The countdown to EuroBasket has begun

For the past two weeks, Cyprus’ Men’s National Basketball Team has begun its preparation for its first-ever historic participation in a EuroBasket tournament. As the host of Group C in the FIBA EuroBasket 2025, Cyprus will face Greece, Italy, Spain, Georgia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina in games to be held from August 28 to September 4 at the Spyros Kyprianou Athletic Center.

The players called up by Head Coach Christoforos Livadiotis gathered very early on—a fact that is already proving beneficial, as the players themselves point out.

"It’s really positive that we got together so early. It helps us build even more chemistry as a team and find our rhythm," notes Andreas Christodoulou, who emphasizes the significance of the National Team's participation in such a major competition.

"To be honest, it’s an honor for our country to be represented in such games. It’s a blessing to compete at the highest level. We’ll be as well-prepared as possible in order to rise to the occasion," he states.

Andreas Christodoulou is a 22-year-old forward, standing at 1.97 meters, who has been playing for AEL since last season. Prior to that, he spent three years with AEK, while earlier in his career he played in Greece with Olympiacos, Koroivos Amaliadas, Rethymno, Promitheas, and PAOK. Son of former APOEL and AEL player Chrysos Christodoulou, Andreas represented Greece in youth national teams before joining Cyprus’ senior national squad.

The fact that the training camp is taking place during the peak of summer does not deter the national team players, as Philippou Tingas explains:

"Everything is going as it should in the preparation phase. Each of us is finding our place and rhythm. Even though it’s summer, the practices are really exciting."

He adds: "Participating in the EuroBasket is a challenge not just for us, but for all of Cyprus. It’s something we’ve never experienced before."

Philipos Tingas is 23 years old and plays as a point guard. He started his basketball journey at Mike Jones' Academy, later joining Asteras Mesa Geitonias, and then played one season with Apollon before moving to Greece at age 16. There, he joined AEK Athens' youth teams and even made appearances with the senior squad over two seasons. Upon returning to Cyprus, he rejoined Apollon and later, in 2020, transferred to Keravnos, where he currently plays.

Stefanos Tingas also highlights the positive atmosphere during the training sessions, noting:

"The first few weeks were about readjusting, especially after the break from league play. We’ve been focusing on individual technique while following the training program."

He adds: "We are about to take part in a unique, dreamlike tournament. Cyprus may never have this opportunity again, so we must make the most of it and aim to be competitive in our group."

Stefanos Tingas, who will turn 20 in December, is a 1.85m guard and, like his older brother Philippos, plays for Keravnos. Previously, he played for Phoenix MJ Basket and, while on loan from Keravnos, for AEL, where he debuted in the First Division at just 17 years old.

"Let the people experience it too"

The three national players strongly emphasize that participating in FIBA EuroBasket 2025 is not just about them—it concerns the whole of Cyprus.

"We’ll give everything we have to make Cyprus proud. This is the highest level of competition. Incredible players will be coming. We want the fans by our side to enjoy these amazing athletes together," says Andreas Christodoulou.

From his side, Philippos Tingas states:

"I hope to see the arena packed for every game. We need the crowd—it will give us a boost to face the giants that lie ahead. It’s also a great opportunity for the people to watch world-class players live."

"The crowd’s presence is extremely important," notes Stefanos Tingas, adding:

"It’s a rare chance to see basketball stars live, but most importantly, their support uplifts us—we feel that our people are there for us."

Cyprus will face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Group C opener on Thursday, August 28 (18:15), followed by a clash with Greece on August 30. Then, they will take on Spain (August 31), Georgia (September 2), and Italy (September 4). All five of Cyprus’ games are scheduled for 18:15 local time.