You claim that the chances of advancement are high. What makes you do it?
The match against Turkey is extremely important, we want to advance. The chance of winning is quite high from my point of view, Turkey is rather a slower team based on signals. We try to play very fast basketball, so I think that will be our advantage. Of course, if we want to win, we have to perform really well all over the pitch. And above all to hit chances.
You won only one of the three matches in the group. How do you rate the course of the championship so far?
The opening match against Belgium went well for us, the second match against Greece not so much – we led by 16 points, but unfortunately we let it go in the second half, we were not in our skin and the home team won. The third game against Latvia was very good, even though we lost. We didn’t like it there, but game-wise it was one of our best matches.
Viktor Pruša, coach of Czech women’s basketball players under the age of 18.Photo: Czech Basketball Federation
Were you surprised by the fan support you have in Greece?
We are very grateful to them, we have a lot of them here. They support us in every match, they believe in us. We are already very much looking forward to the match with Turkey, which we will also play in the new hall.
What does the opportunity to represent the Czechia mean to you?
It’s a great honor. I also received an offer from Austria that I could represent them, but I would have to take Austrian citizenship. I am very grateful for the fact that I can be at the tournament and wear the Czech jersey.
How are you enjoying the championship so far?
The atmosphere in the team is great. Last year I was already in the broader nomination for the Challenger, but unfortunately I got injured on the last day, so I’m glad that I can be here at least this year. I enjoy it very much. When we have free time, we play cards, talk, it’s just great. Now we want to turn it into a good result as well.
