Connect with us

The signs are positive that Europe might have a new powerhouse nation knocking on the door in the shape of Hungary, who are making people sit up and take notice.

Even if at present, this is only at youth level on the international stage, there are so many reasons to get excited about their potential and progress – right across the board.

I had the pleasure of sitting with Italy senior national team boss Marco Crespi just after the start of the #FIBAU18Europe in Udine and before we all watched Hungary ride to the brink of a Final, prior to settling for a bronze medal, the admiration was fulsome.

Crespi told me that the Italian Federation should now cast its sights on replicating many of the great things that are happening in Hungary and that they are now the ones with a blueprint for success. Perhaps Federations look at the vast resources of traditional powerhouses like France and Spain and thing it is not achievable – but what is happening in Hungary right now looks to be potentially special.

Their senior team looks to be on course to qualify for the Women’s EuroBasket again, they had their champions Sopron Basket in the 2018 EuroLeague Women Final and have a domestic league that is getting stronger and establishing itself as one of the most competitive and stable in Europe – with multiple EuroLeague and EuroCup Women participants.

Turning the spotlight on the youth game, Hungary collected what was only their second ever medal at #FIBAU18Europe and that came off the back of them only just missing a medal at #FIBAU17 in Minsk recently. Throw in them making the Final of #FIBAU16Europe last summer in Bourges when they contested the title game for the first time in four decades and you start to get the picture.

The future is looking incredibly bright. Not only for Hungarian Basketball itself, but all of us neutrals. That is because Hungary play such sweet basketball – a fusion of attractive movement, combined with rock solid fundamentals. Indeed when questions were raised as to why they are not yet lifting silverware, the concept of almost being ‘too clean’ as a team rose to the fore. Perhaps all their players are such ‘ballers’ that they miss the odd roughhouse player who will do nothing but the dirty work.

They are slowly but surely developing their coaches, with the addition of EuroLeague Women legend Dalma Ivanyi to the coaching staff a masterstroke. A true great of the European and Hungarian game as an Assistant to inspire the girls in Udine. I watched her intently as she used subtle interjections to support and refine an already impressively slick machine.

Hungary’s clubs and especially those with Academies, which is most of the teams, have a vibrant flow of players, not only from the country itself, but from elsewhere. They are working so hard on developing players and while there is work to be done for those worried about losing players to other pro-clubs, this is a gap which is being addressed.

From a coaching perspective, the play-callers are never allowed to pass a qualification and just think they have made it. The concept of continued professional development is intense and at regular intervals, they must demonstrate their progress with a multitude of seminars and other similar activities.

 

Perhaps the best thing happening with Hungarian basketball at the moment, which gives all of these technical developments a push and real momentum is that in general, the community comes together. GM’s of all the clubs travel to FIBA youth tournaments for a few days to support their own players and the team. There is a sense of unity – behind the exciting developments.

With the likes of France showing at U20 and U18 that scoring 60 points is mostly out of the question and not making the most of the tools they have, Hungary might be about to fill a gap in the market. I have been told the FFBB in France are making adjustments to encourage a more expansive approach and style in coming years.

I certainly hope so, since at the moment, Hungary are ready to provide the most entertaining ticket in town.

Keep it locked to @basketmedia365

Related Topics

Paul Nilsen lives and breathes women’s hoops. He’s is a freelance writer working for the sport’s world governing body FIBA where he pens a weekly ‘Women’s Basketball Worldwide Column’ - as well as providing daily content on major club competitions, international tournaments and the women’s youth game. He has an extensive network of contacts across the globe, including an array of elite play-callers and players. Also a qualified coach and referee, he is a big supporter of Blue Star Media and joined as a blogger during the fall of 2016.

More in Paul Nilsen