The 2024 FIBA U20 Women’s European Championship concluded last week, with France defeating Spain 83-75 in Vilnius, Lithuania for its second consecutive title.

After going 2-1 in the group phase – defeating Serbia 73-63, but going down to Hungary 77-78 and Germany 43-67 – a 76-88 loss to Turkey in the round of 16 threatened to see the Blue & White drop down from the top division to Division B for next year’s rendition of the tournament. However, Israel beat Montenegro 70-49 to avoid relegation, then defeated Sweden 79-73 and Lithuania 73-55 to finish the tournament with a 4-3 ledger in 9th position.

Dorian Dahan Sujic was the team’s top performer in the tournament, averaging 17.3 points, 7.4 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 34.7 minutes for an efficiency rating of 17.3. Israel’s other top contributors included Hila Karsh (11 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 34.3 minutes), captain Tamar Singer (11.7 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.4 assists in 32.4 minutes) and Noga Ettinger (9.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 28.1 minutes).

“I’ve coached Israeli national terms for 30 years and the U20 team for the last 5 years – quality and talented basketball players,” coach Tal Natan summed up the tournament after the team’s final game. “They understand the one and only meaning of the name on the front [of the jersey, Israel] is greater than anything.

“This is an excellent opportunity to thank my excellent team and always remember that we wish our wounded a speedy recovery and that the abductees will return home tomorrow!!!! May all the grieving families breathe a sigh of relief and may all their dreams come true. El El Yisrael, Am Yisrael Chai!”

Later in the week, once the team returned to Israel, with Natan, Dahan Sujic, Singer, assistant coach Omri Zirlin and head of the delegation Ora Glazer hosted by the Israel Basketball Association chairperson, Amos Frishman.

“I saw all the games and I was filled with great pride for the fighting spirit,” Frishman said to the players. “Ninth place is great and with the existing system, a win here and there and you end up in a higher place, so the position doesn’t really matter to me. I want to thank you for the effort and ask that you convey my appreciation to the entire team.”

Frishman also used the opportunity to ask the players and the staff how women’s basketball can improve and told them that his phone is always available for any comments, suggestions or requests. The players and the staff thanked the Association for their hospitality and together hung a photo from the victory over Lithuania in the last game of the tournament outside of Frishman’s room.