Interview with Honza Pospíšil: Why go to Prague Hoops?
Honza, why do you think teams should participate in the Prague Hoops tournament?
A tournament like Prague Hoops makes sense to me not only as a sporting event, but as an overall experience. I believe it can be an ideal start to the season for many teams – high-quality games, a pleasant environment, and the opportunity to compete against teams not only from Prague, but also from different parts of the Czech Republic and Europe. As a coach, I know how important it is to play against new opponents with different playing speeds and styles. And that's exactly what we want to offer at Prague Hoops.
How is this tournament different from others?
We don't want the tournament to be primarily about results. We want to create an environment where children and coaches have room to grow – both in terms of their game and as people. We want this to be the first major tournament or contact with basketball for these categories. We want to see a lot of emotion. At the same time, we are striving for truly international participation. I have involved all my contacts from clubs and national teams to bring diverse teams to Prague and create the right mix. This is something that can give the tournament a whole new dimension.
What is your role in the Prague Hoops team?
I am the technical supervisor, which in practice means that I oversee the sporting side of the tournament – rules, game formats, categorization, referees. At the same time, I act as a liaison between the organizers and the basketball world. I help with team selection, communicate with coaches, and strive to ensure that the tournament has a clear sporting level and a good direction for development.
What do you think makes a tournament truly high-quality?
For me, it's crucial that this isn't "just another weekend tournament." I want players to take away an experience that will move them forward. One that will rekindle that initial spark of love for basketball. Whether it's quality opponents, good organization, or even a simple detail like fair play and respect on the court. If the tournament manages to be professional, yet friendly and humane, it makes sense.
Do you have a message for teams that are hesitating about coming?
Come and join us. Prague Hoops isn't just about how many points you score and winning games. It's about what you take home with you—in terms of playing, teamwork, and personal growth. And I believe that these kinds of experiences are what are most valuable in youth sports.
Who is Honza Pospíšil?
Honza is a long-time youth coach at USK Prague, head coach of the U17 category, and former assistant coach of the Czech men's national team. During his career, he has worked with a number of domestic and foreign coaches and contributed to the historic success of the Czech team at the 2019 World Championships. In the basketball world, he is known for his analytical approach, hard work, and respect for the development of young players. In the Prague Hoops project, he serves as an expert guarantor and is one of the main guarantors of the tournament's sporting quality.
