Omri Mayer Leads Israel’s Historic Under-19 World Championship Team
Israel’s Under-19 national basketball team is set to make history as they compete in the FIBA U19 World Championship for the first time, beginning their journey on June 28 in Lausanne, Switzerland. This mileststart follows a challenging year marked by significant events in Israel, which had impacted the team’s training schedule. Despite these obstacles, the players are eager to showcase their talents on the international stage.
Building the Team
The roster consists of 10 players from the 12 who achieved remarkable success at last summer’s European Championship, reaching the semifinals and securing their spot in the prestigious world competition. Notably, player Ben Sharaf, a key contributor to last year’s success, will not participate as he has been selected in the NBA draft.
Leading the team is head coach Sharon Abrahamy, assisted by Yoni Font and Yoav Shankman, who were instrumental in guiding the squad through the previous tournament. During their preparation for the World Championship, the team faced significant setbacks, including over a week without formal training and the cancellation of several pre-tournament competitions.
Tournament Format
The FIBA tournament format features 16 teams divided into four groups. Israel has been placed in Group C, where they will face the host nation Switzerland on June 28, Jordan on June 29, and the Dominican Republic on July 1. The teams will compete in a round-robin format, with all squads advancing to the knockout stage, starting with the Round of 16 on July 2.
The makeup of Group C presents a favorable matchup on paper, but key games against the United States, France, Australia, and Cameroon await in the next stage, depending on Israel’s performance.
Meet the Players
Omri Mayer – Guard (1.90m)
Mayer averaged 12.6 minutes, 5.2 points, and 2.1 assists per game with Maccabi Tel Aviv this season. Expected to take on a leadership role, his performance will be crucial as he strives to guide the team through its inaugural World Championship experience.
Yaron Goldman – Guard (1.90m)
Goldman has shown significant improvement playing for Elitzur Shomron, averaging 6.6 points and 3.5 assists per game. Now poised to step up as a key offensive player alongside Mayer, he possesses a diverse skillset that includes the ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates.
Miron Katz – Guard (1.89m)
Katz has been recognized as a tenacious defender and an integral part of the team, boasting an average of 17.1 minutes per game in the last European Championship. His defensive prowess will be essential in limiting opposing guards throughout the tournament.
Oren Sahara – Guard (1.90m)
After a strong performance in the Israeli National League, Sahara is looking to fill the offensive gap left by Sharaf. His versatility in scoring both outside and inside makes him a vital asset for the team’s offensive lineup.
Rani Belga – Guard/Forward (1.97m)
With experience from the National League, Belga is known for his defensive skills and ability to contribute to the team’s offensive plays. He averaged 6.4 points, showcasing his potential to expand his role further this season.
Aviv Harkins – Guard/Forward (1.96m)
Harkins is coming off a debut season in the National League with minimal playing time. However, his strong shooting ability makes him a potential game-changer as he seeks more involvement with the national team.
Roy Sharon – Forward/Guard (1.98m)
Sharon displayed his scoring ability in the youth leagues, averaging 12.1 points and 7.6 rebounds. His adaptability allows him to play multiple positions, which will be key in the tournament’s varied matchups.
Ariel Salah – Forward (1.95m)
Salah, who missed significant playing time due to injury last season, is looking to make an impact this summer as an aggressive defender and rebounder, offering depth in the paint.
Alon Danieli – Center/Forward (2.00m)
Danieli’s impressive average of 20.6 points and 13.6 rebounds per game in the youth league highlights his capability as a dominant force in the paint, and his versatility will be valuable for the team’s dynamics.
Tamir Gold – Center/Forward (2.04m)
After an injury-plagued season, Gold remains a crucial figure for Israel. His diverse scoring ability, including a reliable outside shot, ensures that he can effectively contribute to the team’s offensive strategies.
Gabi Artemenko – Center (2.03m)
Artemenko established himself as a top young player in the league, with strong rebounding and defensive skills. He is expected to play a significant role in the team’s success at the championship.
Jul Karam – Center (2.08m)
Karam’s debut season in a U.S. college has limited his exposure, making him a wildcard for the tournament. His size and potential for impact around the rim could provide Israel with an unexpected advantage if utilized effectively.
As the Israeli team prepares for this monumental occasion, the players are focused on making their mark in the world of basketball. They aim to not just participate but to compete for glory and honor on the global stage