Arthur Nazaryan on Armenia’s national team problems ahead of EuroBasket 2029 qualification

Arthur Nazaryan, Secretary General of the Basketball Federation of Armenia, discussed in a new interview the current state of the men’s national team ahead of the start of the EuroBasket 2029 qualification cycle.

According to Nazaryan, staffing issues remain unresolved. Armenia’s main guard, Gabriel Adjemian, is still unable to play home matches in Yerevan and participates only in away games.

“Gabriel Adjemian’s documentation issues remain. They still haven’t been resolved,” he said.

The issue stems from the fact that Adjemian is wanted for evading military service. At the time, he was supposed to receive a deferment for playing with the national team, but the Armenian basketball team was suspended by FIBA, and Adjemian could not play the required number of games necessary for a deferment.

Nevertheless, the coaching staff continues to form the roster for the qualifying cycle. Serbian head coach Bogdan Karacic will continue working with the Armenian team.

“There will be new names; around 20 players have received invitations,” the Secretary General noted.

The final roster will be published a week before the start of the matches. The team will hold its training camp in Bulgaria.

Nazaryan also highlighted the difficult financial situation:

“Renting the Karen Demirchyan Sports Complex is very expensive, which is why we will host matches at the Mika Sports Complex. Funding has significantly decreased, and the team’s participation in the tournament was in question.”

Group and schedule

Following the draw, Armenia landed in Group B, where it will play against Norway (FIBA 78) and Bulgaria (FIBA 46).

Match schedule

• 27 November 2025 — Bulgaria vs Armenia

• 30 November 2025 — Armenia vs Norway

• 2 March 2026 — Armenia vs Bulgaria

• 2 July 2026 — Norway vs Armenia

Background

In the previous international cycle, Armenia took part in the 2027 World Cup qualifiers, playing in a group with Austria and Albania. Armenia finished second, defeating Albania twice and losing both matches to Austria.

The national team is preparing for a new challenge and aims to successfully pass the opening stage of EuroBasket 2029 qualification.