High hoops in Israeli men’s U19 World Cup debut
Last week in Switzerland, Israel made the quarter-finals of their debut FIBA U19 Men's Basketball World Cup.
Barely a week after two Israelis were NBA Draft picks by the Brooklyn Nets, the future of Israeli basketball received another major boost when Israel placed an impressive seventh on debut in the FIBA U19 Men’s World Cup, out of 16 competing nations, in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Their squad’s players were also among the tournament’s best, with Omer Mayer ranked equal second in the tournament for average points per game (20.0) with Dominican Republic’s Lucas Morilla, while Oren Sahar was fifth-best (17.7).
Ariel Sela made the tournament’s third most rebounds (67), his teammate Rany Belaga was 10th-best (44), while Sela also had the fifth-highest average steals per game (2.3).
Israel enjoyed two wins over the host nation (102-77 and 79-68), outlasted the Dominican Republic 80-76, won by forfeit against Jordan, and qualified for the quarter-finals with a come-from-behind 86-82 triumph against Cameroon.
In that game, Mayer stole the show with magnificent stats of 33 points, including five 3-pointers, seven assists and five rebounds.
Commenting after that game, he said, “I don’t have words … we’re just trying to play with honour, and to put in our all on the court”.
“I’m just happy we were able to get the win, make the quarter-finals, and maybe make some people happy back home.”
The Israelis were only defeated by eventual bronze medallist Slovenia by a margin of 55-79, and by Australia in a 72-78 thriller.
The Israelis and Aussies were locked at 40-all at half-time, Australia led by nine at the last break, the Israelis came back to within four points with six minutes left, but could not reduce the gap any further, losing by six points.
Sahar scored 21 points against the Aussies, and Tamir Gold 18 points.
Israel Basketball Association chair Amos Frishman was full of praise for the team.
“They thrilled an entire country with their journey at the U19 World Cup, and I’m proud of how the team played, especially as their preparation was interrupted by Operation Rising Lion and with the difficulties in sending the team abroad,” he said.
“Once again, we saw proof that there is a bright future for Israeli basketball.”
Team USA won the tournament, beating Germany in the final 109-76.
Next up for Israeli basketball will be their women’s team playing in the FIBA U19 Women’s World Cup to be held in Czechia from July 12-20.
Israel has been drawn in a group with Hungary, USA and Korea.
Beyond that, Israel’s men’s team – featuring NBA star for the Portland Trail Blazers, Deni Avdija – will compete in the 2025 Eurobasket men’s tournament which begins on August 28.