Israel swingman Zoosman snatches up MVP honors

CHEMNITZ (FIBA U20 European Championship 2018) – After leading Israel to FIBA U20 European Championship 2018 glory, Yovel Zoosman capped off a stellar tournament in Chemnitz by headlining the All-Star Five and snatching up the Most Valuable Player award.

The 20-year-old swingman paced Israel to an 80-66 victory in the Final against Croatia with an all-around contribution of 17 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals. Throughout the tournament, he averaged 14.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 2.3 steals for an efficiency score of 15.4.

"It's an amazing feeling, all the emotions are coming out," Zoosman told FIBA.basketball with a net draped around his neck.  "We did it as a team, not as individuals. We fought, we did everything we could. That's the way Israeli players play. It's a great feeling and  it will stay forever, because we made history for Israel. It's an amazing feeling; no words can describe it." 

He was joined on the All-Star Five by 17-year-old teammate Deni Avdija, who also had a spectacular tourney, putting up 12.7 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game against players three years older than him.

Croatian leader Mate Kalajzic was also rewarded with a spot among the tournament's top performers after a runners-up finish in Chemnitz, with Germany's bronze duo of Kostja Mushidi and Filip Stanic rounding out the All-Star Five.

FIBA