GREENSBORO, N.C. – UNCG men's basketball freshman guard Francis Alonso (Malaga, Spain/Cushing Academy) will represent his home country of Spain in the 2016 FIBA U20 European Championships July 16-24 in Helsinki, Finland. The U20 Championships will mark the fifth time that Alonso has played for Spain in international competition during his career.
“We are proud that Francis will continue to represent his country in the 2016 European Championships this summer,” head coach Wes Miller said. “The experience will be great for his growth as a player, and I know he takes great pride in playing for his country.”
Alonso represented Spain last summer in the FIBA U19 World Championships, helping his team to an eighth place finish in the event. He started six of seven games last summer, averaging 9.1 points per game. His play allowed him to play “up a level” last summer as he participated in the FIBA U20 European Championships as a reserve, helping Spain finish as runner-up falling to Serbia in the championship game.
“This is another good opportunity for me to improve and get more experience at the highest level,” Alonso said. “Having the chance to play against and with the best European players at my age-level is a fantastic experience and will help my gain continue to improve. I am excited and working hard to prepare for final European Youth Championship. I am looking forward to being on the court with my teammates and fighting for a medal.”
Alonso will be one of the key members of the Spain team in Finland that headlines Group B. Joining Spain in the group includes Israel, Finland and France. Additional teams in the European Championship include: Group A – Turkey, Hungary, Germany, Lithuania; Group C – Serbia, Slovenia, Ukraine, Latvia; Group D – Italy, Sweden, Belgium, Czech Republic. Spain opens the event July 16 when it faces off against France. Other group games include against host Finland (July 17) and Israel (July 19).
Alonso also played for Spain in the 2014 FIBA U18 European Championships where he started all nine games. He averaged 15.3 points per game in that event, helping Spain finish fifth overall. He made his first appearance for Spain in the 2012 FIBA U16 European Championships, helping it finish seventh overall.
Alonso turned in the top freshman season in UNCG basketball history this year, scoring a team-high 443 points. He averaged 13.0 points and scored in double figures 22 times. He was named to the Southern Conference All-Freshman Team and finished second in the league with 85 made 3-pointers. His 85 made 3-pointers ranks third all-time in UNCG single-season history. His play helped the Spartans qualify for the postseason for the third time in program history and earn the Spartans their first-ever postseason victory with a first round win in the CBI.
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