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European championship has distinct NBA flavor
"There are 10 teams that can win the title this time," Obradovic said. "But the gold medal is the only one that interests me. I don't think our fans would be pleased with anything else. The game against Spain is the most important one, and if we beat them I don't think we'll have a lot of problems." In Group A, Dallas Mavericks All-Star Dirk Nowitzki will try to lead Germany past Italy and Russia, which is paced by Utah Jazz All-Star Andrei Kirilineko. "You should always set high goals, so we are seeking a medal," Nowitzki said. Italy was third at the previous championship in Sweden two years ago and took the silver medal at the Olympics last year, although it has no NBA players. "We are quite tired," said Italy coach Carlo Recalcati. "We are probably the oldest team going into the EuroBasket tournament and we haven't quite adapted to this situation." Russia also has young Portland forwards Viktor Khryapa and Sergei Monya, plus a trio of players from CSKA Moscow, one of the top clubs in Europe. In Group B in Podgorica, defending champion Lithuania is without an NBA
player. Missing for various reasons are Sarunas Jasikevicius, who has signed
with the Indiana Pacers; free agent Darius Songalia; Arvydas Macijauskas of New
Orleans; and the retired Salius Stombergas and Eurelijus Zukauskas.
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