European Prospects

The second day of the U17 World Championship in Hamburg is over and there are only three teams left undefeated: USA, Poland and Germany.

Egypt remained in the opening game during the first half but did struggle afterwards against Argentina. Watch some game action taped by the Egyptian followers here.

In the second game of the day, the United States totally destroyed Lithuania 102-66. USA Basketball reports

Obviously we played pretty well today. Lithuania is a very good team. We had a practice game against them earlier and it was really a close game until a few minutes were left in the game. So we knew they were a good team. Our players were very well prepared mentally for this game. We started out the game with getting some turnovers and with our athletic ability and quickness; we started the game out like we wanted to.

The Commercial Appeal from Memphis also reported on the U17 World Championship by talking to the local Adonis Thomas.

It feels great, knowing you’re doing something great for your country, where you were born. It’s just like the Army, you’re protecting your country. You’re trying to serve how you can.

To get a different view on the American U17 team, you can follow the blog of Vicky Showalter, who is the wife of the US Head coach Don Showalter.

Canada then defeated Australia in a very important game as both teams were potential semi-final teams and the results of the Preliminary round in Group B are important in order to avoid Team USA in the quarter-finals. With Canada winning, head coach Roy Rana was of course happy when he spoke to Canada Basketball.

Australia gave us everything we could handle, we really struggled with them, they shot the ball really well from three and are a team that is coached really well.Huge win for us. We have to take it day by day but it’s a good victory for Canada.

On the Australian side, they are now in a must-win situation in order to avoid being eliminated already in the group stage.

The Polish team continues to impress and won their second game against South Korea with 6 players in double figures and Przemyslaw Karnowski going for a big double-double with 16pts and 17rebs.

Germany came up with the big surprise of the day by beating the U16 European Champions of Spain. The long and hard work of the U17 National Team in preparation for the tournament at home seems to be successful as Germany with their 2 wins is now in an excellent situation for the quarter-finals. The German federation speaks of a huge upset in their official communication but it looks like the team of coach Menz is one of those that have seen the most progress since Lithuania 2009.The Spanish federation accepts the defeat and gives the German credit for their excellent defense.

The major upset came in the last game of the 2nd day with China beating Serbia. Guo Ailun lead the Asian team with 25pts, 5rebs and 8asts while Serbia never really appeared as a team in the oven-like atmosphere of the no-Air Condition Sporthalle. Serbia will face Argentina in a highly important game on Monday.

Eurohopes has its Recap of Day 2 online already.

Yabazz has also a Summary of several games (in German) and portraits the different members of the German U17 National Team.