European Prospects

The Albert Schweitzer Tournament is just one month ahead, so it is time to go over a few interesting news around one of the most important tournaments in the U18 youth category.

• China will replace Canada during the 2010 edition of the tournament and will play in the group with Italy, New Zealand and the German U17 National Team. It is not sure yet if China will come with their U18 team or with their U17 team in order to prepare the upcoming World Championships to be played in Germany this summer.
• The Spanish U18 team has a new head coach since the beginning of February in the person of Ricard Casas. Spain will play in the group stage against Israel, Greece and Australia. The former head coach of Manresa, Pamesa Valencia and most recently Vive Menorca takes over the job of Alejandro Martinez.
• The German U18 head coach Kay Blümel selected 16 players for his preliminary roster for the Albert Schweitzer Tournament. The team will have a preparation camp from the 28th March to the 1st April. The roster features all the main prospects from the talented 92 generation like Philipp Neumann, Patrick Heckmann (currently injured but should be back for the camp), Kevin Bright, Mathis Mönninghoff, Jarelle Reischel (currently playing High School basketball at Point Pleasant Beach in the US) and the Wendt-twins. You can find the full roster here
• The Media and Scout accreditation procedure has started. The deadline is on the 20th March 2010. You can find your accreditation documents here
• This year, an international coaching clinic will be held during the Albert Schweitzer Tournament. The speakers will be Kostas Missas (head coach U20 Greece), Damian Cotter (Head Coach U18 Australia) and Dirk Bauermann (Head Coach German National Team)