Serbia coach Zoran Slavnic wants his team to be mentally ready for every possible outcome at EuroBasket 2007.

Ahead of the Efes Cup in Turkey, which will be the team's last test before the showpiece event in Spain, Slavnic explained that his squad must be prepared for any eventuality.

"There's not much time left until our first game at the EuroBasket against Russia," he said.

"While we were having training matches in Bormio and Strasbourg results weren't really important. Now it is something completely different.

"This team has to be prepared for both the atmosphere of real victory, and for defeats. Because, realistically, both things will happen in Spain.

"Our reaction as a team, not individually, is most important. I have to see how they will react when they have a huge lead, when it is a tight game, and when we are losing.

"Therefore, we must be prepared for every kind of situation, and the tournament in Izmir will be the perfect chance, but also the last one, to check where we are at the moment."

The competition in Turkey will also provide Slavnic with the chance to whittle his squad down from 14 to the 12 players he will take to Spain.

"Players are aware that this will be their last opportunity if they want to be among the chosen team for the EuroBasket," he added.

"I have no doubts they are willing to do their best to play so I'll give all of them an equal chance.

"The preliminary list of players for EuroBasket is one thing, but to play against the European elite is something completely different.

"Therefore, every single player will have the chance to show himself in front of an audience and start showing his capabilities."

Serbia will contest Group A of the EuroBasket, which begins on September 3, alongside defending champions Greece, Russia and the team that wins the additional qualifying tournament.