RIGA (EuroBasket 2015) - EuroBasket2015.org previews each of the four groups on the eve of the biggest basketball event on the continent this year. 

Here's a look at Group D.

BELGIUM
Preparation Period: Head coach Eddy Casteels' side experienced an up-and-down tune-up campaign, winning their first two before failing to find any real consistency and finishing 4-5. Pushing France before eventually falling 74-72, thanks to some late-game heroics from Tony Parker was perhaps the standout result.

Star Player: Veteran power forward Axel Hervelle remains the driving force behind this ageing generation of Belgian talent and will once again provide the leadership to go with his individual production, as they aim to make a real impression in their third consecutive EuroBasket appearance.

Strengths and Weaknesses: The availability of naturalised shooting guard Matt Lojeski, after missing the 2013 edition through injury, offers an improved outside threat to complement the work of Hervelle. Casteels, however, may be concerned by his team's tendency to relinquish healthy leads and not put games to bed when they are in control.

CZECH REPUBLIC
Preparation Period: It took the Czech Republic five attempts to register a first win during their tune-up games, losing seven of nine overall. The arrival of Jan Vesely after four games, unsurprisingly, made a difference before the preparation campaign closed on a losing note, against Spain, although Tomas Satoransky considered the 81-68 reverse their best performance of the summer and a "positive experience".

Star Player: Vesely and Satoransky have provided their national team with the impetus to move forward in recent years and that responsibility will fall on them again. The form of the 23-year-old point guard could be particularly key, given the positive momentum he carries into the competition following a stellar first year with Barcelona.

Strengths and Weaknesses: The athleticism of the team's two leading lights is a real plus for the Czech Republic and Ronen Ginzburg will no doubt aim to exploit that. But whether the Czechs pose enough of a threat outside of those two - and whether they can shake off the negative results during their preparation period - remains to be seen.

ESTONIA
Preparation Period: The streaky nature of head coach Tiit Sokk's three-point shooting side was in evidence as they waited five games for their maiden victory before winning the next four and closing with three defeats. The first of those successes, however, could provide a real psychological boost as it came against Group D rivals Latvia, 70-69, in an intense game of 12 lead changes and 11 ties.

Star Player: At 32, Kristjan Kangur may no longer be at his physical peak but he still commands top billing on this Estonia roster, as is evidenced by the fact he has won the nation's Player of the Year award seven times in a row.The forward can certainly still get it done on both ends of the floor, but more than that, his experience and leadership qualities will be vital to Estonia.

Strengths and Weaknesses: Accurate, high-volume three-point shooting from the likes of Gregor Arbet and Reinar Hallik was a key factor in helping Estonia advance from the First Qualification Round back in 2013 and they will likely look to that perimeter threat once again. But whether that will be consistent enough a source of scoring, and sufficient to make up for a real lack of inside presence on both ends of the floor, will be one of the key issues facing this team.

LATVIA
Preparation Period: The early withdrawal of New York Knicks draftee Kristaps Porzingis was a real blow, particularly with Davis Bertans, Ojars Silins and Janis Berzins also missing out. An impressive 81-79 defeat of Turkey was the highlight of a 4-5 campaign and while Zanis Peiners sat that game out with a minor injury, he was deemed fit enough to make the final roster.

Star Player: With several key men missing it will be interesting to see which players step forward and make themselves known. A leading candidate is Janis Strelnieks, who has the ability to orchestrate the action from the point guard position and is coming off a fine season in Germany with Brose Baskets Bamberg.

Strengths and Weaknesses: Latvia may lack that raw size and strength close to the basket but will hope to play to their strengths by utilising their talented backcourt. Strelnieks, along with Dairis Bertans, should be able to make things tick, as this group, which has been growing up together, look to take a step forward in front of their home fans.

LITHUANIA
Preparation Period: Despite winning seven of their 10 tune-up games ahead of travelling to Riga, Lithuania's preparations have taken on a disjointed feel. Injuries to the influential Donatas Motiejunas, Linas Kleiza, Darjus Lavrinovic and Martynas Pocius, as well as the limited availability of Jonas Valanciunas, contributed to this, while the likes of Arturas Milaknis and Deividas Gailius grabbed their opportunities to make a mark.

Star Player: The absence of such established, experienced stars only accelerates Valanciunas' rise to a leading role on this roster. In truth, it is a level he has already reached, but now he has less support in the frontcourt and is likely to draw even more opposition attention.

Strengths and Weaknesses: That sudden lack of depth in the paint could yet cause real problems, particularly if Lithuania find themselves in foul trouble. But the return of Kalnietis, who will rekindle his backcourt partnership with Renaldas Seibutis, should add another dimension to Lithuania's physical play and help to put opponents on the back foot.

UKRAINE
Preparation Period: Life after talismanic point guard Eugene Jeter and legendary head coach Mike Fratello was always going to be difficult for Ukraine, and so it has proved during a tough warm-up period. Incoming head coach Yevgen Murzin stuck with Fratello's preparation plan, which included back-to-back tests against reigning champions France, and his new side won three of their eight fixtures in total.

Star Player: That selection policy has served to underline dominant 2.16m center Kyrylo Fesenko's natural position as one of the leaders on this roster. Look for him to make the most of his increased role and responsibility in an attempt to lead by example.

Strengths and Weaknesses: The main challenge facing Murzin and Ukraine will be in simply coming together as a cohesive unit in such a short space of time, as well as battling the increased expectations that come with a quarter-final berth in 2013. Despite their tender years, Ukraine boast promising inside talents, an area some of their Group D opponents are lacking in, and that could be something for Murzin's men to exploit.

Go to eurobasket2015.org for complete coverage of EuroBasket 2015.

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