Yesterday started a new edition of the U-18 International Tournament of Tenerife Island, in Spain. Eight teams are fighting till Wednesday for the tittle: Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Olimpija Ljubljana, Canarias Basketball Academy, Lagun Aro Guipuzcoa, San Isidro, Unelco Cajacanarias and Ciudad de Telde. Power-forward Daniel Diez ('93), who won last U-16 European Championship this summer in Kaunas, became one of the big names of this first day after leading Real Madrid to the victory over Lagun Aro (80-72). The prospect, who signed few months ago from Estudiantes, finished with 22 points (8/10 twos), 7 rebounds and 2 blocks. Forward Daniel Busto ('92) also shined with 19 points and 13 rebounds. At Lagun Aro side forward Daniel Alonso ('93) collected 16 points and 11 rebounds.
FC Barcelona didn't have problems to crash Canarias Basketball Academy in their debut (101-42). Team coached by Alex Garcia had six players in double figures, with 2.11 hungarian center Norbert Timko ('92) scoring 12 points, grabbing 11 rebounds and making 2 steals in only 20 minutes. International Jordi Mas ('92) helped with 14 points in 19 minutes. English point-guard Amon Brown ('92) finished as the best player of the losers with 13 points and 3/4 behind the arc.
Slovenians of Olimpija Ljubljana started the tournament strong with a huge victory over San Isidro (48-100). Guard Ziga Markus ('92) made a great performance: 18 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists. At San Isidro shooting-guard Diego Garcia ('93) finished as the only player with more than ten points: 15 points with 6/12 FGs.
Local team Unelco started also with a good result: 63-49 against Ciudad de Telde. Forward Pedro Fariña ('92), with 16 points and 8 rebounds, and youngster Modou Mbaye ('94), with 13 and 8, the best of the winners. For Ciudad de Telde center Kilian Moreno ('92) finished with 16 points and 6 rebounds.
Finally San Isidro beat Canarias Academy (51-61) even the good job of 2.15 slovakian center Boris Bojanovski ('93), with 15 points, 10 rebounds and 3 blocks. Diatta Diop ('92) led San Isidro with 18 points and 11 rebounds, even a crazy shooting card: 6/23 twos and 3/11 free throws.
Photo: FIBA Europe / Robertas Dackus
