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Balkans are the future of basketball 9.11.2010

President of FIBA-Europe George Vasilakopulos in Bulgaria for the meeting of the board of directors of the Balkan League. European basketball boss spoke to reporters minutes before the match with Levski JCC Belgrade.

- How do you feel in Bulgaria, Mr. Vasilakopulos?
- Excellent! It was a great pleasure to see with my old friend Ivan Tsenov, who is now deputy minister of sport. It discussed a lot of pressing issues, as well as the ability to accept greater international competition in recent years.

- How does FIBA-Europe Balkan League?
- This is a very nice race. To be accepted by FIBA-Europe, however, must first be approved by all national federations. Only then can pass under our hat. We have already made first steps towards this, the documentation must be sent at the headquarters in Munich.

With regard to basketball in the Balkans, it is very important to us. This is the future of this sport in Europe. Just think about - the last European Championships in Poland four teams from the Balkans were in the first six.

- What is your assessment for the European Championship in Poland and the comment you for the presentation of Bulgaria?
- Poland organize this event in a way that the country can offer. From a sporting point of view, everything was perfect. The organization was excellent level of government. As regards the Bulgarian presentation, I can say that made a big step forward. In the last two years go in the right direction.

Bulgaria has a tradition and a great contribution to the development of basketball not only in Evoops, but around the world. Returning to where you belong - among the best. I'm also playing against Bulgaria. In 1985, even I was Secretary General of the Balkan League, which took place in the Universiade, and Greece became the champion.

I was fascinated by the organization. After 2-3 years you will find a place among the top 10 teams in Europe. However, this will not happen as easily as it was some time ago. Before 1991 there was a force and it was called Yugoslavia. Now this country is gone, and there is no Soviet Union. By splitting them appeared very quality teams, heightened competition.

- What are the real chances of Bulgaria to adopt a major international competition?
- By Ivan Tsenov exchanged a few words on this issue. Personally, I am optimistic that this could happen. I saw going construction of new hall and I'm sure that will happen on a European level. It Bulgaria will pull far ahead and your chances are great.

- In Bulgaria there is little room to meet the requirements of FIBA. Plant is ready to help in any way by the board or finance?
- I'm not one who can decide this. Have a Board of Directors of the FIBA-World. The plant has already constructed a strategy on this issue, because Bulgaria is not the only country that suffers from a lack of rooms. I believe that very soon this problem will be resolved.