# Greece men's national basketball team preparations

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/greece-mens-national-basketball-team-preparations
> Updated: 2026-08-19T20:30:00.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

The Greece Men’s National Basketball Team has begun preparations for the second qualifying phase of the 2027 FIBA World Cup under head coach Vasilis Spanoulis. The squad is preparing for upcoming matches against Ukraine in Riga on August 28 and Spain in Athens on August 31.

During training, player Panagiotis Kalaitzakis engaged in lighthearted social media banter with teammates Giannis Larentzakis, Vasilis Toliopoulos, Ioannis Papapetrou, and Tyrese Rice. 

In discussions regarding team readiness, Kalaitzakis noted that while stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kostas Sloukas are unavailable, the team is focusing on defensive solidity and chemistry. Additionally, player Manolis Chatzidakis confirmed his transfer from Maroussi to Peristeri to compete in the Basketball Champions League.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-19: Greek basketball players discuss club moves and national team preparations

Greek basketball players Manolis Chatzidakis and Panagiotis Kalaitzakis discuss Chatzidakis's move to Peristeri and the national team's upcoming World Cup qualifying matches.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greek-basketball-players-discuss-club-moves-and-national-team-preparations

### 2026-08-17: Panagiotis Kalaitzakis receives teammate banter amid national team training

Basketball player Panagiotis Kalaitzakis received humorous social media banter from teammates as the Greek national team begins preparations for the 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifiers.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/panagiotis-kalaitzakis-receives-teammate-banter-amid-national-team-training

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Cite as: Greece men's national basketball team preparations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/greece-mens-national-basketball-team-preparations