Eight of the best U-16 european national teams started today their participation in the Turk Telekom Tournament in Konya (Turkey). Local squad showed again that they have a great generation, with many chances to win the European Championship this summer. The team, build around Kenan Sipahi ('95), Burak Yildizli ('94) and Tayfun Erulku ('94), made a good debut beating Germany (76-69). Turkish team won Iscar Tournament some weeks ago in Spain, and they want to repeat the result at home. Against germans Yildizli collected 17 points (8/13 twos), 11 rebounds and 4 blocks in only 25 minutes while Erulku nailed 15 with 6 boards, even he made a 0/7 behind the arc and also 5 turnovers. Youngster Sipahi, as always: 7 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. In Germany forward Dominic Lockhard ('94) finished with 15 points, 8 rebounds and 6 steals.

In the other game of group Serbia beat Poland (85-65). Forward Nikola Jankovic ('94), from FMP Zeleznik, shined with 19 points, 13 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals. At polish side guard Daniel Szymkiewicz ('94) scored 12 points, pulled down 3 rebounds and made 3 steals.

 

At group B France started winning Italy after two overtimes (96-90). Point-guard Charly Maraux ('94), from Champagnole, led the victory with 18 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists, but with a crazy shooting-card: 4/18 twos and 1/7 threes. Guard Boris Dallo ('94) added 14 points, 5 rebounds and 5 steals. For italians forward Aristide Landi ('94) showed that he will be one of the big names of the tournament: 23 points with 4/9 threes and 11 rebounds.

Finally Greece beat Slovenia (55-53). Forward Alexandros Mitsialos ('94) led the winners with 14 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists, while Gregor Hrovat ('94) was the only player of the losers who made double-figures: 10 points and 1 steal.