Kazakhstan
Showing posts with label Kazakhstan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kazakhstan. Show all posts

2018 FIBA U18 Asia Group A Preview

August 02, 2018
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The 2018 FIBA U18 Asia Championship is set to tip off in Thailand this coming Sunday, August 5, where sixteen teams will vie for four berths to the 2019 FIBA U19 World Cup. 

 This is the first ever FIBA U18 Asia tourney with both Australia and New Zealand joining, and their entry raises the level of competition quite significantly. 

 2016 champion Iran returns to the fray ready to defend its title, while 11-time champion China hopes to regain its place among the elite after finishing outside of the top 4 for the first time since 2008.  Both the Boomers and Tall Blacks, of course, will contend for the World Cup berths, while traditional Asian powerhouses Korea, Japan, Chinese Taipei, and the Philippines are also expected to impress. 

 Let's begin our coverage with a preview of Group A. 

IRAN

FIBA Boys Rank: 26th
Previous U18 Asia: Defending champions; Qualified for 2017 FIBA U19 World Cup (15th place).
Size: Average height is 6'5; Tallest players are Reza Moradi (6'9), Safa Nekooei (6'9), & Matin Aghajanpour (6'8).
Experience: Three players with experience in the 2017/2018 FIBA U16 Asian Championship, one player with experience in the 2016 FIBA U18 Asia Championship.
Projected top players:
Behshad Arabzadeh (PG)
Ehsan Dalirzahan (PG)
Amirhossein Rezaeifar (PF)




Outlook: 
- 1st or 2nd place team in Group A; makes it at least to the Quarter-Finals
- strong contender to qualify for 2019 U19 World Cup

 The defending champions have a tall and deep team here in Nonthaburi, including one holdover from the 2016 championship team - Amirhossein Rezaeifar, who should be this squad's best frontcourt player in this tournament. The guard duo of  Behshad Arabzadeh and Ehsan Dalirzahan should also heavily contribute, though they will be severely tested by the speedy Japanese in group play. Helping our Rezaeifar in the paint will be a bevy of tall trees, most notably 6'9 slotmen Safa Nekkoei and Reza Moradi along with 6'8 U16 superstar Matin Aghajanpour. Still, despite all their size and talent, U18 Team Melli is not assured of topping Group A as the young Japanese should pose a very formidable challenge for an outright Quarter-Finals spot.

JAPAN

FIBA Boys Rank: 27th
Previous U18 Asia: 2nd place; Qualified for 2017 FIBA U19 World Cup (10th place).
Size: Average height is 6'1; Tallest players are Shugo Asai (6'5), Hiroki Matsuzaki, Seishin Yokochi, and Ryuya Kaneda (all 6'4).
Experience: Six players with experience in the 2017/2018 FIBA U16 Asian Championship, and one with experience in previous Asia U16, Asia U18, and World U19 tournaments.
Projected top players:
Shuki Nakata (PG)
Satoshi Yuki (PF)
Seishin Yokochi (SF)

Outlook: 
- 1st or 2nd place team in Group A; makes it at least to the Quarter-Finals
- strong contender to qualify for 2019 U19 World Cup

 Japan were the surprise of the U18 Asia tourney two years ago when they made it all the way to the Final, and don't be shocked if they go far again here and qualify for the U19 World Cup. Playmaker Shuki Nakata is the only holdover from the 2016 U18 side, but he will be flanked by six guys who recently saw action in the U16 Asia Championship in China. Foremost among them will be the trio of Keisei Tominaga, Seishin Yokochi and Keijiro Mitani. Chikara Tanaka's injury will hurt Japan, since he will miss the entire tournament, but other guys like big men Shugo Asai, Satoshi Yuki, and Hiroki Matsuzaki will be expected to step up, especially when they face a taller Iranian side in group play. The U18 Akatsuki Five certainly want some payback against Iran, and if their trademark combination of quickness and shooting will be on point, then the West Asians could be in a world of hurt.

KAZAKHSTAN

FIBA Boys Rank: 52nd
Previous U18 Asia: 10th place.
Size: Average height is 6'3; Tallest players are Anumar Alpamys & Nil Fomichyov (both 6'7) and Mikhail Kanak & Viktor Verzun (both 6'6).
Experience: Two players with experience in the 2016 FIBA U18 Asian Championship.
Projected top players:
Dmitriy Romanenko (PG)
Anuar Shakirov (PG)
Nil Fomichyov (C)

Outlook: 
- 3rd place team in Group A; makes it to Qualification to Quarter-Finals
- not expected to qualify for 2019 U19 World Cup

 2016 U18 Asia veterans Dmitriy Romanenko and Anuar Shakirov are expected to take on leadership roles here for the U18 Steppe Wolves, and if they manage to get hot, then Kazakhstan may have a chance even against Japan and Iran. Much of it is also hinged on the performance of other key players for the team like big men Anumar Alpamys and Nil Fomichyov, who will certainly have their hands full against Iran. They won't be favorites by any stretch of the imagination to top Group A, but they should finish ahead of Indonesia and make it to the Qualification to Quarter-Finals.

