15th Annual Douai U19 World Amateur Basketball Championships 2001

USA defeats Argentina in semifinals

USA plays Canada for the Championship

Mike Crain, USA, shakes past Juan Caceres, Argentina

6/4/01- Douai, France-  The USA defeated Argentina 94-86, setting up a Douai World Chamionship game with Canada, which defeated Lithuania.  Camelo Anthony scored a game-high 26 points, Shelden Williams added 22 points, DeAngelo Alexander scored 19, and Billy Edelin scored 18 points, five assist. 

Argentina will play Lithuania for third place.  Argentina was led by Diego Brezzo with 23 points.  Alejandro Aloatti added 18 points, and Matias Sandes added 15 points.

This game looked almost identical to the first game, as Argentina jumped out to the early lead by as much as seven points before the USA took control of the game by halftime.  The USA had to play without David Paris (knee injury).  Marcus Hayden played with a bad knee and Mike Crain was forced into limited minutes even though he had two stitches in the corner of his right eye, sustained in the Lithuania game.  

"This was a very physical game." said Linzy Davis, USA Head Coach.  "We told the guys before we began the tournament that this wasn't some glitzy all star game with great food and 5-star accomodations.  We told them this is war.  And it is war on someone elses land. " said Davis.  "If you are here for a prom dance, you are in the wrong place.  Intensity is the key to success in this tournament and it is the key to success in life.  Do not let anyone out-work you or out-think you.  And you will become victorious."

"We told them they have an opportunity to make history." said Wil Robinson, USA assistant coach. "There can only be one USA team that will win their first Douai World Championship.  We told them that all future teams will be compared to them if they can win this World Championship.

The championship will have a lot of drama behind it.  The USA verses Canada.  Linzy Davis verses Ro Russell.  Last year, Ro Russell, Toronto, Canada, combined a few of his Canadien players with the USA players, and assisted Linzy Davis on the USA sideline.  After the tournament 2000, Linzy introduced Ro to the tournament directors, and encouraged Canada, as National team that should be added to the tournament.   Canada made the eight team cut.  The teams that did not make it this year were,  Mali, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, England, Germany, Italy, Greece, Yugoslavia, Russia and Portugal. 

"It is a tough tournament to qualify for."  said Jean Pierre Cielsielski.  "We bring in the best teams every year."

The USA is favorite to win a close game tomorrow.  Both teams are undefeated going into the game.  Both teams have similar margin of victory over common opponents.  Canada has Denham Brown.  The USA has a balanced attack and depth. 

USA verses Canada for the World Championship 2001