CRETE (FIBA U20 European Championship 2017) - In front of a buoyant home crowd, Greece dazzled on Day 1 with an evisceration of the Czech Republic to start their FIBA U20 European Championship in style. In many ways, Greece evoked NBA champions, the Golden State Warriors, with their fusion of unselfishness and hard-nosed defense manifesting in an eye-catching display.

The catalyst for Greece's effusive effort was point guard Antonios Koniaris, who stuffed the stats sheet with a terrific all-round performance that would have earned the nod of approval from Draymond Green, the Warriors' fulcrum. Despite resting for chunks of the second half with the result a mere formality, Koniaris finished with 8 assists, 5 rebounds and 4 steals.

He only scored 4 points from 7 attempts but Koniaris had a game high +30 in the key plus/minus statistic, testament of his influence over the game. Koniaris' unselfishness was contagious and it is clearly evident something good is percolating within the Greek team.

The game was basically over during a dominant opening quarter where Greece continually passed the ball around to find the open shooter. Having marshaled his team expertly, Koniaris says he enjoys an inclusive team approach.

"It is always fun to find the shooter in best position on the team," he says. "I like creating easy shots for my teammates."

Impressively, Koniaris is a genuine two-way player capable of guarding point and shooting guards. Rangy and athletic, the 6ft 3in (1.91m) guard looks somewhat taller and his versatility combined with innate competitiveness makes him a formidable force on the defensive end.

Blessed with an invaluable ability to switch on the perimeter, the 19-year-old admits he relishes the challenge of stopping his opponents. "I want to deny my opponent the ball," he says. "I try to be tough on defense. I think I can guard the point (guard) and two-guard...I like defending both positions.

"Our defense should always be tough and we don't want to give any easy baskets," he added. "We were contesting (Czech Republic) at the three-point line and grabbing the rebounds, then running."

"For us Greek players to have a guy like Giannis in the NBA is great motivation for us. It gives you something to dream about."Antonios KoniarisAntonios Koniaris

With attributes seemingly suitable for the NBA, Koniaris was tempted to enter the recent NBA Draft but decided against it. The PAOK player hopes to hone his game a little longer in Europe but dreams of making the NBA, particularly as he watches compatriot Giannis Antetokounmpo transform into a superstar for the Milwaukee Bucks.

"I was thinking about entering the Draft but I might do it next year," he says. "For us Greek players to have a guy like Giannis in the NBA is great motivation for us. It gives you something to dream about."

After their rout of the Czech Republic, expectations are high for Greece to go all the way in front of their enthusiastic fans. Greece's team has numerous players from their title-winning FIBA U18 European Championship 2015 side, while Koniaris also boasts plenty of pedigree having played at the FIBA U18 European Championship 2014 and FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup 2014.

Well aware of the hype surrounding the team, a diplomatic Koniaris is adamant Greece won't be distracted from the task ahead. "We will be focusing on one game at a time," he says. "However, it is fun to play in front of your home crowd. I think it will be even louder next time."

FIBA