Mateusz Ponitka: 'I'm Not FIBA's Michael Jordan'

Mateusz Ponitka, the leader of the Polish national team, spoke to Athletiko after his team's qualification for the Eurobasket quarterfinals. Poland qualified for the second consecutive tournament, following their run in 2022 where they finished in 4th place.

Ponitka emphasized the importance of teamwork and solidarity, stating: 'We are a team, we do something collectively and we fight for each other.'

Referring to the nickname he has been given as 'FIBA's Michael Jordan,' he replied: 'No, because Michael Jordan is unique, every player is unique and I am myself.'

Finally, he underlined the honor he feels playing for the national team: 'It's something special for me. We don't play for money and statistics here, we play for the country and ourselves.'