The 1996 turkish generation made a really nice step forward in its preparation for the U16 European Championship of this summer after impressing in Spain in the Guadalajara International Tournament. Three victories in three games against Italy, England and Spain for team coached by Omer Ugurata. Prospects like 6'9'' Egemen Guven ('96), 6'5'' Tolga Gecim ('96), 6'7'' Mehmet Alemdaroglu ('96) or youngster 6'7'' Okben Ulubay ('97) showed their credentials. Today they defeated hosts (81-90) in the event close.

 

In the first journey turkish beated Italy (66-79) behind Guven, who finished with 21 points (9/11 twos), 6 rebounds and 1 steal in only 22 minutes. At the losing effort Riccardo Rossato ('96) had 17 (6/12 FG) and 3 boards. In the other contest of the day spaniards crashed England (90-43) with Francisco Alonso ('96) scoring 14 points (2/3 threes) and adding 1 steal. For brits Dwayne Lautier Ogunleye ('96) ended with 10, 3 rebounds and 1 block.

 

In the second day turkish added their second victory against England (84-76). In this case Alemdaroglu nailed 19 points (8/12 twos) and grabbed 9 boards, while Ogunleye shined again: 29 with 6 rebounds and 5 assists. And in a tied game Italy defeated Spain (84-86) behind Rossato: 24 (11/14 FG) and 4 steals. For Spain best scorer was Marc Garcia ('96) with 15 (2/4 behind the arc) and 6 rebounds.

 

Finally today Italy had no problems to beat England (55-85) with Federico Mussini ('96) leading the scorers (15 with 7/8 FG and 3 assists), while at the losing effort Ogunleye was again the best with 17 points, 3 steals and 2 rebounds. And turkish kids beated the hosts (81-90) with a great job from Ulubay (16 points with 5/10 FG and 6 boards). For Spain Adnan Omeragic ('96) had 19 points (7/11 FG) and 6 rebounds.

 

Spain has missed Marc Bauzà ('96) in this tournament, the only 1996 player competing for spaniards in the U17 World Championship of Kaunas. 

 

Standings: Turkey (3-0), Italy (2-1), Spain (1-2) and England (0-3).

 

Photo: TBL