Slovenia Crowned U20 European Champions, Mohamed Diakité Named to All-Star Five
Slovenia has emerged victorious in the European Under-20 Championship, securing their third title in the category. After defeating France in the semi-finals, the Slovenian team convincingly beat Serbia in the final with a score of 84-65. This triumph, celebrated in front of their home crowd in Ljubljana, adds to their previous championship wins in 2000 and 2004.
Key players for Slovenia included Vit Hrabar with 18 points, Mark Padjen contributing 14 points and 6 assists, and Filip Petkovski adding 13 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals. Their strong defense was instrumental, limiting the Serbian team to just 32% shooting and forcing 18 turnovers.
Slovenian Mark Padjen Named MVP
Mark Padjen, the Slovenian point guard, was recognized as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the U20 EuroBasket. Throughout the tournament, Padjen averaged an impressive 15.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists. He is joined in the competition's All-Star Five by his teammate Urban Kroflic, Serbia's Nikola Dzepina, Spain's Raul Villar, and France's Mohamed Diakité from Ulm.
The French team, 'Les Bleuets', finished without a medal after their loss to Spain in the third-place playoff. This marks the first time since 2022 that the U20 French team has not secured a medal.
English Translation:
Slovenia, after defeating France in the semi-finals, has gone all the way to win the European Championship. Victorious without faltering against Serbia in the final (84-65), the former Yugoslavian country celebrated their third title in the category, following 2000 and 2004, in front of their home crowd in Ljubljana.
The Slovenians relied on their key players, including Vit Hrabar (18 points), Mark Padjen (14 points, 6 assists), and Filip Petkovski (13 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals), along with a formidable defense (Serbian players shot at 32% and committed 18 turnovers) to pull away during the final.
Slovenian Mark Padjen MVP
Solid throughout the competition (15.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, 5.6 assists), point guard Mark Padjen was elected MVP of this U20 EuroBasket. He is joined in the competition's All-Star Five by his teammate Urban Kroflic, Serbia's Nikola Dzepina, Spain's Raul Villar, and France's Mohamed Diakité from Ulm.
Collectively, the French team (Les Bleuets) returns empty-handed after their defeat against Spain in the third-place game. This is the first time without a medal since 2022 in the U20 category.
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