EUROBASKET CUT BACK FROM 2017 - Hoopsfix.com

EUROBASKET CUT BACK FROM 2017

[44482] StandardLifeGBvUkraine.JPG_lowEuroBasket is to move to a shorter format from 2017 with the elimination of the second round group stage, following widespread criticism of the length of this summer’s tournament in Slovenia.

The move, approved by FIBA Europe’s board at their meetings in Madrid on Saturday, will see the championships move into the elimination rounds directly after the first phase.

It will be the first standalone European Championships with fears it will fail to attract leading players from the NBA and elsewhere.

It was confirmed that the contract of current Secretary General, Kamil Novak, has been extended through 2016.

The Board also approved the 2014 European Youth Championships host countries, with GB’s Under-20 men and women bound for Greece and Bulgaria respectively.

U20 Men Division A: Greece

U20 Men Division B: Bosnia and Herzegovina

U18 Men Division A: Turkey

U18 Men Division B: Ukraine

U18 Men Division C: Andorra

U16 Men Division A: Latvia

U16 Men Division B: FYR of Macedonia

U16 Men Division C: Malta

 

U20 Women Division A: Italy

U20 Women Division B: Bulgaria

U18 Women Division A: Portugal

U18 Women Division B: Romania

U18 Women Division C: Andorra

U16 Women Division A: Hungary

U16 Women Division B: Estonia

U16 Women Division C: Malta

The host cities will be confirmed in early 2014.

It was confirmed during the Board that the European Championship of the Small Countries 2014 will be held in Gibraltar and Austria (St. Polten) for men and women respectively, with Scotland and Wales likely to be involved in both.