hoops podcast, Tiago Cordeiro and André Lemos. Subscribe to the podcast and follow European Hoops on Twitter: @EthosEuroleague.

European Hoops: EuroBasket 2025 Preview Series – Lithuania

With EuroBasket 2025 tipping off, this is your one-stop destination for in-depth previews of all 24 national teams heading into Europe’s premier basketball tournament. Whether you’re tracking MVP candidates, X’s-and-O’s brilliance, or just figuring out who might crash the medal party, our Power Rankings and team-by-team breakdowns will keep you ahead of the curve.

 

Lithuania: Still Big, Still Balanced, Still a Threat

Group B – EuroBasket 2025 Preview

EuroBasket never feels complete without Lithuania looming. This year’s squad may look different — no Sabonis, no Buzelis — but Lithuania’s identity remains rooted in size, depth, and basketball IQ. With a new coach and a shifting rotation, they enter the tournament with questions to answer but a ceiling as high as any non-elite contender.

 

Lithuania: Valančiūnas Anchors a Deep, Physical Squad

Best Players: Gytis Radzevičius and Eimantas Bendžius led the way during qualifiers, combining scoring efficiency with reliability. But the spotlight naturally shifts to Jonas Valančiūnas, who thrives in FIBA play and can tilt matchups with his physicality and low-post skill. Domantas Sabonis and top prospect Matas Buzelis won’t be part of this run, but the core still features a blend of veteran toughness and emerging talent. Keep an eye on Deividas Sirvydis, who might be the tournament’s top perimeter defender.

Path: Lithuania finished 5–1 in qualifying, their only slip-up a six-point road loss to Estonia early in the cycle. Otherwise, they handled business, leaning on their structure and size advantage in most games.

Strengths: Balance defines Lithuania. They’ve got depth at every position, real size all over, and a frontcourt that crashes the offensive glass like it’s 1995. Sirvydis gives them a backcourt stopper, and the veteran core brings poise and structure.

Weaknesses: Shot creation is still a concern. They lack guards who can consistently generate offense off the dribble, and spacing can suffer as a result. Valančiūnas remains a defensive liability in pick-and-roll coverages, and when shooters like Ulanovas struggle, the offense can get congested and predictable.

Bottom Line: With Valančiūnas at his usual FIBA level and a well-rounded roster behind him, Lithuania is built to make a deep run — but they’ll need to find consistent shooting and perimeter creation to survive the upper tier of Group B.

Expectation: Long-shot contender
Deep, physical, and battle-tested — but when the game slows and creation dries up, their margin for error gets razor-thin.

 

This article was co-written by the hosts of the European Hoops podcast, Tiago Cordeiro and André Lemos. Subscribe to the podcast and follow European Hoops on Twitter: @EthosEuroleague.

European Hoops: EuroLeague Season Recap, Barcelona, Panathinaikos, Olympiacos,…

Tiago Cordeiro breaks down the campaigns of Barcelona, Panathinaikos, Olympiacos, Monaco & Fenerbahce — covering key performances, turning points and what’s next for each team.

Subscribe and rate on Apple and Spotify, and follow @EthosEuroleague on Twitter and Instagram for Euroleague men and Women, FIBA, and Olympics updates all season long!

Follow our team: André Lemos (@andmlemos) and Tiago Cordeiro (@tiagoalex2000).

European Hoops: EuroBasket 2025 Preview Series – Finland

With EuroBasket 2025 tipping off, this is your one-stop destination for in-depth previews of all 24 national teams heading into Europe’s premier basketball tournament. Whether you’re tracking MVP candidates, X’s-and-O’s brilliance, or just figuring out who might crash the medal party, our Power Rankings and team-by-team breakdowns will keep you ahead of the curve.

 

Finland: A Three-Point Shooting, Assist-Heavy Team Led by Markkanen

Group B – EuroBasket 2025 Preview

As one of the tournament hosts, Finland steps into EuroBasket 2025 with the home crowd behind them and a youthful, athletic roster hungry to make noise. Their 2–4 qualifying record doesn’t tell the full story — Finland used the qualifiers to experiment and build chemistry ahead of their biggest stage in years.

Best Players: Olivier Nkamhoua and Mikael Jantunen did the heavy lifting during the qualifiers, bringing two-way consistency and leading the scoring charge. Edon Maxhuni ran the show with 5.8 assists per game. But make no mistake — this is still Lauri Markkanen’s team. Coming off a 23-8-40% NBA season, he’s the engine and the closer. Rising star Miikka Muurinen — already on the radar of Duke and Kentucky — could be a surprise addition to the final roster, while veteran leader Sasu Salin provides the glue and voice in the locker room.

Strengths: Finland’s youth and athleticism fuel a fast, fluid system built on ball movement and spacing. They led their group with 24 assists per game — a product of clear offensive structure and smart reads. With Markkanen pulling defenders out to the arc and shooters surrounding him, their three-point shooting can flip a game in an instant.

