Portugal national basketball team
Encyclopedia
The Portuguese national basketball team is the basketball side that represents Portugal
in international competition. Portugal never had great success in the past at international level, but have qualified for the Eurobasket
three times, more recently in EuroBasket 2011
. Portugal as yet to qualify for the Basketball World Championship or the Basketball Olympic Tournament
.
team in Madrid
. The game was curiously referred by the Spanish coach Mariano Manent.
debut was at Eurobasket 1951
in Paris, where they were invited to play in the tournament. Both of their preliminary round games were losses, though they did get an official win in Romania's
forfeit to finish 1–2 and third place in the group.
In the first classification round, Portugal managed a win against Switzerland
in a major upset, 51–49, but nevertheless finished in fourth and last place of the classification round group with a 1–2 record. They then lost to Denmark
in the second round classification 13–16 game, but defeated Scotland
in the 15/16 game to place 15th of 18 teams.
(but first time through direct qualification) by finishing first in its qualification group, where it beat the likes of Bosnia and Herzegovina
, Republic of Macedonia
and Israel
, who eventually booked the last place in the final tournament through an additional qualifying tournament
.
In the preliminary round, Portugal lost its first two matches against Spain
and Croatia
by 56–82 and 68–90, respectively. Before the third and last match of its group, Portugal had to defeat Latvia
by, at least, sixteen points; alternatively, a victory would suffice provided Croatia defeated the World champions, Spain, in their last match. Portugal won by only ten points, but since Croatia grabbed a surprising one-point victory, with a three-pointer in the last three seconds, Portugal qualified for the first time ever to the second round.
Portugal began this round playing against Russia
, that had won all games in its preliminary group; the Portuguese were defeated by 65–78. Israel was the next opponent and, like in the qualification, Portugal once again defeated them, by 94–85, putting up their best performance in the tournament. This second victory revived Portugal's chances to reach the quarterfinals; a simple victory in the last match against the holders of the EuroBasket 2005
and 2006 FIBA World Championship
runner-ups Greece
would be enough, if Croatia defeated Russia (otherwise, Greece would have to lose by at least thirteen points). However, Greece displayed a consistent and stronger game play, beating naturally the Portuguese by 67–85 and ending their qualification hopes. Nevertheless, it was the best performance ever by a Portuguese national basketball team at this level, ensuring a spot in the ten best European teams.
, their best classification ever.
Coach:
Valentin Melnychuk
Portugal
Portugal , officially the Portuguese Republic is a country situated in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is the westernmost country of Europe, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the West and South and by Spain to the North and East. The Atlantic archipelagos of the...
in international competition. Portugal never had great success in the past at international level, but have qualified for the Eurobasket
Eurobasket
The EuroBasket, also referred to as the FIBA European Basketball Championship, is the main basketball competition contested biennially by the men's national teams governed by FIBA Europe, the European zone within the International Basketball Federation. The championship was first held in 1935 and...
three times, more recently in EuroBasket 2011
Eurobasket 2011
EuroBasket 2011 was the 37th men's European Basketball Championship, held by FIBA Europe. The competition was hosted by Lithuania. This was the second time Eurobasket had been held in Lithuania, the country having also hosted the 1939 championship. FIBA Europe asserted that Lithuania managed to...
. Portugal as yet to qualify for the Basketball World Championship or the Basketball Olympic Tournament
Basketball at the Summer Olympics
Basketball has been a Summer Olympics sport for men consistently since 1936. Prior to its inclusion as a medal sport, it was held as demonstration event in 1904 and 1932, both in the United States. Women's basketball was played in the Olympics only since 1976....
.
Eurobasket 1935
Portugal nearly joined the field of the first European championship, but in the only qualification game held for the tournament the Portuguese lost 33–12 to the SpanishSpain national basketball team
The Spanish national basketball team is the basketball team representing Spain in international competitions, organized and run by the Spanish Basketball Federation...
team in Madrid
Madrid
Madrid is the capital and largest city of Spain. The population of the city is roughly 3.3 million and the entire population of the Madrid metropolitan area is calculated to be 6.271 million. It is the third largest city in the European Union, after London and Berlin, and its metropolitan...
. The game was curiously referred by the Spanish coach Mariano Manent.