INDONESIA

FIBA Boys Rank: 71st
Previous U18 Asia: 12th place.
Size: Average height is 6'2; Tallest players are Kelvin Sanjaya & William Kosasih (both 6'6) and Ali Bagir Alhadar (6'5).
Experience: One player with experience in the 2015 FIBA U16 Asian Championship.
Projected top players:
Aldy Rachman (SF)
Yesaya Michael (PG)
William Kosasih (C)
A post shared by Danny Kosasih (@coachdannykosasih) on

Outlook: 
- 4th place team in Group A; eliminated after group stage
- not expected to qualify for 2019 U19 World Cup

 As the only guy with prior Asia-level experience, Aldy Rachman will be the barometer of Indonesia's fortunes in Nonthaburi. Truth be told, there are not high expectations for Timnas Junior Basket in this competition, but that doesn't mean they will come all the way here just to lie down and fold. Expect Rachman & Co. to put up a good fight against the more experienced and skilled teams in Group A, and they should have a decent shot at pulling the rug from under Kazakhstan to try and advance to the next round through the back door. 
Check out all our #FIBAU18Asia Group Previews by clicking on the following!

 Group B Preview

 Group C Preview

 Group D Preview
Images from FIBA.basketball.
Check out the official coverage of the FIBA U18 Asia Championship from the tournament's official website HERE.

 FOR MORE 2018 FIBA U18 ASIA CHAMPIONSHIP COVERAGE, CHECK OUT THIS LINK! 

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#FIBAAsiaCup2017 Roundup Day 5

August 12, 2017
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Images from FIBA.basketball.

 It was an exciting Day 5 at the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup highlighted by Korea's upset win over New Zealand. Japan, Australia, and Lebanon also came out victors. Check out all the recaps and highlights from FIBA.com below.

 JAPAN over HONG KONG, 92-59
Box Scores.

 Japan locked up their spot in the next phase of the FIBA Asia Cup 2017 with a 92-59 victory over Hong Kong.

 With the win, Japan finish up 2-1 with second position in Group D, as Hong Kong's hopes of advancing came to an end as they were unable to pick up a win.

 Japan made light work of the side from Hong Kong, holding them to nine points in the second period to take a 22-point lead into the halftime break, whilst rotating a number of players.

 Makoto Hiejima led Japan with a 15-point outing, with Yudai Baba, Daiki Tanaka, and Ryumo Ono adding 12 points each.

 Ki Lee poured in an efficient 20 points for Hong Kong, going 7 of 9 from the floor.


AUSTRALIA over TAIWAN, 90-50
Box Scores.

 Australia booked their Quarter-Final spot with a 90-50 win over Chinese Taipei on Saturday afternoon.

 Unable to shake free in the opening stages, Australia reeled off a 7-0 run to end the first quarter period, and then held Chinese Taipei to just 9 points in the second to hold a comfortable 22 point lead at halftime. 

 The Boomers carried on rolling in the second half, putting 45 points on the board to cruise into the quarter finals.

 Mitch Creek led Australia with 22 points, Brandt had 12, whilst Newley had 9 assists to go with his 9 points.

 Cheng Liu had 17 to lead Chinese Taipei, who dropped to 1-2.


KOREA over NEW ZEALAND, 76-75
Box Scores.

 Korea watched Shea Ili's shot bounce off the rim as time expired to pull out a 76-75 win over New Zealand on Saturday evening in Lebanon.

 Ung Heo's free throw with 27 seconds remaining ultimately proved to be the winner, as Korea held on after a dramatic third quarter rally from New Zealand to get back into the game.

 Despite the loss, New Zealand stay on top of Group C due to points differential.

 Sekeun Oh had 13 points and 7 rebounds as Korea's top performer, whilst Jonghyun Lee finished with 16 points on five of six shooting.

 Derone Raukawa led New Zealand with 14 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists.


LEBANON over KAZAKHSTAN , 96-74
Box Scores.

 Lebanon ensured they kept the home fans happy with a 96-74 win over Kazakhstan to wrap up Saturday's action.

 The hosts led from start to finish, jumping out to an 8-2 lead with some pretty ball movement to open the game and never looking back. Defensively holding Kazakhstan to just 10 points in the second period made matters worse for the visitors, as Lebanon improved to 2-1 and set up a Qualification to Quarter-Finals match-up with Chinese Taipei.

