EUROBASKET AQR

28-year-old Miguel Minhava has been around long enough to be in a position to judge Portugal's chances ahead of the EuroBasket AQR

The moment of truth is about to arrive for Portugal as they try to return to the EuroBasket.

On Tuesday, Mario Palma's side host Hungary in the opening game of the Additional Qualifying Round and veteran Miguel Minhava is feeling good about the team's chances.

"Clearly we have become a much better team in the past seven weeks," said Minhava, who played at the EuroBasket in Spain four years ago.

"We have had good warm-up games, improved in several areas of the game, especially on the defensive end where we are a team that is very well prepared.

"Both individually and collectively, we have evolved a lot in this period."

Finland are also taking part in the Additional Qualifying Round.

The sides that finish first and second will advance to the EuroBasket in Lithuania.

Playing at home in their opener, Minhava says, is good for Portugal.

"I've said before that I consider this a positive factor," he said.

"It is important to start with a win and there is nothing better than playing in Portugal to achieve this.

"If there is strong support from our fans, everything will be easier.

"I have no doubt that everyone in the national team is ready to give everything...

"I think we have the ability and desire to do so (qualify) and the confidence is high."