Tobe Awaka Performs In Group Play Opener For USA In Under-19 Basketball World Cup
Tennessee has been known for standing out on the basketball court, especially under this regime. The Vols have sent several players on to the NBA ranks, but now they are succeeding internationally.
Tennessee Volunteers forward Tobe Awaka played in 34 games last year for Tennessee, and his 10.4 minutes per game in those contests were enough to earn a spot on the United States Under-19 Men’s FIBA World Cup roster. The US got their tournament underway on Saturday in Hungary, winning 136-69 over Madagascar. Awaka did not start, but he still logged over 15 minutes of playing time off the bench, going 4-for-6 from the field and 4-for-7 from the charity stripe for 12 points for the Stars and Stripes. He added seven boards, including four on the offensive end and two blocks. Awaka showed his impact on a putback dunk in the first quarter, as shown below.
Tennessee F Tobe Awaka
We will continue to watch Awaka as the Red, White, and Blue continue their play in this World Cup, with their final two group play games set for Sunday vs. Slovenia and Tuesday vs. Lebanon. Awaka averaged 3.2 points per game last season as a freshman on 59% shooting from the field for the orange and white. He also averaged 3.8 rebounds per game. In addition to growing in age and basketball experience, a strong showing at the Under-19 World Cup could show head coach Rick Barnes and his staff that Awaka deserves more playing time.
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