CZE - Czechs look to build on “miraculous” U16 Euro finish

PRAGUE (FIBA U17 World Championship) – The Czech Republic surprised many by taking silver at the 2011 U16 European Championship. Petr Treml, the team's head coach, said everything fell into place and the performance bordered on being “miraculous”.  Now, he looks to build on that performance for the 2012 FIBA U17 World Championship.

The Czechs may have won their first U16 medal ever in 2008 – a silver as well – but few expected the 2011 U16 European hosts to leave behind them in the final rankings such powers as Spain, France, Russia, Turkey and Serbia among others.

“There is no wide base of basketball players in the Czech Republic. So many good factors came together for winning the silver medal, so it was a bit miraculous,” admitted Treml, whose team lost to Croatia and superstar Mario Hezonja in the Final.

Martin Peterka averaged a double-double of 17.6 points and 12.6 rebounds for the Czechs, while Radovan Kouril dished out an impressive 6.1 assists per game. Both were named to the U16 European All-Tournament Team last summer and will need to continue their superb play if Treml’s team stands a chance for a medal in Lithuania.

“Martin spent the season in Pardubice as a member of the senior men’s team. He played for the juniors and B team. But he gained good experience in the men’s team,” said Treml.

“He is a smart player, a good shooter and he can read game really well.”

Treml called Kouril one of the best playmakers in Europe as the point guard from Ostrava spent this past season with Alicante in Spain.

“Radovan is the leader of our team. Our team performance depends strongly on his. He is a leader with good shooting ability. He is a great passer and he reads the game in an excellent style and he backs up other players,” he said.

Adam Pechacek missed the U16s because he got sick just before the tournament. His offensive skills will be a huge help to Treml's team.

Two other main players for the Czechs in Kaunas will be Jiri Soula and Prokop Slanina.

Just being in the FIBA U17 World Championship is a big step for the Czechs.

“For us, qualifying for the World Championship is a huge success as it is the first men’s team in the history of the Czech Republic to achieve that. It is a good experience and the next step for my players in their careers,” said Treml.

His team was drawn into Group A with Australia, China, Egypt, France and the United States.

“Group A is more interesting because we can play against teams from different continents. We can experience different styles of basketball as each competitor represents a different continent,” said the coach.

Treml believes reaching the quarter-finals would be of “similar importance” as winning the silver medal last summer.

FIBA