 Wael Arakji had 20 points and 5 assists to lead Lebanon, as they also received 18 points from Fadi El Khatib.

 Kazakhstan saw 23 points from Rustam Yargaliyev and 19 from Mikhail Yevstigneyev but it would not be enough as they saw their hopes of advancing dashed.


FOR MORE 2017 FIBA ASIA CUP COVERAGE, CHECK OUT THIS LINK! 

 FOLLOW THE AUTHOR ON TWITTER: @hoopnut

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#FIBAAsiaCup2017 Roundup Day 3

August 11, 2017
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Images from FIBA.

The favorites continued to cruise on Day 3 at the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup. Japan and Korea notched bounce back wins, while the Boomers and Kiwis kept on rolling. Check out all the recaps and highlights from FIBA.com below.

 JAPAN over CHINESE TAIPEI, 87-49
Box Scores.

 apan picked up their first win in Group A in the opening contest of Thursday, with a comfortable 87-49 victory over Chinese Taipei.

 Despite trailing early, Japan secure the lead with a few minutes left in the first period and would not relinquish it the rest of the way. A dominant 18-5 second period saw Japan get a stranglehold on the contest to run out 38-point winners.

 Makoto Hiejima and Furukawa top scored for Japan with 15 points each, whilst Chu was the only player in double figures for Chinese Taipei, also with 15.

 Japan improved to 1-1, whilst Chinese Taipei dropped to the same record.


AUSTRALIA over HONG KONG, 99-58
Box Scores.

 Australia continued their dominant start in their first ever FIBA Asia Cup, defeating Hong Kong 99-58.

 Australia led from start to finish in the impressive display, sharing the ball and seeing six players reach double figures.

 Todd Blanchfield led the Boomers with 18 points, as Mitch Creek added 11.

 Yi Ting Lo led three players in double figures for Hong Kong with 11 points, along with 5 assists.

 Australia are now 2-0 atop of Group D, whilst Hong Kong continue to look for their first victory at 0-2.


SOUTH KOREA over KAZAKHSTAN, 116-55
Box Scores.

 Korea recorded the largest victory so far at the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup, finishing up with a 116-55 win over Kazakhstan for a 61-point margin.

 And despite a slow start, Korea found their rhythm in the second period and cruised the rest of the way. The Koreans shared the ball magnificently throughout, registering 38 assists, including a clinical 14 from guard Chan Hee Park.

 Junghyun Lee had 19 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists to lead the victors, who had seven players reach double figures.

 Mikhail Yevstigneyev was the only player to reach double digits for Kazakhstan, finishing with 19.


NEW ZEALAND over LEBANON, 86-82
Box Scores.

 New Zealand made a statement with a 86-82 win over hosts Lebanon, in what was one of the games of the tournament so far.

 Fadi El Khatib's near triple double would not be enough for Lebanon; he was unstoppable with 33 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists, as very little would separate the two sides throughout the majority of contest.

 Illi led New Zealand's charge with 22 points, whilst Te Rangi and Smith-Milner added 15 each for the young Tall Blacks squad.

 New Zealand improve to 2-0 in Group C, with the home side falling to 1-1.


FOR MORE 2017 FIBA ASIA CUP COVERAGE, CHECK OUT THIS LINK! 

 FOLLOW THE AUTHOR ON TWITTER: @hoopnut

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#FIBAAsiaCup2017 Roundup Day 1

August 09, 2017
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Images from FIBA.

The first FIBA Asia Cup of its kind opened hostilities yesterday with all the favorites coming out victorious. Check out all the recaps and highlights from FIBA.com below.

 NEW ZEALAND over KAZAKHSTAN, 70-49
Box Scores.

FIBA Asia Cup newcomer New Zealand steamrolled past Kazakhstan 70-49. The Tall Blacks put the game out of reach in the third quarter, where they outscored Kazakhstan 25-15 and cruised the rest of the way.

 The 23-year-old Derone Raukawa led the Tall Blacks with 17 points and 6 rebounds, with Finn Delaney adding a 15-point, 10-rebound double-double.

 Alexandr Zhigulin top scored for Kazakhstan with 9 points.


AUSTRALIA over JAPAN, 84-68
Box Scores.

 Australia got their FIBA Asia Cup campaign off to a solid start with a 84-68 win over Japan on Tuesday afternoon.

 The Boomers used their size and athleticism to control the game against Japan, finding their rhythm on either side of the half time break.

 Australia had five players reach double figures in a team effort that saw them register 23 assists, as the scoring was led by 13-a-piece from Cameron Gliddon and Jason Cadee.