Eurobasket 1951
Portugal's European ChampionshipEurobasket
The EuroBasket, also referred to as the FIBA European Basketball Championship, is the main basketball competition contested biennially by the men's national teams governed by FIBA Europe, the European zone within the International Basketball Federation. The championship was first held in 1935 and...
debut was at Eurobasket 1951
Eurobasket 1951
The 1951 European Basketball Championship, commonly called Eurobasket 1951, was the seventh regional championship held by FIBA Europe. Eighteen national teams affiliated with the International Basketball Federation entered the competition, a record number and more than twice the number that had...
in Paris, where they were invited to play in the tournament. Both of their preliminary round games were losses, though they did get an official win in Romania's
Romania national basketball team
The Romanian national basketball team is the basketball side that represents Romania in international competitions. Romania has 17 appearances for the EuroBasket competition and reached two time the 5th place, but never managed to qualify for the Basketball World Championship...
forfeit to finish 1–2 and third place in the group.
In the first classification round, Portugal managed a win against Switzerland
Switzerland national basketball team
The Swiss national basketball team is the basketball side that represents Switzerland in international competitions. They are usually seen as a minor team. Switzerland entered five times EuroBasket, having their best result as 4 th place at the first edition, in 1935...
in a major upset, 51–49, but nevertheless finished in fourth and last place of the classification round group with a 1–2 record. They then lost to Denmark
Denmark national basketball team
The Danish national basketball team is the basketball side that represents Denmark in international competition.-Roster:Coach Peter Hoffman Assistant Coach Jesper Winther Serensen-Performance at Summer Olympics:-Eurobasket 1951:...
in the second round classification 13–16 game, but defeated Scotland
Scotland national basketball team
The Scottish national basketball team is the basketball side that represents Scotland in international competition. They are organised by basketballscotland, the sport's governing body in Scotland...
in the 15/16 game to place 15th of 18 teams.
EuroBasket 2007
Portugal qualified for its second EuroBasketEurobasket
The EuroBasket, also referred to as the FIBA European Basketball Championship, is the main basketball competition contested biennially by the men's national teams governed by FIBA Europe, the European zone within the International Basketball Federation. The championship was first held in 1935 and...
(but first time through direct qualification) by finishing first in its qualification group, where it beat the likes of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina national basketball team
The Bosnian and Herzegovinian national basketball team represents Bosnia and Herzegovina in international basketball matches and competitions.-History:...
, Republic of Macedonia
Republic of Macedonia national basketball team
The Macedonian national basketball team represents Macedonia in international basketball. It competes in FIBA tournaments as the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, often abbreviated to F.Y.R. of Macedonia...
and Israel
Israel national basketball team
The Israeli national basketball team is the basketball team that represents Israel in international competition.The Israeli team has participated 25 times in the European championship tournament. Their best achievements were a silver medal in Eurobasket 1979, and 5th place in 1953 and 1977...
, who eventually booked the last place in the final tournament through an additional qualifying tournament
EuroBasket 2007 qualification
- Qualifying Games :-Group A:Bulgaria 80 77 Ukraine Sweden 75 81 Poland Poland 75 68 Bulgaria Ukraine 66 61 Sweden Bulgaria 82 90 Sweden Poland 74 58 Ukraine Poland 88 67 Sweden Ukraine 92 61 Bulgaria Bulgaria 99 65 Poland...
.
In the preliminary round, Portugal lost its first two matches against Spain
Spain national basketball team
The Spanish national basketball team is the basketball team representing Spain in international competitions, organized and run by the Spanish Basketball Federation...
and Croatia
Croatia national basketball team
The Croatian national basketball team represents Croatia at international tournaments. It is organized by the Croatian Basketball Federation...
by 56–82 and 68–90, respectively. Before the third and last match of its group, Portugal had to defeat Latvia
Latvia national basketball team
The Latvian national basketball team is the basketball side that represents Latvia in international competitions.-EuroBasket 1935:The Latvians won the first European basketball championship, the EuroBasket 1935 held by the International Basketball Federation's FIBA Europe continental federation...
by, at least, sixteen points; alternatively, a victory would suffice provided Croatia defeated the World champions, Spain, in their last match. Portugal won by only ten points, but since Croatia grabbed a surprising one-point victory, with a three-pointer in the last three seconds, Portugal qualified for the first time ever to the second round.
