Shavar Newkirk
Mannhein, Germany – Physicality and depth were the themes as the USA Select team trounced Ukraine Sunday night 90-75 at the Albert Schweitzer Tournament. The USA led by 26 midway through the second half and coasted home. Oleksandr Kobets had a fantastic game for Ukraine finishing with 34 points. 16 year old star Sviatoslav Mikhailiuk had to work for his 18.
The USA pounded the ball inside throughout— making 21-of-22 free throw attempts in the first half alone. 6-8 Wisconsin commit Ethan Happ continued to impress as he scored 24 points to go with nine rebounds. Shavar Newkirk nearly had a triple-double as he had 10 points, nine rebounds and six assists. Mike Williams (Rutgers) sparked a second quarter run with three baskets en route to 14 total points.
Athletic France is next on the schedule and they are a disappointment thus far—having dropped two games to Ukraine and Chile. (Chile’s fine guard Sebastian Herrera led the way with 22 points). France is paced by its duo of 6-9 posts. Best of the bunch has been Antoine Wallez who scored 17 points last night in the loss. he can score inside or out—he was 3-of-6 last night from beyond the international arc. Scouts from the NY Knicks and Boston Celtics will watch Wallez tonight.
Spain and Italy are heading on a collision course for supremacy in Pool D, they meet tomorrow. The USA Select will face both teams in the next round pool. Spain’s team has been together for nearly five years while the USA Select team has been together but four days. Observers have been impressed with the physical style and discipline of the team—Happ in particular has displayed multi-dimensional skills. having grown late, Happ is a former point guard. On a handful of occasions he has lead the fast break and finished with dunks or an assist.
Germany and Serbia appear to be the top teams in the A and B pools while Sweden and England have surprised. They play Monday afternoon to see who advances to the championship round.
Erik Olson is an Assistant Coach for the USA Select team at the Albert Schweitzer Tournament. Thanks to the AST for the photos. You can subscribe to our RSS feed from the upper right corner of our home page, follow us on Facebook, or on twitter.
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