By Rafal Juc
Nike International Junior Tournament is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, but for the first time one of the four qualifying tournament is being held in Kaunas. Check what happened in brand new Zalgiris Arena. Zalgiris Arena, which was opened August 2011, is the biggest arena in the Baltic State with sits for 17500 people. Nothing surprisingly that Euroleage decided to host one of its qualification tournament of NIJT in Kaunas this year. Eurohopes staff had got occasion to watch one day earlier Euroleage game between Zalgiris Kaunas and FC Regal Barcelona and in addition visit all object. Because of great atmosphere and pretty high level of game here as always, Kaunas is mandatory point on map what to visit for european basketball fans.
Despite fact that first day of NIJT started early, because 9h of local time, it was possible to observe pretty rewarding number of attendance, especially taking into account fact that it were -20 C outdoor. It was possible to see many international scouts and agents, including of course NBA clubs employees. In addition, seems that Marko Popovic, who due to injury did not play in Euroleage game, decided to have a walk with his few-olds years kid. They made a tour around arena, Popovic had a chat with few friends and cheered with Zalgiris youngsters.
First two games finished as a blow-outs. Topsportschool VBL won (105-76) without any problems against USK Future Stars Prague and Zalgiris Kaunas crashed Vaerlose BBK (100-65). In local team great job did Marius Grigonis (’94), who finished with 18 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks. 17-years old Lithuanian showed as a very versatile and all-around player. After game we asked Zalgiris head coach Tomas Masiulis about him: "Grigonis is really tough one with great body. I see his future as a playmaker, he can handle ball well. In my opinion he has got a chance to play in senior team of Zalgiris soon and - to be honest - we count on it, but only if he will continue hard working", said lithuanian former player and now coach of Zalgiris youngsters.
After two "side dishes" we finally had a "main course". Canarias Basketball Academy with four players in Eurohopes 1994 ranking: Oskars Reinfelds, Petr Herman, Shane Hammink and Jito Kok played against Elan Chalon, which is lead by top 1994 prospect Clint N’Dumba-Capela. Big intensity, aggressiveness, athleticism, dunks, fast breaks, alley-oop’s and buzzer-beater three’s - it all was there. Spain team coached by South-American coach Rob Orellana won after tough battle (61-51). Oskars Reinfelds one more time confirmed that is dangerous player. He finished with 17 points, but made just 6 of 17 shots. Great show did Jito Kok, who added 12 points, grabbed six balls and had three blocks. In Chalon for double-double went Capela (12 points & 10 rebounds), but it was not his the best game.
But the most exciting game of first day was undeniably BC Khimki Moscow and VEF Riga match-up. Russians were expected to an easy win. In first half, which they won 41-27, everything was going with plan. Surprisingly Latvian, who are combined mainly from 16-years old player (1995 generation), took the initiative and started playing one-on-one with no fear against bigger and older opponents. Effect? They tied the game thanks to balanced game and led to overtime. Seems that VEF Riga is without chance to win this tournament, but taking into account they are the most promising team here. All in all, this game won BC Khimki mainly because of great performance by Rotislav Karenin ('94), who finished with 21 points on 8/11 FG and 10 rebounds. Measured some around 2 meters, he can play as a "false-center", who scores not only under the basket with hooks, but also drives into the basket from perimeter.
Next game this day was also full of emotions. Vaerlose BBK showed that is really worth team, even without their leader and top 1994 prospect Rasmus Larsen, who was out of the game due to injury. During his absence excellent vibrations left another big man straight from Denmark, Jacob Jensen ('94). Measuring 6'11'', was the highest one on court and scored 16 points. Although is really thin and weak, he makes up with aggressiveness, Jensen presented himself as a true fighter. Even is not able to play one-on-one being back to the basket, he was used well by teammates, who passed him ball after drive&dish actions in painted area. But this game was owned by Peter Moller ('94). Explosiveness guard finished with 21 points, scoring mainly from midrange by fade-away’s after delicious changes of direction. Earlier this day he showed ability to score too, but was not too efficient. Mainly thanks to duo Jensen - Moller, Vaerlose won really important game (64-55), what make Danes closer to second place in group.
On a dessert, Zalgiris in front of 500 people, just hurt Tosportschool. Aggressive pressing, balanced attack and individual shows by Tomas Dimsa ('94) and Marius Grigonis was too much for Belgians. After 5 minutes it was known that winner can be only one. Against well-organized pressing Topsportschool was in trouble - the only answer was Stijn Stevens ('94), who scored from time to time. Final result tells everything (67-102).
Results day 1:
USK Future Stars - Topsportschool (76-105)
Zalgiris - Vaerlose (100-65)
CBA - Chalon (61-51)
VEF Riga - Khimki (64-72)
Vaerlose - USK Future Stars (64-55)
Topsportschool - Zalgiris (67-102)
Standings:
Group A: Zalgiris (2-0), Topsportschool, Vaerlose (1-1) and Future Stars (0-2).
Group B: CBA, Khimki (1-0), VEF Riga and Chalon (1-1).
Twitter of the author: @rafjuc
Foto: www.sanne.lv
