The Greek men’s Under 20 basketball team beat Israel 65-56 in Sunday’s final at Iraklio, Crete becoming the 2017 FIBA U20 European Champion.
The Greek team made the most of the home advantage at the Dyo Aorakia arena to win one more trophy in youth categories of FIBA Europe competitions. This is the same team that two years ago won the U18 championship at Volos.
Greece thrashed Spain in Saturday’s semifinal with a 77-56 score and then impose themselves on Israel in the final.
After a slow start, which Israel capitalized on to lead 14-2, the Greek teenagers worked hard in defense and played a composed game in attack that allowed them to lead 26-23 at half-time, before breaking away in the second half.
Players such as Vassilis Charalampopoulos, Antonis Koniaris, Nikos Diplaros, Michalis Lountzis and Vassilis Christidis are guaranteeing a great future for Greek basketball, both on national team and on club level.
“These guys are making me so proud…” Coach Papatheodorou said.
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