Weaknesses: Interior presence is a glaring issue. Finland allowed one of the highest rates of two-point field goals in qualifying, and a lack of rim protection could be exploited by more physical, size-heavy teams. The roster’s youth raises questions about their poise and execution in high-pressure moments, where experience often matters most.

Bottom Line: Hosting EuroBasket 2025 gives Finland a platform to punch above their weight. Their style — collective, perimeter-oriented, and fast-paced — makes them tough to prepare for. But the lack of size and defensive toughness may limit how far they can go against Europe’s top contenders.

Expectation: Dark Horse

Athletic, unselfish and dynamic — Finland could surprise, but need to improve inside.

 

This article was co-written by the hosts of the European Hoops podcast, Tiago Cordeiro and André Lemos. Subscribe to the podcast and follow European Hoops on Twitter: @EthosEuroleague.

European Hoops: EuroLeague Season Recap, Red Star, Bayern,…

Tiago Cordeiro breaks down the campaigns of Red Star, Bayern, Paris Basket, Real Madrid & Efes — covering key performances, turning points and what’s next for each team.

Subscribe and rate on Apple and Spotify, and follow @EthosEuroleague on Twitter and Instagram for Euroleague men and Women, FIBA, and Olympics updates all season long!

Follow our team: André Lemos (@andmlemos) and Tiago Cordeiro (@tiagoalex2000).

European Hoops: EuroBasket 2025 Preview Series – Türkiye

With EuroBasket 2025 tipping off, this is your one-stop destination for in-depth previews of all 24 national teams heading into Europe’s premier basketball tournament. Whether you’re tracking MVP candidates, X’s-and-O’s brilliance, or just figuring out who might crash the medal party, our Power Rankings and team-by-team breakdowns will keep you ahead of the curve.

 

Türkiye: Talented, Deep and Still Searching for Flow

Group A – EuroBasket 2025 Preview

Türkiye heads into EuroBasket 2025 with talent to spare, but also with questions that still haven’t gone away. Their 3–3 qualifying record left a bitter aftertaste: while they swept Hungary, they lost both games to Italy and split with Iceland — the lone win coming via buzzer-beater from Biberovic at home. That qualifier version is now gone. What arrives in Group A is a reshuffled, star-powered roster with a higher ceiling — and a narrower margin for excuses.

Best Players: The qualifiers saw Cedi Osman, Omer Yurtseven and Tarık Biberovic stand out, while Sehmus Hazer played all six games as a steady ball-handler. But the rotation now shifts. Shane Larkin returns to lead the backcourt and take over as the primary creator — a role Türkiye needs filled with urgency. Alperen Şengün is the team’s best player, bringing scoring, passing and playmaking from the interior. Cedi remains a key wing, and Furkan Korkmaz is expected to fill the off-ball shooting role vacated by Biberovic, who arguably earned a spot but was left out due to FIBA’s one naturalized player limit with Larkin returning.

Strengths: This is a deep team. They have size, interior presence and a rare mix of frontcourt playmaking with shooting. Larkin gives them a true guard who can break down defenses and Cedi and Korkmaz provide secondary creation and experience. Türkiye can score in a variety of ways and with multiple players who can initiate offense, they are tough to scheme against when in rhythm.

Weaknesses: Defensive concerns remain, particularly in transition and when guarding off the ball. Opponents can exploit lapses in help rotations and lose them in movement-heavy sets. They also lack a true movement shooter — a gap that Biberovic might have helped fill. Larkin can add some of that off-ball punch, but shooting diversity is still thin. If they struggle to generate spacing through rhythm and motion, halfcourt execution can get bogged down.

The Bottom Line: On paper, Türkiye has the tools to make a deep run — high-level creators, skilled bigs, and bench depth. But that’s been true before. The difference in 2025 will come down to how well they defend, and whether they can find consistent shooting and chemistry quickly. If they do, they’re a real threat in Group A and beyond. If not, the same old problems will resurface.

Expectation: Talented but Unproven

Plenty of weapons, but cohesion and shooting will determine how far they go.

 

This article was co-written by the hosts of the European Hoops podcast, Tiago Cordeiro and André Lemos. Subscribe to the podcast and follow European Hoops on Twitter: @EthosEuroleague.

European Hoops: EuroBasket 2025 Preview Series – Estonia

With EuroBasket 2025 tipping off, this is your one-stop destination for in-depth previews of all 24 national teams heading into Europe’s premier basketball tournament. Whether you’re tracking MVP candidates, X’s-and-O’s brilliance, or just figuring out who might crash the medal party, our Power Rankings and team-by-team breakdowns will keep you ahead of the curve.

