Itoudis addresses Greek NT absences, Giannis' World Cup availability / News - Basketnews.com

Giannis Antetokounmpo's recovery progress is monitored closely ahead of FIBA World Cup 2023.

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During the first gathering of the Greek national team in preparation for the FIBA World Cup 2023, coach Dimitris Itoudis expressed confidence in the players present, praising their dedication and commitment to the team.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

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Among the attendees were some new faces, like Thomas Walkup and Dinos Mitoglou. However, there were notable absences, particularly the Antetokounmpo brothers.

Regarding Giannis Antetokounmpo, the coach emphasized that although he couldn't join the team immediately due to his recent surgery, his determination to contribute to the national team was evident during their practice sessions. The team will closely monitor his recovery with the Milwaukee Bucks, and they understand his desire to help the NT whenever possible.

"We're currently missing Giannis Antetokounmpo, at least for the initial call, as he underwent surgery, and his recovery will take some time," Itoudis said. "Naturally, our focus is on closely monitoring his progress with the Bucks, his team. There's no doubt about his eagerness to support the national team; he's proven his dedication during practice."

Additionally, Kostas Antetokounmpo had surgery as well, and his availability for the Greeks will become clearer in the near future.

"As for Kostas Antetokounmpo, he also had an operation, and we expect to have a clearer picture of his situation within the next 10 days.

"Regarding Thanasis Antetokounmpo, he's currently in free agency, but he'll be joining us starting tomorrow," Itoudis continued. "We'll discuss and decide together what the best path forward will be for him.

"In the meantime, Ioannis Papapetrou is here with us, undergoing treatment for a shoulder issue. We're optimistic that by the end of this week, he'll be back on track and fully integrated into the team as usual."

Itoudis also acknowledged that some players, like Kostas Sloukas and Nick Calathes, decided not to participate in the World Cup to ensure they are in the best possible shape for their club seasons. Meanwhile, Tyler Dorsey had personal matters to attend.

"What truly matters is that the hard work begins, and we aim to maintain the utmost consistency with the players present. We've had some athletes reach out to both myself and the federation, expressing their desire not to participate in this effort. We respect their decisions wholeheartedly.

"Kostas Sloukas, with almost two decades of service to the national teams, prioritized preparing his body for the upcoming challenges with his new team, and we completely understand and respect his wishes. We had discussions, tried to persuade him, but ultimately, his choice stands.

"Similarly, Nick Calathes, who has been an integral part of the national team for numerous summers, was dealing with a shoulder issue toward the end of the Fenerbahce season. He, too, wanted to ensure he's in peak condition for the new season ahead. Again, we fully support his decision.

"As for Tyler Dorsey, he has a pressing family matter as his partner is expecting a baby, and he wishes to be by her side during this important time.

"Finally, Leonidas Kaselakis underwent surgery, and while he has been a dedicated member of previous national team gatherings, unfortunately, his physical condition prevents him from contributing this time."

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