Group D

Spain — Sergio Scariolo and Raul Lopez

Lopez:
— It was a great surprise for me. I did not know about the Calderon injury. Mixed emotions. On the one hand, my partner got injured and I am very sorry that Calderon will miss the World Cup. But on the other, I am glad that I can play for my country. I hope in a short time I will be able to adapt in the team.

It will be recalled that the support function of our club will work in Izmir, also group D.

Group B

Croatia — Kresimir Loncar and Zoran Planinić

Loncar:
— We have a young team: there are many new players, but there are serious problems with the roster. I hope we have well prepared for the group matches. In the beginning of the tournament we expect very difficult opponents. The main thing is to show a good game, then good results will come. I am fine now. I feel confidence of the coach and I know that I'll play a lot. It is well when a basketball player spends a lot of time in the game.

Group C

Russia — Vitaly Fridzon and Sergey Monya (captain of Russian team)

Monya:
— We have done a great job. All the guys worked hard at the training camp. We are eager to show everyone that we worked hard for so long time. An excellent microclimate formed in the team. I've heard that some experts argue that we do not have a balance between defense and attack — they say, Russia has problems in attack. I want to reassure all the fans: we do not have such problems! Coaches know how to solve this problem. We are ready for the World Cup!