Third day in Rethymno is in the books.
Bulgaria had a great effort but Russia played better in the last quarter
and won the match.
Israel led by a slight margin most of the even first half vs France, but
the French squad burst into flames after the break, scoring 30 pts and holding
on to the lead against the Israeli comeback.
Russia did a very solid job containing Vezenkov, but the energy level of
the Bulgarian team was almost enough to win, with a great aggressive defense
and a lot of fast break points, it seemed like Bulgaria could have fined a way
to win for the first time in the tournament, but fatigue and a great 4th
quarter by Mikhail Kulagin was too much for them to handle.
Andrey Desyatinkov had a very good game, the 2.20 provided the
Russian with rim protection, showing decent mobility and of course,
length. In one play he blocked the
shot, and ran all the way to receive the ball for an easy dunk. He is very thin, and seems like he won't be
able to fill up a lot, but has good hands and nice touch around the rim, he is
not an NBA caliber prospect, but can eventually play in a good eurocup and even
euroleague team.
The second game was a disappointment to me.
The small Israeli team often plays with 4 guards and 1 forward, and you expect from this kind of lineups to
push the ball hard, even after basket.
For 3 quarters they did a very poor job running fast breaks and
transition game.
The French team had one option against the small Israeli line up – Mam
Jaiteh, who did fantastic job on the offensive end.
Playing with patience, not forcing the issue, he did marvelous job on
passing out of the double team, and when he was not doubled up, it was an easy
2pts every time – going left, going right, using the rim and his body as
protection, even playing one time from the high post showing nice body control.
This is a guy who is ready to contribute, with great fundamentals and
very polished low post game.
Major concern so far is his free throw shooting, as he went 8\18 in three
games, not showing soft touch, and missing badly too often.
Today starts with France facing off
Poland, should be an easy game for the Blues, but fatigue is a major
concern for them, playing their fourth game in a row.
French win secures them a spot in the next round. Polish win scramble
the whole group.
Israel vs Russia is the second game, Russia also looks to secure a spot
in the next stage, but the Israeli squad is not an easy match up for any team.
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