Greece missed out on a medal at the Olympics on home soil after a heart-breaking loss in the quarter-finals against eventual champions Argentina so only a fool would dismiss their chances at next summer's Eurobasket.

That is especially true considering the form of AEK Athens' point guard Nikos Zisis, one of the hottest players in the game.

Zisis' contributions were crucial for AEK in European club competition this season and they been invaluable in the HEBA Championship, with his team headed for the play-offs.

"I feel that I am in good shape and that I am improving my way of playing," Zisis said.

"From the beginning of the season, the coach has told me that I was going to be the starting playmaker.

"Nevertheless, I must improve my game even more. My opponents are now ready for me and I have to surprise them, especially now that I feel that AEK needs me."

How crucial has Zisis been so far? He leads AEK in assists with 92 on the season, and he is their third leading scorer at 12.95 points per game.

Zisis has been rewarded with a place in the All-Star Game. He will play for the Greek team against the Rest of the World stars.

AEK have been excellent at times, but they have suffered of late with three narrow defeats dropping them to sixth place.

Since winning 93-67 at home over Panellinios, they have been edged out in games against Aris, Apollon Patras and Olympiacos.

"We were tired, but that is not an excuse," Zisis said.

"We must work at practice and improve our game. We have three more games left in the regular season.

"It will be difficult to win them all, but we will try for the best in order to make a new start. We have to focus on the play-offs."

As for his role down the stretch, Zisis said: "My target is to help my team to win, no matter if I score, or organise the game of AEK as a playmaker."

That will also be his aim this summer for Greece when they take part in the European Championships in Serbia & Montenegro.