Israel’s Under-20 Basketball Team Falls Short in European Championship
The Israel under-20 basketball team missed a critical opportunity to secure a spot in the semifinals of the European Championship after losing 89-80 to Italy. The match, held on July 17, 2025, saw the Israeli team, led by coach Sharon Abraham, struggling to maintain their earlier momentum despite holding a double-digit lead.
Performance Overview
Coach Abraham expressed disappointment following the loss, stating, “It’s a tough feeling because we had control of the game. At certain moments, we lost our confidence.” The team showcased a strong first half, but failed to capitalize on their performance in the second half, which ultimately led to their defeat.
The team struggled with their shooting accuracy, particularly from three-point range, hitting fewer shots than they had in the first half. “Momentum shifts in basketball, and things just didn’t go our way,” Abraham commented.
Key Players and Tactical Adjustments
Two of the team’s central players, Omer Maier and Shachar Doron, did not perform at their usual level, which contributed to the team’s overall struggle. Abraham emphasized their importance, saying, “They led us throughout the tournament, and I stand behind them. We believed we could win, but that’s part of the game.”
In response to the defensive pressure exerted by Italy, the coaching staff made tactical adjustments in the second half. “We felt we were conceding too many points on defense and shifted to different lineups,” Abraham noted. However, he later reflected that with hindsight, he might have made different decisions.
Looking Ahead
Despite the disappointment of not reaching the semifinals, Abraham remained proud of his team’s achievements in the tournament. Reflecting on their journey, he acknowledged, “Being among the top eight is a significant accomplishment.” He reassured the players and fans that they would regroup to finish the championship as strongly as possible. “No start wanted to reach the semifinals more than the players. They brought us this far, and I’m proud of them.”
The Israel under-20 team is now focused on preparing for their final games, hoping to close out the tournament on a positive note