A player from the Israeli Hapoel Jerusalem in the Ukrainian national basketball team

The Ukrainian national basketball team has announced an extended list of candidates for the upcoming World Cup qualification game. The list includes legionnaires from different countries, representatives of the national championship, and a name well-known to fans in Israel.

The presence of a player performing in the local league automatically increases interest in the match and makes it noticeable to audiences outside Ukraine.

Who the coaching staff called up

Head coach Ainars Bagatskis determined an extended pool for the meeting against the Spanish National Basketball Team. The information was disseminated by the Basketball Federation of Ukraine.

The extended application allows for adjustments to the final lineup closer to the game — taking into account form, logistics, and medical factors.

Perimeter

The list of guards includes Vitaliy Zotov, Oleksandr Kovlyar, Denys Lukashov, Yehor Sushkin, Ilya Tyrtyshnyk, Mykhailo Bublik, and Issuf Sanon. This is a combination of international tournament experience and players well-acquainted with the coach’s requirements.

Wing

Among the forwards named are Oleksandr Lypovyy, Ivan Tkachenko, Andriy Voynalovych, Vyacheslav Bobrov, and Daniil Shelist. The staff counts on the flexibility of this line and the ability to vary the pace.

Paint

Particular attention is drawn to Dmytro Skapintsev, representing Hapoel Jerusalem. Alongside him, Artem Pustovyi and Maksym Klychko are considered.

Skapintsev’s return after missing the previous camp has already become a topic of discussion.

Such stories are traditionally in the focus of sports editors, including the platform NAnews — Israel News | Nikk.Agency, as they connect Ukrainian and Israeli audiences around specific names and clubs.

Where they will play and what’s at stake

Despite the status of a home match for Ukraine, the meeting will take place on a neutral court.

The game will be hosted by Riga. The starting whistle is on February 27 at 15:00.

The Ukrainian team, after two initial victories, occupies second place in the group and maintains good chances of continuing the fight.

Tournament formula

The top three teams advance to the next stage. Then they merge with teams from the neighboring quartet, where Montenegro, Greece, Portugal, and Romania play.

Matches against those opponents who also advance do not reset. Therefore, every point already has strategic significance.

Why intrigue remains

The preliminary list is not yet the final application. Changes are possible up to the last days before the game.

Coaches leave room for decisions.

Fans — for predictions.