The Israel National Team continued its preparations for the EuroBasket’s November window qualifiers as they tipoff against Ukraine in Riga on Saturday (6pm) and Monday (8pm).

The Head Coach Ariel Beit Halachmi’s squad had two practice sessions on Thursday at the Riga Arena where the games will be held and a final practice ahead of the first game will take place on Friday. There are 13 players currently with the squad as Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Roman Sorkin and Rafi Menco will join the team during the day.

In fact, the professional staff will decide before each game which three players will not dress and will remain outside the squad.

For the Ukrainian national team, this is a critical window after losing the first two games of the campaign to Slovenia and Portugal. The Ukrainians are ranked last at home and will try to improve their record while Israel come into the window with a 1-1 record beating Portugal whole falling to Slovenia. The Ukrainian national team’s roster includes center Artem Pustovyi (32, 2.19), who is playing for Badalona in Spain while the squad also sports the likes of Oleksandr Kovliar, who plays for Lithuanian side Lietkabelis who averaged 20 points and 9 assists in the first two qualification games.

The team’s center, Itay Segev spoke ahead of Saturday’s game, “It’s always fun to return to the national team, especially in a time like this. It’s the greatest pride there is. We’re here to do everything we can to bring a smile to the people at home. We’re preparing intensively, working hard to connect. It’s fun to see the guys, we’ve known each other for many years and we grew up together. Ukraine is an excellent team, they are very good and can score good. It will no doubt be a tough game, but I believe in our ability and I’m sure it will be okay. This is our way to contribute to the country, raise morale and bring a smile to our faces during a difficult time for all of us.”

The blue-and-white visited the Jewish community in Riga as well on Thursday and learnt about its history.