Bulgaria have yet to find a replacement for Pini Gershon as coach but the person who does eventually take the reins will know it's going to be a big ask to reach EuroBasket 2011 in Lithuania.

At the recent draw in Munich, Bulgaria were drawn against Poland, Belgium, Portugal and Georgia in Group C.

The Bulgarians were fortunate, however, to avoid a Group A that  has Latvia, Israel, Finland, Italy and Montenegro.

The former national team boss, Rosen Barchovski, who now serves as the head of the coaching commission at the Bulgarian Basketball Federation, has looked ahead to the qualifying campaign.

"There is no easy draw," he said.

"But regarding the teams in Group A, we are lucky and can't complain.

"We can win against every team in our group. But it won't be easy at all, especially when we are visitors."

Bulgaria's first game will be on August 2 at Portugal, a team that made it to EuroBasket 2007 and then reached the Additional Qualifying Round for EuroBasket 2009.

"I am optimistic, but moderately so," Barchovski said of the forthcoming Division A campaign.

"We have our chances, but everything is up to us. We have to use these chances."

Bulgaria finished second behind Serbia and head of Italy, Finland and Hungary in Group A of EuroBasket 2009 Division A.

They did not win a game at the EuroBasket last year, though, falling to Turkey, hosts Poland and Lithuania.