The Bulgarian youth basketball national team under 18 years old is preparing for a major European championship in the capital of Serbia - Belgrade, with coach Stoyo Cholakov expressing a categorical determination for maximum competitiveness.
In the prestigious Division A tournament, the team falls into an extremely challenging group, consisting of Israel, Italy, and Germany. Cholakov emphasizes that the main goal is not just the result, but the quality of the game and demonstrating true team spirit.
The coach, who took over the national team on December 1, 2023, has an impressive background. Just a year ago, his team won bronze medals at the European Championship in Skopje and managed to qualify for the top league. Previously, Cholakov was a selector for the national teams of 16 and 17-year-olds, winning silver medals with the 16-year-olds.
In recent seasons, the 38-year-old specialist worked as a coach in the Yambol school, where he achieved remarkable success - winning titles twice with the youth team and being named Coach of the Year in 2020.
In an interview, Cholakov reveals details about the team's preparation. Despite the limited 43 days of preparation, the coaching staff managed to lay a solid foundation. The main focus is on fast attack and physical preparation, especially in sprints.
Psychological attitude is a key point that Cholakov emphasizes. The goal is for young players to understand that the way of playing is more important than the result. He believes that despite the physical superiority of the opponents, the Bulgarian team will show character and dedication.
Regarding the opponents in the group, the coach shares detailed information. Israel stands out with extremely fast basketball and tactical preparation. Italy and Germany have taller players, with the Italian team even being a finalist at the World Championship last year.
At the end of the conversation, Cholakov makes an emotional appeal to the fans - to support the young basketball players with positivity and understanding. He emphasizes that criticism is the last thing the children need, and on the contrary, they must be morally liberated and encouraged.
The national team sets off to Belgrade with the clear awareness that every match will be a battle, every rebound a challenge, and every second an opportunity to prove that Bulgarian basketball has a future.