Turkey crowned U22 European Champions 2017

The final day of the European Championships opened with the battle between The Netherlands and Spain for 7^th/8^th place. In a close encounter, with just one basket separating teams until the end of the third quarter, 35-33 to The Netherlands, the game could have gone either way. However, changes from Spain’s head coach Miguel Vaquero at the beginning of the fourth boosted Spain to take the lead and on to win 54-49.

The next game of the day, the 5/6th playoff, there was a big prize for the winner, with a place at the U23 World Championships at stake. It was the experience of France that paid off as they dominated the young Israeli team in the first half keeping them to only 5 points for the half, 5-34. Despite the huge deficit, the Israeli team did not give up and came back fighting in the third quarter to win it 19-12. This was not to be enough though, and France pulled away again in the fourth to guarantee the win, 60-30, and the final spot in the U23 World Championships later this year in Toronto, Canada.

The Bronze medal game was between hosts Italy and Germany. Following their defeat against Great Britain in the semi-final, Germany came out with a point to prove. With points spread across the board, Dreimuller (10 points), Schoneberg (19 points), Gunter (15 points) alongside a comprehensive defensive display, keeping the Italians to just 43 shots compared to their 59 shots, saw Germany take home the Bronze, 60-31.

The finale of the U22 European Championships was the Gold medal game between Turkey and Great Britain. With Turkey having won the group game between the sides earlier in this tournament and an extensive rivalry between these two countries at senior level, it was anticipated to be a thrilling match. It was current holders, Great Britain, who took the initiative in the first half, led by their captain Gregg Warburton’s 18 points, who took a five point lead into the second half, 25-20. However the pressure seemed to destabilise the Great Britain team in third and a number of turnovers as well getting into foul trouble, allowed the Turkish team to capitalise coming back to win the second half by 20 points and to win the U22 European Championships, 53-38.

Final Standings

1. Turkey (QF)
2. Great Britain (QF)
3. Germany (QF)
4. Italy (QF)
5. France (QF)
6. Israel
7. Spain
8. The Netherlands

All Star 5 of the U22 European Championships 2017

• Ion (ITA)
• Kramer (NED)
• Dreimuller (GER)
• Warburton (GBR)
• Efeturk (TUR)

*Pictured from left to right below.