 Tenketsu Harimoto led Japan with 13, as Yuki Togashi added 12.


TAIWAN over HONG KONG, 77-62
Box Scores.

 This game was a tale of two halves. The first half being controlled by Hong Kong and Duncan Reid - who had 19 points - where in the second half, Chinese Taipei's Po-Chen Chou turned the game on it's head.

 With 18 points in the second half alone, Chou and Chinese Taipei managed to end the game with a 15-point 62-77 victory.

 Chou finished with 22 points, while Po-Hsun Chou added 16 points and 13 boards.


LEBANON over SOUTH KOREA, 72-66
Box Scores.

 Lebanon rode an impressive performance from Wael Arakji to get a 72-66 win over Korea in the final game on opening day.

 Arakji had 22 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals, as Lebanon held off a late charge from the Korean side.

 Korea were led by 16 points-a-piece from Lim DongSeop and Oh SeKeun.


FOR MORE 2017 FIBA ASIA CUP COVERAGE, CHECK OUT THIS LINK! 

 FOLLOW THE AUTHOR ON TWITTER: @hoopnut

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#FIBAAsia: Will Kazakhstan recreate the magic of 2007?

April 22, 2017
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Image from FIBA.

This first appeared on my weekly column on FIBA.com.

 Can Kazakhstan rediscover the magic that gave them their best ever-finish in FIBA Asia?

 In the early 2000s, Kazakhstan were considered a rising power in Asian basketball. They won the bronze medal in the Asian Games 2002 and followed it up being very competitive in the continental competitions of the next few years. It all culminated in the FIBA Asia Championship 2007, where, powered by a sublime mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, the Central Asian powerhouse broke into the tournament Semi-Finals for the first time in history and finished among the competition's top four teams.

In many ways, that was the peak of Kazakhstan basketball, and it was the closest the team got to qualifying to any world level men's competition. Kazakhstan had 4 wins and 4 losses in 2007, highlighted by massive victories over traditional title contenders Japan and Korea.

 The team's success revolved around the efforts of a handful of talented 20-somethings: Yevgeniy Issakov, Mikhail Yevstigneyev, Rustam Yargaliev and then 19-year-old sensation Anton Ponomarev. They combined for 56.9 of the team's average of 81.5 points per game, and, not surprisingly, their performance in the tournament turned a lot of heads. Their youth and production, combined with their top four finish, made a lot of Asian basketball observers label them as the team of the future. It was, of course, a reasonable observation, and one that certainly fueled an increase in expectations for the national team.

Things, however, didn't really go as planned in the succeeding years.

 The Kazakhs tumbled to 9th place in 2009 before the disaster of 2011. Just four years after their magical top four result in 2007, they hit rock-bottom when they missed out on the 2011 edition of the tournament entirely. They returned to the biennial meet in 2013, making it to the Quarter-Finals, and once again qualified in 2015, but they finished outside of the top 10 for the first time since 1997.

 Clearly things have not gone smoothly for Kazakhstan despite the continued presence of most of their top flight players with Yargaliev, Ponomarev and Yevstigneyev remaining as fixtures of the national pool. Issakov, meanwhile, saw his quality of play degrade and as a result never returned to national duty since 2007.

 Is it possible at all for the Kazakhs to experience a resurgence ten years after their landmark top four finish?

 I think it is, especially because they have an influx of up-and-coming players who can inherit the mantle of leadership from the previous generation. I'm talking about guys like Pavel Ilin, Nikolay Bazhkin, Anatoliy Kolesnikov, Rustam Murzagaliyev and Alexandr Zhigulin. We can even add naturalized point guard Jerry Jamar Johnson, who has yet to fully unleash his arsenal in any FIBA Asia tournament.

It will be a tall task, for sure, but if these players can raise their level in the FIBA Asia Cup 2017 together with consistent production and leadership from their veterans, Kazakhstan may just be able to summon the same kind of magic they did in 2007.
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#FIBAAsiaChallenge: Kazakhstan include plenty of youngsters in preliminary roster

August 19, 2016
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Pavel Ilin (KAZ)
(Image from FIBA)
*This first appeared on FIBA.com.

 Kazakhstan have named their 19-man preliminary roster for the FIBA Asia Challenge, set to take place in Tehran (Iran) from 9-18 September.

 The list includes some players who have already had important roles in the senior squad, like Pavel Ilin, Mikhail Yevstigneyev, Nikolay Bazhin and Vitaliy Lapchenko.
   
Ilin was part of Kazakhstan’s 2015 FIBA Asia Championship team that finished 11th, and he’s the only player from that tournament selected for the 2016 FIBA Asia Challenge. 
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