Never give up mentality: 'If you saw Tomas Satoransky's ankle, you'd understand' / News - Basketnews.com

Tomas Satoransky played his best EuroBasket game (so far) when it mattered the most. Coach Ronen Ginzburg and his teammate Vojtech Hruban spoke about what kind of character Satoransky has.

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

Tomas Satoransky, after sacrificing everything to play through injury in front of his family, friends, and fans, worked his heart out for a good cause and could finally welcome his finest hour victorious when the Czech Republic defeated Israel 88-77 to advance to the Round of 16.

Czech Republic / Schedule

Czech Republic Serbia68-81 Czech Republic Netherlands88-80 Finland Czech Republic98-88 Czech Republic Israel88-77 Greece Czech RepublicSun18:45

Just a couple of weeks ago, he was ruled out of FIBA EuroBasket 2022. Just 10 days ago, a glimpse of hope appeared that the injured ankle could be okay before the end of the event. Just a week ago, he started practicing.

And somehow, while being at 40-50 percent of his full potential, Satoransky fought off the pain to finish with 14 points, 11 assists, and 8 rebounds.

"I spent 40-45 years in basketball. I never saw a player that wants to play with this kind of an injury. Majority of players would say: 'Thank you, we did our best.' He didn't give up. If you saw his ankle, you'd understand," coach Ronen Ginzburg was more than proud of his player, while talking to FIBA.

"It's also an example for kids, for other players, how professional players should act. What he brings to the team is more than points and more than assists. Barcelona will understand it," the coach added.

"It's underappreciated what he's done in this tournament. He was in and out of the team, he did a lot of the stuff, he paid for a lot of stuff to get back on the court, and it shows his heart and how much he wants to play for this team.

It was incredible. How he treated that, how he was always positive, how he wanted to help even when he knew he was going to jump on one foot. To have him back... I don't have a hat but..." Vojtech Hruban said, imitating the hats-off move for Satoransky.

Credit FIBA

The new FC Barcelona signing, Satoransky, himself admitted that the journey from 'ruled out' to 'ruling the country' in two weeks was difficult.

"It's been an emotional roller-coaster for me, these past three weeks. No one expected me to be here. I had to fight this, couldn't even practice until the last day before the championship.

I had to be very patient, I didn't play the way I should play for the national team, and this game was very big for me. I hope I'm going to continue like that in Berlin."

The Czech Republic takes on Greece in the Round of 16 game in the German capital on Sunday (at 20:45 CEST).

"(Playing Greece) is a treat for us. We didn't have the easy route to the last 16, and now we get to play one of the best players in the world. We will enjoy it, it's gonna be something extra for us. If it's goodbye for us against Giannis [Antetokounmpo], we'll take it," Hruban uttered.

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