Panathinaikos and Olympiacos players will join Greek NT for World Cup Qualifiers / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Vangelis Stolis Credit Vangelis Stolis

Olympiacos Piraeus and Panathinaikos OPAP Athens will allow their players to participate in the upcoming 2023 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers, set to take place at the end of February.

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The Greek National Team will take on Turkey on February 25th and 28th. In contrast to what happened in previous windows, now the two Greek giants will allow their players to join the NT for those games.

Following the Greek Cup Final Four draw, Hellenic Basketball Federation president Vangelis Liolios told the media that his discussions with representatives from both clubs have been very fruitful.

"We have already had discussions with the two teams and there was an absolute agreement because the national team is above everything," Liolios said.

"There are clubs, which we honor very much and want to have European success. But there is also the National Team that is everyone's favorite. Both Panathinaikos and Olympiacos will make their players available for those games," he pointed out.

"Panathinaikos were very clear and we thank them very much for that, as they will make their players available even in the first game against Turkey (editor's note: on February 25), on the same day they play EuroLeague (editor's note: against Crvena Zvezda at OAKA)."

Olympiacos were clear that their players will be available in both games," he concluded.

Olympiacos GM Nikos Lepeniotis analyzed the situation from the Reds' point of view. Olympiacos are facing AX Armani Exchange Milan on the eve of the first Greece-Turkey clash in Ano Liosia.

"Our management has made clear that players are available for the national team. It is a very difficult case because the day before we play a EuroLeague game.

But it depends on how the players will feel. In the second game, it's easier for them to be involved," Lepeniotis said.

"I don't know who will participate, I don't know who the NT coach will call but it is a very good opportunity, at least for Friday's game, for people to enjoy a competitive match -with as many players as possible from both teams, Olympiacos and Panathinaikos", he concluded.

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