Deni Avdija: 'I wish we come back with a medal' / News - Basketnews.com

Israeli national team leader Deni Avdija dreams of a medal in the upcoming EuroBasket but admitted that there are many teams stronger than them on paper.

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

Deni Avdija is the man to whom most of the eyes will be directed in the Israeli EuroBasket team. Whether the team succeeds or fails, the forward will be at the center of things.

Deni Avdija

Position:SG, SFAge:21Height:200 cmBirth place:IsraelProfileNewsStatistics

The Washington Wizards forward talked about the upcoming EuroBasket and more in an interview with Sports Rabbi.

21-year-old Avdija missed a part of the preparation for EuroBasket with the national team but said that he liked the experience he had in the preparation with the team.

"Unfortunately I got sick so I couldn't join the entire preparation period. I missed a week or so, but overall I really, really enjoyed experiencing this preparation with the team," said Avdija.

Even though Israel is not among the favorites in the EuroBasket, Avdija believes his team has plenty of talent.

"I think we have a lot of talent, the guys are very, very talented, and I believe that we can do great things in EuroBasket as well," said Avdija.

As the son of Zoper Avdija and as someone who could have chosen years ago to play in the Serbian uniform. The meeting with Nikola Jokic and his friends is going to be special for the forward.

"The games against Serbia are always fun to play for me. I currently have a 1-1 record so I hope to get to 2-1," said the Israeli player.

"Wearing the national uniform is always an honor for me. To really come and play with the EuroBasket team for the first time is really a dream for me. I didn't see it happening, but it came," said Avdija.

The Wizards forward doesn't mind that the Israeli national team is underdogs in this upcoming EuroBasket.

"I felt that in the national team we were always taken as underdogs and we will continue to be underdogs, there is nothing we can do," said Avdija.

Israel / Schedule

Israel FinlandFri12:00 Netherlands IsraelSat19:00 Poland IsraelMon12:00 Israel Serbia09-0619:00

"We are not the most athletic team and we will not be, we are not the fastest and strongest team on the field and it will always be like that, but we do bring something different that other teams do not have: our fight, our heart and that we give everything on the field," the 21-year-old explained.

"Fewer people believe in us to achieve results gives us the drive to really give our all and reach achievements that no one expects, that's the fun in this team," continued Avdija.

"We know what we are worth and we don't need others to come and evaluate where we can go," added the forward.

Avdija believes that EuroBasket 2022 will be a competition of a really high level, but added that there is no pressure for him or his team.

"In the European Championship, I don't think the level will ever be low. These are players who know how to play and who have been through a lot in basketball," said Avdija.

"For me, I think that this European Championship is indeed strong, and we will also have to deal with national teams that are a little stronger than us at the moment, at least on paper," added the Wizards forward.

"I have no pressure. I don't like to act under pressure. I can tell you that I enjoy having a great responsibility in this team," Avdija continued.

"I will do my best, whether this team goes as far as possible or less. There is no pressure on me, I enjoy the journey," said Avdija.

At the end of the interview, Avdija revealed he dreams about a medal, even though it might not sound realistic to some.

"True, there are many flashy names and many groups that may have more, but we are not suckers. We know what we are doing, there are guys here who played in summer leagues, EuroLeague, NBA," said Avdija.

"We met with very good players and everyone knows what they have to do. I wish we come back with a medal, for me, it would be a big achievement," Avdija concluded.

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