:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69538089/azuolas.0.jpeg)
If Azuolas Tubelis’ debut at the FIBA U19 World Cup is an indication of what’s to come, Arizona Wildcats fans are in for a treat this season.
Lithuania lost to Canada 80-71 but the rising sophomore had 32 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 blocks in 32 minutes, while shooting 14 for 18 from the field. The 6-foot-11 forward scored from all three levels, including a pair of 3-pointers:
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22697685/tubelis_shot_chart.png)
UA sophomore Bennedict Mathurin started for Canada on the wing but struggled a bit with 4 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists on 1-of-8 shooting. He played 24 minutes as Canada overcame a 14-point deficit to steal a win.
Earlier in the week, Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd said the FIBA U19 World Cup can be a “springboard” for the college season. UA center Oumar Ballo (Mali) is also participating. The big man had five points, eight rebounds, four assists and two blocks on 2-of-7 shooting in 30 minutes in a 97-67 loss to Australia.
“Those international FIBA events are great,” Lloyd said Thursday. “There are guys who are competing for their country, so they’re playing with passion, they’re super competitive.”
You can watch the full Lithuania-Canada game here and condensed highlights here, but here’s a cutup of some Tubelis’ best plays courtesy of Igor Chytrzynski of Eurospects.com:
Lithuania loses to Canada after they held a 14point lead in 3Q. Despite this, it was a huge showing for @ArizonaMBB FR A.Tubelis who posted 32pt on 14/18 from the field, grabbed 12reb, had 3ast & added 3blk. Good to see a considerable improvement in his shooting accuracy #FIBAU19 pic.twitter.com/ltrndvh52a
— Igor Chytrzynski (@IChytrzynski) July 3, 2021
Last game of #FIBAU19 day 1 at Riga Olympic Center between Australia and Mali.
— Bronek Wawrzynczuk (@Eurospects) July 3, 2021
First live look ever at incoming G League Ignite prospect Dyson Daniels
Oumar Ballo may not have overly exciting profile for the NBA but still impactful inside force possibly translatable for pro ball pic.twitter.com/Pkyaj8F53F
Here’s the schedule for the rest of the games in group play that feature an Arizona Wildcat:
Sunday, July 4
- Group A: Japan vs. Canada (Mathurin) – 2 a.m. PT
- Group A: Lithuania (Tubelis) vs. Senegal – 5 a.m. PT
- Group D: United States vs. Mali (Ballo) – 10:30 a.m. PT
Tuesday, July 6
- Group A: Senegal vs. Canada (Mathurin) – 2 a.m. PT
- Group A: Lithuania (Tubelis) vs. Japan – 5 a.m. PT
- Group D: Turkey vs. Mali (Ballo) – 7:30 a.m. PT