“The head coach of the U-20 youth team of Ukraine spoke about the Eurobasket draw 2025”, – WRITE: Sport.ua
– In division A weak rivals cannot be a priori. But it should be understood that the warehouses are changing and, if last year, for example, Germany completed the European Championship in 12th place, then they were in the top 4 for several years in a row. But now, talking about rivals is something early just because there is no information yet.
From now on, our coaching staff begins to collect information for every opponent. Stanislav Ovdeenko heads this group and I will receive a clear report every week. So it was last year, so we will do now.
It is important that there is a slightly different system of tournament in Division, because it is not necessary to win a group here, as it was in Division B. It is important to get on the right opponent. However, no one says that we will not play any matches in full force. We will play all the matches at maximum, but the main game will be the first playoff game, as a result of which the team falls into the upper or lower eight.
It is important that the boys are not scared of this level. Last year, I monitored the matches in Division A and I can say that the difference compared to the teams and division B was enormous. These are completely different decision -making speeds and other levels of contact.
I expect that the work done on the selection of the warehouse will be completed in early May. This year we do not plan to invite a lot of people to gather: the team will join, as I plan, 16 players. These will only be those players who have a real chance to fight for getting into the final composition. And in May, we will clearly understand our preparation plan and have complete information on our rivals.
The work began immediately after the previous championship and it continues. Now there are 67 players in the expanded U-20 national team, and only 16 will go to the collection.
– Are you satisfied with the game time and roles of key team players this season?
– In February at the national team, I will meet both the nickname and the Sipala. These are the players who, if there is no injury, will be guaranteed in the composition. I am not very pleased with the lack of stable playing practice in Kulishenko, which I also count on, at the same time satisfied with the roles of guys playing in the Super League. Ghost, Sushkin, Sipalo get enough game time, have their roles in teams and are in game tone.
With regard to players who are abroad, I get information every week. We are following the statistics and the game time that boys receive in clubs. Some I am very pleased, some are not satisfied at all. I already start negotiations while the phone, and since February, the guys will send out videos of their games and training, and in turn, we will gradually reduce the list of candidates to 16 players.
How much in the context of youth speeches is it important that the calls to the national team receive Klitschko and Sipalo?
– It is a very important and good opportunity for boys to gain more confidence, to show that they are already ready for the competitive cycle at this level. And if they are already called to the main national team of Ukraine at this age, then they will not feel uncertain at the European Championships U-20. I expect that morally in the summer in the division and it will be much easier for them after the experience of the national team gained in the ranks.
