Keita: It takes physical preparation against Germany. Mazula has been paying attention to my performance

After the 2025 European Men's Basketball Team's group stage, the Portuguese team received a ticket to the top 16, and their opponent will be the World Cup champion Germany. Although Portugal is not favored, they still have a chance, and the team's core inside player Keita is the key to all of this.

The Portuguese center has previously left its highlights at this European Cup, but as he said in an interview with Eurohoops in the FIBA ​​studio, he is eager for more achievements.

Keita talked about the key victory to defeat Estonia and lock in the top 16, the team meeting before the game, and the mentality of representing the national team in the highest level of Europe. He also clarified his goal: "This is an excellent opportunity for me to improve my skills and prepare for next season."

On his first major FIBA ​​event, Keita helped Portugal make history, an achievement he had never expected when he was young.

"Life always unfolds in unexpected ways. I want more. I always desire to improve. It is no accident that the German team can become a World Cup champion. We must be prepared for physical confrontation and cannot easily score through fast breaks. The German team's coaching team is very high. They will definitely develop targeted strategies, but we must also stick to our own tactics."

Keita also mentioned that the Celtics and its head coach Mazula will pay attention to this game: "I have talked to him a few times, and he will always send me messages, either affirming my performance, expressing support, or reminding me how to improve. He will tell me what potential he sees and what I need to improve, and we have a very good relationship."

A few weeks later, all this accumulation will be brought back to Boston by Keita. After the Celtics were eliminated last season, Keita underwent surgery for knee aches that had plagued herself for years. And this European Cup proved that his form has reached the best of his career: "I have had enough rest this offseason, and I think I am ready for an explosive season. I have the ability to compete with the top players."