By Marti Artigas

 

Bulgarian Pavlin Ivanov ('93) and israeli Bar Timor ('92) -at the pic- have a huge smile in their faces. Both are the current scoring leaders of their teams in the U20 Division "B" European Championship, held in Sofia (Bulgaria). But that's not the reason of their joy. Bulgaria and Israel are two of the teams that yesterday promoted to the upper level, where they will play next summer. Ivanov killed polish 1993 generation in the live-or-die game (70-78) with 35 points (7/10 twos, 5/7 threes and 6/8 free throws), 3 rebounds and 3 assists. 6'5'' shooting guard explained to Eurohopes that "I am really happy, because for a long time we wanted to play in Division A with the guys born in 1993". Asking him for the keys of the achievment he has no doubts: "Defense, fight and faith. Our main goal was to get in Division A, so it's completed and now we are looking for the gold". Ivanov has played last seasons in youth teams of Benetton Treviso. With the italian team in financial troubles and without competing at Serie A his future is unknown.

 

At the other side, Bar Timor. Israel made it also yesterday after beating Belgium (66-69) behind 6'3'' guard. The prospect nailed 20 points (3/6 twos, 3/6 threes and 5/8 free throws), pulled down 3 rebounds and added 3 steals. Timor told us that "it's a big success for us. The place for the israeli team is in first division". The player also says that important things have been "the defense, and team sticked together. Also being agressive at both ends of the court". Timor feels "really good, doing my job and leading the team". He has played this season in second israeli division with Hapoel Tel-Aviv (6.5 points, 2.1 rebounds and 2.1 assists). 

 

The other two teams that already promoted to Division "A" have been Czech Republic and Croatia. The real upset, Poland and its 1993 generation".

 

-Find attached some highlights of Ivanov last summer in the U18 Division "B" EC.

 

Twitter of the author: @marti_artigas

 

Photo: Balkan League