SHANGHAI, Aug. 31 -- Chicago Bulls player Tomas Satoransky of the Czech Republic said here on Saturday that playing against team USA will be one of the toughest challenges of his life, but added that his side is ready for the fight.
The Czechs are coming off of a strong FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 European Qualifiers campaign. Coach Ronen Ginzburg led the team with an 8-4 record with only four losses, which landed them in Group E in Shanghai along with Japan, Turkey and defending champions the United States.
The Czech Republic's FIBA World Cup opener might be one of the toughest in their history. They are set to open their Group E campaign at the Shanghai Oriental Sports Center against team USA.
"We are ready for it. We are going to put all of our energy to have a great game against every opponent. Each game will be difficult," said Satoransky.
The 27-year-old said the game against team USA will be hard to predict.
"You never know how the first minutes are going to be like. One of the strongest things of America is that they intimidate a lot of opponents. Of course, they deserve respect. You can not be intimidated by anyone and you just have to fight, and give whatever you have. You got to give them respect but can't be intimidated," Satoransky said.
Satoransky has been living in America for some years playing for the Washington Wizards and the Chicago Bulls.
"They are so quick and good. I think that it is a great thing that we are going to play our first game of the tournament against them. Facing the best team in the world is a great opportunity to know our level of competitiveness," Satoransky noted.