USA show best of next generation with U19 FIBA World Championship win

The team of the tournament at the 2015 U19 FIBA World Championship

It took a finale closer than expected, an overtime period, and heroic performances by some of the best young basketball players in the world, but the USA finally survived a spirited challenge from Croatia to defend their title at the 2015 U19 FIBA World Championship, held at Heraklion in Greece from June 27 to July 5. It was the USA's sixth title in the tournament, and further emphasized the Americans' dominance at all levels over world basketball.

The final was a neck-to-neck affair throughout, and the Americans held just a three point lead – 34-31 – at halftime. The twosome of Nik Slavika (23) and captain Marko Arapovic (16 points, 12 rebounds) did their best to keep the Croats in the hunt. The Americans struggled to find any consistent offense all game, and the Croats managed to tie the game by the end of regulation time, 67-all. Finally, in overtime, the Americans turned on the best of their defence to go on a 10-0 run and finally outlast Croatia to win 79-71.

USA’s talented point guard Jalen Brunson was named tournament MVP.

Earlier on the day of the final, Turkey defeated hosts Greece to finish third place for the bronze medal. After a close first quarter, Turkey pulled away in the second and third periods to take a 12 point lead and hold on to their advantage en route to a 80-71 win. Furkan Korkmaz was the top performer for Turkey, leading all scorers with 28 points and added 8 rebounds. Egemen Guven added 16 and 8 for Turkey in the win, too. Tyler Dorsey was Greece’s top scorer with 19.

At the semi-final stage a day earlier, USA played a hostile crowd against hosts Greece, and needed the best of their young leader Jalen Brunson (30) to edge their opponents 82-76. Tyler Dorsey (23) and their captain Vasilis Charalampopoulos (21) helped the Greeks counter every USA run, but in the end, they didn’t have enough to close out the game.

In the other semi-final, Croatia thumped Turkey 91-56 behind 25 points and 15 rebounds by Marko Arapovic. Ivika Zubac added 20 points and nine rebounds and Nik Slavica had 17 for the high-scoring Croats. No one on Turkey cracked double-digits.

Final Standings:

1. USA
2. Croatia
3. Turkey
4. Greece
5. Canada

Team of the Tournament:

• Marko Arapovic (Croatia)
• Harry Giles (USA)
• Furkan Korkmaz (Turkey)
• Tyler Dorsey (Greece)
• Jalen Brunson (USA) – MVP