Two summers ago, in Kaunas (Lithuania), Spain won the U16 European Championship after beating hosts in the big final (70-64). Jaime Fernández ('93), currently playing minutes in ACB with Asefa Estudiantes, was selected in the All-Tournament Team with Polish Przemek Karnowski ('93), Lithuanian Tauras Jogela ('93), Serbian Nenad Miljenovic ('93) and Russian Gleb Goldyrev ('93). After a disapointing 2010 with spaniards ending 10th in the U17 World Championship of Hamburg (Germany) this 1993 generation seems they are recovering sensations, and a few days ago they won a tournament in Murcia against Russia, Croatia and Luxemburg. They ended with a 3-0 record.

 

In the opener Luxemburg was crashed by team coached by Luis Guil (110-59), with Alex Suárez ('93) scoring 15 points and Jorge Sanz ('93) 13. One day later they beat Russia (70-82) with 25 points of recent addition Alex Abrines ('93) and 17 more from Jaime Fernández ('93). Finally the defeat Croatia easy (73-53). Abrines had 15 and "Willy" Hernangómez ('94) added 13.

 

Spain has an intriguing group of new additions comparing with the team of 2009 in Kaunas. Abrines -playing good minutes this year in LEB Gold- can be their best scorer, while the talent of youngsters Albert Homs ('94), Josep Pérez ('94) and "Willy" Hernangómez ('94) will be key.

 

Photo: FEB.es