By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net

As EuroBasket 2025 approaches, Czechia prepares for what may be the final chapter of its golden generation.

At the center of it all stands FC Barcelona’s Tomas Satoransky, the 33-year-old point guard ready to guide the team through the challenges of Group A, stacked with heavyweights Serbia, Latvia, and Turkey, as well as dangerous opponents Estonia and Portugal.

With Jan Vesely out of the picture this summer, Satoransky acknowledges the changes are coming. But he’s determined to help usher in a new generation of Czech talent — while possibly playing in his final major tournament.

“It’s very probable,” Satoransky admitted about the possibility of this being his and part of his generation’s last big event, speaking to Meridian sport, “In two years there’s a World Cup, then another EuroBasket four years after that. That’s a long stretch for players like us. This could be the last major tournament for our generation. It’s important this one shows that a new group is coming — and if we can have at least some success, it would be a good step forward, and also, being able to leave on a good note.”

The absence of longtime teammate Jan Vesely will be deeply felt, both on and off the floor.

“It’s a big loss—not just for the team, but for me personally. We’ve been together since we were 14, through every youth level and the senior national team. I fully understand his decision—he hasn’t been healthy lately and has to focus on his club career. But we’ll miss his leadership as much as his game.”

Turning toward the future, Satoransky is encouraged by what he’s seen from the younger core, especially Vít Krejčí.

“The mindset now is to give the keys to the younger players. I practiced with some of them, and you can already see the confidence growing. Krejčí, in particular, got good minutes in the NBA, and it shows. Now he has a real chance to step up as a leader for the national team, which will only benefit his career moving forward.”

Regarding Czechia’s group at EuroBasket, Serbia, Latvia, and Turkey stand as clear favorites, but the battle for the fourth spot could be wide open.

“Serbia, Latvia, and Turkey are the top teams, no doubt. For us, the games against Estonia and Portugal will be crucial. Estonia has a lot of ACB experience and great chemistry. I don’t know Portugal as well, but they looked solid in the qualifiers. EuroBasket is so deep now — there are barely any underdogs.”

Facing a powerhouse like Serbia, one of the tournament’s top favorites, Satoransky knows it’s not just about three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokić.

“Jokić is probably the best player in the world, but for me, Bogdan Bogdanović has always been their key guy in international play. They’re a team that shares the ball and plays unselfishly—starting with Jokić. And on top of that, they have a lot of players around them that know how to cut, how to play. That’s why I’m putting Serbia out there, not only for the names, but just the way they understand the game.”

Unlike many national teams, Serbia has never naturalized a player for tournament play—despite stars like Kevin Punter holding Serbian passports.

“They’ve never needed to. That says a lot about the strength of Serbian basketball culture. Like Lithuania or Latvia. It just tells you that they are real basketball countries and I think honestly, it’s a good thing also.”

Satoransky also touched on some EuroLeague storylines, including Jabari Parker’s move from Barcelona to Partizan.

“Jabari’s made great progress just by embracing playing in Europe. Honestly, it’s going to be another challenge for him to play for a coach like Željko Obradović. But I think he’s good at accepting that role and wanting to learn a little bit more. And that’s going to be a great opportunity for him in Partizan and I think he’s going to embrace it well.”

His former New Orleans Pelicans teammate, Devonte’ Graham, joined Crvena Zvezda recently and is set to debut in EuroLeague.

“Devonte’s a really good scorer from the point guard spot. He can space the floor and open things up right away. It’ll take time to adjust, but he has everything he needs to succeed.”