FIBA U19 - Memorable moments

RIGA (FIBA U19 World Championship) – Those who were lucky enough to witness FIBA U19 World Championship are spoilt in terms of memories on offer and confused should they be asked to sum it up in only a few words.

When Croatia condemned Lithuania to a surprise 13-point defeat on Day 1, Lithuania’s status among tournament favourites was severely questioned. If many rightly expected better – much better – to come from coach Maksvytis’ men, few people could have predicted some of the other major upsets that would follow in these magical eleven days.

Croatia was at it again, when they confirmed their giant-killing status by defeating pre-tournament favourites USA, rocking the knock-out round pairings to setup the now infamous USA v Russia quarter.

Another result that turned heads on the first day of play was Argentina’s crushing defeat to Australia, that left the South Americans staring a first round exit in the face. The body language of Enrique Tolcachier’s men could not have been in heavier contract to that during the scenes of tears of celebration as they qualified for the Semi Final barely a week later.

Tipped among those almost certain to exit the tournament after the first round, Egypt won over many fans as they pulled off a great tournament, pushing many major basketball powers all the way and valiantly overcoming China in a double-overtime thriller to qualify for round two.

But undoubtedly the biggest shock of the entire tournament yet again involved the USA, whose tournament ended in the Quarter Finals as they were deservedly beaten by a Russian team struggling for form. Indeed, the Russians were virtually eliminated from the tournament at the Eighth Final stage only to be saved by a final second Argentina buzzer-beater by Luciano Massarelli, forcing  overtime - which they won - to defeat and condemn Brazil.

Vladislav Trushkin produced a monster performance and a killer long range three-pointer deep into the last minute of play to kill American dreams of retaining their complete set of World Championship titles.

A Latvian progression deep into the tournament was on the wish-list of the host country as well as many teams who would have the chance of playing in front of an electric crowd. While their Eighth Final exit fell short of their ultimate goal, Lithuania’s unstoppable march through to the final provided a colourful and noisy Arena Riga.

Colour and noise is certainly what Lithuanian fans brought, as they came to cheer their team on to Quarter Final and Semi Final victories over Poland and Russia respectively.

Serbia’s 12 players entered the court for the final, after overcoming Australia and Argentina, to more than eight thousand whistling Lithuanians carrying their team doctor dressed sunglasses and Serbian flag/cape with an outstretched arm as the unlikeliest of superheroes; a demonstration of the humour and friendly atmosphere that prevailed in spite of the competitiveness, athleticism and high level of play.

The tone had been set the previous evening by an eccentric Latvian basketball writer, who added an additional twenty decibels to an already noisy Lithuanian crowd, as the short and shapely Maris Noviks sprinted the length of the court performing an outrageous hula-hoop number.

But technical staff and journalists were by no means the only ones to shine. In spite of an early exit, the Americans provided some great performances, included gentle giant Patric Young, whose late game and overtime effort condemned Lithuania in one of the games of the tournament.

Croatia’s point guard Tony Katic was inspirational as his team humbled the tournament’s top two sides. His countrymen Boris Barac and Dario Saric will certainly also have been noticed by basketball fans and scouts. Russia’s Sergey Karasev, Australia’s Anthony Drmic, Poland’s Michal Michalak, Canada’s Dyshawn Pierre as well as Lithuanian duo Vytenis Cizauskas and Edgaras Ulanovas are just a few players to look out for in the coming years.

Players shining against the odds included Egypt’s Assem Ahmed, who ended the Championship second in the ppg stats and exceptionally talented Argentinian point guard Juan Giaveno, who was instrumental in Argentina’s fourth place finish in spite of his status as the tournament’s shortest player at only 1.75m.

The All Star Five were rewarded with special edition Tissot watches having each elevated themselves that extra inch above the rest. USA’s Jeremy Lamb’s speed and athleticism was unmatched in Latvia, with his highlights reel is already NBA-like. Hugh Greenwood was Australia’s motor throughout, with the team suffering badly whenever he wasn’t on court to exert his dominance. Russia’s Dmitry Kulagin was the outstanding player in a team that challenged rationale as they took home bronze. Aleksandar Cvetkovic was Serbia’s on court leader throughout, taking matters into his own hands and stepping up at key moments proving himself to be one of the best point guard prospects in the world.

But one man more than any other stamped his authority on this Championship. If Jonas Valanciunas didn’t carry his team to gold by himself and while his teammates acted more than just a supporting cast, he was undoubtedly the difference between for Lithuania.

His 23 points and 19 rebounds per game placed him comfortably on top of both key stats categories. His ability to balance outstanding individual skill and fine team play, his obvious enjoyment of the occasion as well as his natural friendliness left nobody indifferent. From early on he already looked like the obvious MVP candidate.

Serbia couldn't cope with Valenciunas in the Final, Serbia coach Dejan Mijatovic openly admitted.

"I want to say sorry for Yesterday" Valanciunas had said after his team’s opening defeat to Croatia. "We had a cold shower, so today we are angry and we will show something."

FIBA