Spanish U18 Team Clinches European Title in Izmir, 2024

This breakthrough moment in Spanish youth basketball arrived with a fresh sense of joy as the U18 team claimed the European title, triumphing over the host nation in Izmir, Turkey, with a final score of 55-63. The squad’s backbone combined the creative drive of Barça’s Rafael Villar with the physicality of a versatile forward profile, while Izan, a standout who spent time at the Overtime Elite Academy in Atlanta, delivered a double-double threat that anchored the win. The player finished the championship game with 14 points and 15 rebounds, asserting himself as one of the tournament’s most influential figures and a clear focal point of the team’s performance. The effort was central to a flawless run that culminated in an undefeated run through the event, underscoring the cohesion and depth of the squad under a steady coaching hand. Dani Miret, guiding the team through each clash, saw his unit demonstrate consistent, high-intensity play that translated into a victorious finish against a strong Turkish side. The triumph in Izmir was a defining moment for these young talents and a signal of Spain’s growing depth in its basketball talent pipeline.