It didn’t take long to see the first criticisms of the organization of Euro U18 basketball. The competition takes place in Serbia, in Nis, on two different sites. Problem: The climatic conditions are extremely complicated and create dangerously new situations in the gymnasiums hosting the various matches. Indeed, serious showers are accompanied by abnormally high temperatures (around 33 degrees).
Consequence, in the gymnasiums: a massive phenomenon of condensation is observed. The floors are real ice rinks and the support of the players is put to the test. On the “Mika Antic” site, the absence of air conditioning in the room reinforces this condensation. During the Turkey/Poland match, several players were injured due to the slippery ground. In response, players protested against these playing conditions by passing the ball to each other during the last 5 minutes of play.
The following match, on the same ground, opposed the Bleuets to Sweden. in other words, the worst was to be feared. But France finally won 86 to 48… without significant injuries. At the other site, the Cair gymnasium, leaks in the roof were spotted as recounted by the famous American “scout” Jonathan Givony. Some matches, including that of Serbia, were delayed by more than an hour and a half.
More intriguingly, FIBA suspended Givony’s Twitter account for a few hours following his tweets posted on the playing conditions of this Euro 18. If FIBA has not yet communicated on the subject, the latter is walking on eggshells.
