The Israeli under‑18 national basketball team opened its campaign at the FIBA Under‑18 EuroBasket 2026 with a trio of hard‑fought victories on Italian soil, each game showcasing a blend of tenacity and skill that has kept the squad unbeaten in the early stages of the tournament.
Key Performances Against Austria and France
In the opening match against Austria, Israel edged a 84‑80 result, with David Musis delivering 21 points, nine rebounds and two blocks, while Aviv Aronov contributed 19 points, six rebounds and two assists. The narrow margin underscored the team’s ability to execute under pressure.
A subsequent clash with France saw Israel pull away to a 91‑77 win. Musis again led the scoring with 25 points and eight rebounds, and Aronov added a 31‑point outburst, six rebounds and three assists, highlighting his capacity to influence the game on both ends of the floor.
Overtime Thriller Against Greece
The third group‑stage encounter stretched to overtime, where Israel prevailed 93‑84. Musis once more posted 25 points and eight rebounds, while Aronov’s 31‑point surge proved decisive in the extra period, helping the side weather a late rally by the Greek team.
With the group stage now concluded, the schedule points to the quarterfinals on Wednesday, a milestone that will test the squad’s depth and resilience as they move toward the later rounds of the competition.
Looking Forward
Coaches and staff remain confident that the team’s blend of scoring, rebounding and defensive intensity will carry them through the knockout stages, while the experience gained in Rovereto and Trento will shape their development for future international tournaments.