 

Estonia: Scrappy Execution, Interior Concerns and Kotsar at the Center of It All

Group A – EuroBasket 2025 Preview

Estonia enters EuroBasket 2025 as one of the more balanced and competitive mid-tier teams in Group A. Their 4–2 qualifying record speaks to their consistency and ability to punch above their weight: they beat North Macedonia twice, split games with Poland (including a tight 2-point loss at home), and grabbed a signature win at home against Lithuania. This is a team with structure, energy, and just enough top-level talent to make life difficult for anyone.

Best Players: Janari Jõesaar was the heart of the team throughout qualifying — a high-energy, do-it-all forward who consistently impacted games on both ends. Maik-Kalev Kotsar was their most important piece in the paint, combining smart post play with passing instincts that gave Estonia offensive structure. Guard Kristian Kullamäe provided flashes as both a scorer and playmaker, but his 4.5 turnovers per game highlight the growing pains that come with responsibility.

Strengths: Estonia’s offense flows well when built around Kotsar. He draws defensive attention in the post and can pass effectively out of double teams, keeping the ball moving. They’re a solid rebounding team, with a collective effort on the glass, and while they only shot 32% from deep during qualifiers, the spacing was sound thanks to smart off-ball movement and a low-volume, high-quality shot profile. When they lean into ball movement and spacing, they can generate high-percentage looks consistently.

Weaknesses: Kotsar is vital to everything Estonia does — but they ask a lot from him. He often self-creates off the dribble, which isn’t always the most efficient option and his workload becomes even more of a concern given their thin interior rotation. Defensive lapses — especially in pick-and-roll coverage — were a recurring issue throughout qualifying. Estonia is also turnover-prone, both from individual decisions and execution errors under pressure. Against elite bigs (like, say, Jokić), foul trouble could derail them early and often.

The Bottom Line: Estonia plays smart, moves the ball well, and has a clear offensive identity. But their ceiling is tied directly to how long Kotsar can stay on the court and whether they can clean up their defensive focus. They’re capable of a group-stage upset, but also one bad stretch away from being out of contention.

Expectation: Cohesive but Fragile

Structured enough to make it through the group, but vulnerable to elite size and pressure.

 

This article was co-written by the hosts of the European Hoops podcast, Tiago Cordeiro and André Lemos. Subscribe to the podcast and follow European Hoops on Twitter: @EthosEuroleague.

European Hoops: EuroBasket 2025 Preview Series – Czechia

With EuroBasket 2025 tipping off, this is your one-stop destination for in-depth previews of all 24 national teams heading into Europe’s premier basketball tournament. Whether you’re tracking MVP candidates, X’s-and-O’s brilliance, or just figuring out who might crash the medal party, our Power Rankings and team-by-team breakdowns will keep you ahead of the curve.

 

Czechia: Veteran Core, Smart Offense, but Question Marks on Defense

Group A – EuroBasket 2025 Preview

Czechia arrives at EuroBasket 2025 as a team in transition, leaning on veterans to stay competitive while hoping the next generation can break through. Their 2–4 qualifying run was uneven, with both wins coming at home against the Netherlands and Great Britain. Three of the four losses came on the road, including both games against Greece. The final blowout loss to Great Britain came with key players resting and offered little as a measuring stick.

Best Players: Veteran center Ondřej Balvín was Czechia’s most reliable presence during qualifying, playing in five of six games and averaging 13 points per contest. When available, Tomáš Satoranský made a clear impact, averaging 14 points across three appearances while stabilizing the backcourt with his size and vision. The team is still awaiting clarity on the availability of Vit Krejčí, whose presence would add valuable two-way length and athleticism.

Strengths: With Satoranský and potentially Krejčí in the lineup, Czechia boasts excellent size at the guard spots — a rarity in Group A. Offensively, they showed strong discipline and execution: shooting 37% from three while consistently attacking closeouts and adapting well to varied defensive looks, particularly zone coverage. Their halfcourt offense is structured and difficult to disrupt when they’re in rhythm.

Weaknesses: On the other end, defensive issues are harder to hide. Their pick-and-roll coverage relies heavily on traditional drop schemes — Balvín anchors that setup, but it limits their ability to switch or pressure ball-handlers effectively. Czechia also lacks on-ball creation, especially when Satoranský sits, which stalls their offense in crunch moments. Transition defense remains a vulnerability — they’re slow to recover and can be punished by faster teams.

The Bottom Line: Czechia’s ceiling hinges on Satoranský’s health and whether Krejčí can suit up. With both, they’re a smart, veteran-led squad that can beat anyone on the right night. Without them, their margin for error shrinks considerably. Expect them to be competitive, but unless their defensive issues are masked by hot shooting and smart execution, they may find themselves fighting just to survive the group.

Expectation: Veteran Toughness, but Thin Margins

Capable of making it out of the group, but vulnerable if key players miss time.

 

This article was co-written by the hosts of the European Hoops podcast, Tiago Cordeiro and André Lemos. Subscribe to the podcast and follow European Hoops on Twitter: @EthosEuroleague.