By Marti Artigas

 

Last summer they didn't compete in the U18 EC. In 2010 either. But in 2009 they made a good tournament in Division "B" in the event held in Sarajevo, showing they real face. It's not easy find big prospects in Iceland, but their youth national teams are a mirror for many groups. Their fight is known. They always play the same, sometimes with better percentage that other ones. Taking a look back I found their victory in Division "A" in 2006 against France in Greece (73-61). French won the gold, but in that contest they lost to icelandic even having Batum, Ajinca, Tillie,... Yesterday I saw another example. Team coached by Einar Johannsson defeated one of the favorite squads to promote to Division "A": Montenegro. They won (80-68) and are with a 2-0 record in group C, joining Sweden.

 

They don't have big prospects, but workers. Martin Hermannsson ('94) scored 19 points with 2/3 threes, finishing as their best scorer. But all of them are important pieces of the motor. How many icelandic players you know playing in top leagues out of their home country? Palsson and Stefansson. Not a lot more. Respect to their job.

 

-Interview to Maciej Baginski (29/3/12).

 

Twitter of the author: @marti_artigas

 

-Photo: FIBA Europe