When the men's basketball team is preparing for their first championship since 2013, the spotlight is on Pelle Larsson.
The 24-year-old comes from a successful debut season with Miami Heat in the NBA and is the team's big star.
"Not difficult"
Pelle is very humble and feels like a natural part of the team. It's only positive to have him with us. He's a good player, but also a good teammate, says team captain Ludvig Håkanson and continues:
He's been with us before and he fits into this team just like everyone else.
Håkanson emphasizes the team's experience together.
We've had the same team for several years, and now we get Pelle as a big plus. Many have grown up together. The mentality is that we are underdogs who can surprise.
Veteran Viktor Gaddefors has the same picture of Pelle Larsson.
He deserves all the credit for his performance in the NBA. Having him here is just great for us. It's not difficult with all the focus on Pelle, we're rather happy that he's with us and wants to help us.
Gaddefors also sees Larsson as a role model who can raise the team.
I learn things from Pelle all the time. He's on a level I've never been on, and it inspires us others.
"It clicks"
Both Håkanson and Gaddefors highlight the team chemistry as a crucial factor for Sweden's chances in the European Championship.
We have a very tight group, both on and off the court. It allows us to play relaxed, says Håkanson.
He tells that the team does joint activities to strengthen the sense of unity even more, such as playing golf together.
You feel in the group if it clicks or not and it really feels like it clicks. We're happy and support each other. It's an important part of our strength, says Gaddefors.
Sweden enters the group stage against strong opponents like Lithuania and Germany. Håkanson and Gaddefors agree that the team can surprise. Of the six teams in the group, four will advance.
It will require two to three wins to advance and it will be incredibly difficult. But not impossible, says Håkanson.
On Wednesday, Sweden will play a friendly match against Estonia at Hovet.
The European Championship starts on August 27 and will be played in four countries – Cyprus, Finland, Latvia, and Poland.
