By Rafal Juc
On Friday June 29th starts second edition of World Championship U17. The biggest question is "is any team able to defeat USA?" Americans, who are defending title from Hamburg, also this year seem to be front-runner. However, Croatia leading by phenomenal Mario Hezonja ('95) is not without chances to grab first title for Europe. This year’s FIBA World Championship U17 is going to be great possibility to take a closer look at European 1995 generation. Despite absence of powerhouses like Serbia or Turkey, in Kaunas are going to play Croatia, Czech Republic, Spain and France as well as hosts - Lithuania. According to our ranking four of best seven 1995-born prospects are going to showcase their skills in beautiful Zalgirio Arena.
Croatia, which won last summer’s European Championship U16, is expected to be the best European team in upcoming tournament, while top prospects Mario Hezonja and Marko Arapovic ('96) are the biggest strengths of Balkan team. Really athletic by European standards Hezonja with his 6-7 frame is versatile finisher, who last year was just unstoppable. Eventual game against USA will be tough test for him, while NBA scouts will have a opportunity to check Hezonja’s defensive package against stronger, higher and more athletic American guards. The same applies to Arapovic. Talented inside player impresses with his soft hands, shooting touch and way of running the court.
Do not forget about “golden” Czech generation with Adam Pechacek ('95), Martin Peterka ('95) and Radovan Kouril ('95). All three have a successful season behind team and could lead Czech Republic to another sensation, like in 2011 in Pardubice, where they unexpectedly finished as a runner-up. A bit undersize, but extremely athletic and mobile Czech team without no doubt should be considered as a medal contender now.
However, Spain could turn out as a second best European team, behind Croatia. With frontcourt duo combined of Ilmiane Diop and 16-years old Marc Bauza ('96) should dominate the paint easily. Diop with his amazing wingspan and more than average athleticism at youth level is unstoppable beast with his instinct to block shoots and rebound the ball well. Moreover, Spaniards possess really dangerous weapon in backcourt in person of Agusti Sans ('95).
Superb athletic and ultra-fast French team is organized around versatile and well-polished Damien Inglis ('95) from INSEP, who was selected last summer to All-Tournament Team of European Championship U16. 6-6 forward makes really dangerous wing duo with Paul Rigot ('95), taking advantage of athleticism, explosiveness and deep 3-point range in individual actions.
Despite Lithuania finished last summer’s European Championship U16 on disappointing 11th place, a bit disregarded team could be a underdog of upcoming tournament, especially thanks to home advantage and incredible cheering in Zaligirio Arena. The only well-know Lithuanian 1995-born player on European scene is tough guard Edvinas Seskus ('95), who in May won with Lietuvos Rytas 10th edition of Nike International Tournament.
Groups
Group A: Australia, China, Czech Republic, Egypt, France, USA
Group B: Argentina, Canada, Croatia, Korea, Lithuania, Spain
Twitter of the author: @rafjuc
Photo: FIBA.COM
