Amil Hamzayev, a member of the Azerbaijani men's basketball team, has spoken out following their defeat to Ireland in the preliminary qualifying round of EuroBasket 2029.

The team captain explained the loss: "We got ahead a bit too quickly. After a 15-point lead, we relaxed and became complacent. We relied too much on Vesli Van Beek, but it didn’t work out. We were the favourites. Although it was a tough away game, we fought until the end."

Hamzayev also highlighted that the team's shortcomings affected their performance: "The absence of Saadettin Donat mixed up our positions. I am forced to play as a number 5, whereas my main position is 4. Playing as a number 5 created difficulties. That’s why we conceded easy points, and the result was as it was."

Amil Hamzayev expressed his dissatisfaction with the treatment of the national team in Azerbaijani basketball: "I don’t want to hide behind excuses. But the team does not receive the respect it deserves. There is a senior national team for basketball, followed by youth teams, and then 3x3, etc. When there is no proper respect, a different atmosphere arises among the players. Half of the team comes from abroad. I would like the national team to receive the value it deserves."