“A break helped me. I get into the game load better, ”says the captain of the Czech national team. The Lioness – as nicknamed the basketball players – will launch EuroBasket on Thursday with a battle with the French, advocates of silver. “The first game in the group will be crucial for us. Especially because of self-confidence, ”he explains.
The Czechs will fly without support for the championship, which is organized by Latvia and Serbia. In addition, two years ago at home European Championship ended thirteenth, the worst ever in the history of the independent Czech Republic. So they have something to fix.
“But I believe it is realistic to end up among the top six,” captain USK Prague reveals the ambition.Such a placement would mean certainty to participate in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics qualifications. last chance to represent the Czech Republic again at the biggest sporting event of the planet. “I don’t know how long my body will last,” says the 29-year-old 2010 World Vice-Champion. Stars mostly supported Vítečková, Horáková or Veselou from the bench. Yet, the euphoria that Elhotová was experiencing was one of the greatest in her sporting life. “But I keep telling everyone that I didn’t play much at the time.”And its importance in this year’s selection has increased rapidly. The basic line up is missing naturalized American Vaughnová and injured club partner Hanušová. Just like the best player in the Spanish League finals, Julia Reisinger.
“Except Katka, we don’t have anyone who can score 20 points,” adds Kateřina Elhotová, sister of Catherine. “So we have to catch up with something else. Combat, rapid counterattack and hard defense, ”says two years younger player.
Above all, the absence of Vaughn arouses passion in the team. An experienced American, who acquired Czech citizenship two years ago, did not participate in the preparation. She only communicated with the coaches through the manager.
“But we did count on it a bit.She didn’t seem to be rushing to us, ”admits Elhot, who knows Vaughn from USK. “The native Czech is different. I don’t think Kia (Vaughn) has as much heart as we do. ” “Paper can bear everything. Her agent wrote that after the season in Fenerbahce heals wounds. Previously, she was informed that she had family deaths. But we probably won’t know the truth. ”
Elhot adds,“ It can make us harder. Girls who would otherwise sit on the bench can show up. ”
So Svitek et al. they will rely on militancy, team spirit and Elhot’s strong points in their group matches against France, Sweden and Montenegro.She takes the little son Daniel to the scene. “I’m glad it worked. I don’t worry about being limited at all. ”
Maybe even his presence will help the Lviv move south to Serbia after a week in the Baltic. There will be fighting for the Olympics.
