This passionate and energetic national team are determined to show they are the real deal despite being underdogs. An exciting blend of youth and experience in the hands of an underrated coach could be the perfect recipe needed to produce some magic and leave the tournament surprisingly spellbound.

Pero Antik

Exactly one decade since their last appearance at EuroBasket, FYR of Macedonia are back with a group of players determined to write their names in basketball folklore in what they have described as the ‘mission of their lives'.

So often overshadowed by more illustrious Adriatic neighbours such as Serbia and Croatia (the latter a team they will face in their group) the time has arrived for this proud basketball nation to finally make their mark on the big stage.

The team is preparing to show the tournament they can be dark horses rather than underdogs with fans and opposing teams now finally waking up to the depth of talent and vibrancy that oozes from this FYR of Macedonia team. Not just because they qualified but also because of the manner in which they did it - topping their qualification group with some stylish displays against Latvia, Portugal and Estonia.

While their renowned ‘devilish' and superbly fanatical home support might not be quite as evident as it was last year in the white hot atmosphere of their home qualifiers in Skopje, it could still be one of the most memorable aspects of the tournament.

Led by inspirational veteran Vrbica Stefanov who has chosen to proudly end his glittering career in a national vest, the team has a true heartbeat through which everything is likely to ebb and flow.

Jovica Arsic has moulded a terrific blend of youth and experience on his roster. Experienced top class warriors in the paint like Todor Gecevski and Pero Antik will line up alongside exciting young talents like Predrag Samardziski who could finally be ready to explode at this level and fulfil his massive talent after being very much handled with ‘kid gloves' during qualification.

There is little doubt that in Jeremiah Massey, Coach Arsic has a high calibre player with experience at the very top level - something that will be invaluable to him. He has played in Euroleague and has just finished campaigns in the Spanish ACB with Real Madrid. Massey could be the ‘X Factor' on which the success or otherwise of this team is based. Nicknamed ‘Air Massey' because of his high flying style, his athleticism will be vital and a big tournament from him could make all of the

Todor Gecevski

difference.

The biggest blow to FYR of Macedonia is the injury to the hugely experienced Vlado Ilievski which has ruled him out of the tournament. Nevertheless, throw in the likes of the free scoring and hugely underrated Riste Stefanov into the mix and the core of this team suddenly makes you sit up and take note while relative unknowns like streaky scorer Dime Tasovski are coming into this tournament sky high with confidence after stellar seasons with their clubs.

It will be tough to progress past the group stages with one of the tournament favourites Greece likely to take one spot and that will be a tough opening game against their neighbours.

If there is one particular rivalry that really whets the appetite and further ignites the passion of the players and fans it is with Israel. The rivalry has developed to such an extent that veteran playmaker Vrbica Stefanov, has previously described it as the "Israel syndrome".

Both countries have quite a history on the court and know each other well since the Israelis delivered the knockout blow in the Additional Qualifying Round for EuroBasket 2007 while they also picked up a win against FYR of Macedonia in EuroBasket 1999.

Croatia meanwhile are a near neighbour looking to show their Olympic pedigree against Arsic and his players but in truth, this tournament should hold no fear for this effervescent team.

Progression past the group stages will be difficult but is nevertheless a genuine possibility and FYR of Macedonia are ready to spring a surprise.