The Georgian national basketball team coached by Igor Kokoskov continues preparation for EuroBasket qualifying round in Tbilisi.

The Serb specialist will have 15 basketball players in the qualifying round. The Georgians will hold the first game against Czech Republic on August 10. Yesterday the national team held open practice and journalists had a chance to talk to the coaches and basketball players.

Like Giorgi Shermadini, Manuchar Markoishvili and Ricky Hickman, Otar Pkhakadze is also injured and will not be able to help his team against Czech Republic.

Viktor Sanikidze told “World Sport” he will play in the upcoming game:

“I feel good and perhaps, I will play on Sunday. We had a good preparation period. Now we are preparing for the game against Czech Republic. Hopefully, fans will support us and attend home games”.

As for injured Giorgi Shermadini, the Georgian center practiced a little bit.

“I have been practicing with the team for four days. Rehabilitation process is under way. I might play the last two games in Tbilisi”, - stated Shermadini.

The coaches and basketball players hope for success.

Igor Kokoskov (head coach): We are lacking many leaders but we have many young players in the team. Czech Republic has a serious team. Two days are left till the game and we will prepare better.

Kote Tugushi (assistant coach): We are satisfied with the preparation stage. Viktor Sanikidze and Zaza Pachulia could not hold some friendly games but now they are ready. Pkhakadze is injured and if not on August 10, he will help the national team in the next games. Now we are concentrated on Czech Republic.

Zaza Pachulia: We will face tough games. Our goal is to play at EuroBasket. Unfortunately, we are lacking some experienced players. Markoishvili, Shermadini and Hickman have great European experience. We will try to make through to EuroBasket and next year they will help us too.

Giorgi Tsintsadze: We are physically ready. We lacked some players in friendly games. Everything depends on our team play. We will do everything to win. Of course, our opponent is strong.

EuroBasket 2015 qualification:

August 10

Georgia – Czech Republic

August 13

Hungary – Georgia

August 17

Portugal – Georgia

August 20

Czech Republic – Georgia

August 24

Georgia – Hungary

August 27

Georgia – Portugal

Giorgi Balakhadze