By Rafal Juc

 

After unsuccessful European Championship U20 polish youngsters Mateusz Ponitka (’93) and Przemyslaw Karnowski (’93) has joined senior national team. Both are getting braver and with time become more and more important pieces in Ales Pipan’s team. How are they doing in EuroBasket 2013 qualifications?

 

Ponitka, considered as top European 1993-born prospect has extremely busy offseason - after winning Polish League with Asseco Prokom Gdynia alongside to Donatas Motiejunas (’90), polish talent took part in Adidas EuroCamp in Treviso, following it with participation in European Championship U20, Division B. Although Polish team did not reach promotion to European elite, Ponitka one more time drawn attention of NBA scouts. Currently is continuing successful summer, playing for senior national team in EuroBasket 2013 qualifications.

19-year-old swingman quickly got important place in team rotation and played in all games of first round. Playing 15.3 minutes per game, Ponitka averages so far 4.8 points, 2 rebounds and 1.3 steals. He flashed against Albania, finishing game as leading scorer with 17 points with only one miss from the field in 21 minutes.  In the same his long-awaited debut in senior national team did Karnowski. Polish 7-footer entered court from the bench and in 12 minutes went for 6 points and 1 rebound.

What are their impressions? "I’m really excited about being part of national team. It’s a big honor for me to practice and play with such great players like Phoenix Suns’ Marcin Gortat. Youth and senior representations are two different worlds. As a junior I was always one of the leaders and final result depended mainly on me. Here I sit quietly and listen, because I want to learn as much as possible", explains Ponitka.

"Practising and playing with best players from my country is great thing. In particular, being around Marcin Gortat and learning from him, give me much. He’s great athlete. Playing against him I try to give my best, however he’s faster and stronger. He’s really great center and plays in NBA. I would love to improve my footwork this offseason and in this aspect of the game, I can learn a lot from him", tells Karnowski, who committed to Gonzaga.

 

Twitter of the author: @rafjuc

 

Photo: pzkosz.pl

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