Coach Rosen Barchovski shared with BTA key details about the preparation of the Bulgarian national basketball team for the upcoming World Championship qualification matches in 2027.
Two friendly matches with Romania are planned on July 26 and 28 at the "Arena Ruse" hall, with free entry. The specialist emphasized the exceptional importance of these matches for the final formation of the team roster.
"The training process is one thing, and real matches are something entirely different," Barchovski commented. He shared that the team is extremely young and energetic, which creates good prerequisites for future development.
The national team began its preparation in Samokov with 12 basketball players, and the roster remains unchanged in Ruse. The coach noted some challenges – minor injuries and viral infections, which do not seriously threaten the preparation.
Special attention was paid to Vezenko's status, whose participation is still uncertain. "For now, we have an agreement for him to play in the two home matches, but we will confirm definitively after personal observations," Barchovski clarified.
The preparation is characterized by exceptional intensity – combining physical, technical, and tactical training. The first official match is scheduled for August 6.
Simultaneously, the coaching staff is monitoring their opponents in the qualifications. Matches between the Netherlands and China, as well as between Austria and Slovakia, have already been analyzed. Barchovski expects additional information before the matches on August 2 between the Netherlands and Austria.
The team management is aware that intensive preparation carries risks of potential injuries, but remains optimistic about the performance of the young Bulgarian team.