Portugal began this round playing against Russia
Russia national basketball team
The Russian national basketball team represents Russia in international basketball matches. The team came into existence after the dissolution of the Soviet Union and its powerful basketball team. It has won 2 silver medals in the FIBA World Championships...
, that had won all games in its preliminary group; the Portuguese were defeated by 65–78. Israel was the next opponent and, like in the qualification, Portugal once again defeated them, by 94–85, putting up their best performance in the tournament. This second victory revived Portugal's chances to reach the quarterfinals; a simple victory in the last match against the holders of the EuroBasket 2005
Eurobasket 2005
The EuroBasket 2005 was held in Serbia and Montenegro between 16 September and 25 September 2005. Greece won the gold medal by defeating Germany, while France won the bronze medal over Spain...
and 2006 FIBA World Championship
2006 FIBA World Championship
The 2006 FIBA World Championship was an international basketball competition hosted by Japan from August 19 to September 3, 2006. It was co-organised by the International Basketball Federation , Japan Basketball Association and the 2006 Organizing Committee...
runner-ups Greece
Greece national basketball team
The Greece national basketball team is the representative for Greece in international men's basketball competitions, organized and run by the Hellenic Basketball Federation. Traditionally, Greece is considered among the world's top basketball powers; they were runners-up in the 2006 FIBA World...
would be enough, if Croatia defeated Russia (otherwise, Greece would have to lose by at least thirteen points). However, Greece displayed a consistent and stronger game play, beating naturally the Portuguese by 67–85 and ending their qualification hopes. Nevertheless, it was the best performance ever by a Portuguese national basketball team at this level, ensuring a spot in the ten best European teams.
Roster
Team that represented Portugal in the EuroBasket 2007Eurobasket 2007
-Group B:-Group C:-Group D:-Second round:- Group E :- Group F :-Championship bracket:- Quarterfinals :-Classification rounds:- Semifinals :- Third place game:- Final :...
, their best classification ever.
Coach:
Valentin MelnychukValentin Melnychuk
Valentin Melnychuk is a Ukrainian basketball coach.Melnychuk worked in Portugal for several years. He was the coach of Portugal national basketball team, from 2000 to 2007. He achieved their first ever qualification for the EuroBasket 2007, leading the way for the best result of the Portuguese...
| No | Player | Height | Position | Year born | Current Club |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Miguel Minhava Miguel Minhava Miguel António Cabrita Minhava is a Portuguese basketball player. He developed his basketball skills from a young age, playing for his hometown club and youth basketball powerhouse. He later played for CF Belenenses and Spanish side CB L'Hospitalet in 2007/2008. Minhava is now back at... |
1,97 | Guard | 1983 |  SL BenficaS.L. Benfica (basketball) Benfica Basket is the professional basketball team of Sport Lisboa e Benfica, based in Lisbon, Portugal. It plays in Liga Portuguesa de Basquetebol , although in June 2007, the team decided to leave the LCB professional top league and join for the 2007–2008 season the Proliga, a league organized by... |
| 5 | Mário Gil Fernandes Mário Gil Fernandes Mário Gil Andrade Fernandes is a Portuguese basketball player. He currently plays for the Spanish side CB Plasencia, having previously played with the local club CAB Madeira and Murcia's Balneario de Archena. He measures 1.74 metres and plays as a point guard.-External links:* EuroBasket 2007... |
1,74 | Guard | 1982 |  CB PlasenciaCB Plasencia Club Baloncesto Plasencia Ambroz, more commonly referred to today by its sponsorship name of Plasencia Extremadura, is a professional Basketball team based in Plasencia, Extremadura. The team currently plays in league LEB Plata.-Current roster:... |
| 6 | Sérgio Ramos Sérgio Ramos Sérgio Bruno Antunes Selores Ramos is a Portuguese basketball player.He measures 2.00 metres and plays as a Forward . He announced the end of his international career, after Portugal's exit from the EuroBasket 2007... |
2,00 | Forward | 1975 | Drac Inca CB Inca Club Básquet Inca was a professional basketball team based in Inca, Balearic Islands who merged in 2008 with Bàsquet Muro in the new Bàsquet Mallorca. Last season , the team played in LEB Oro.-Season by season:-External links:**... |
| 7 | Paulo Cunha Paulo Cunha Paulo César da Costa Cunha is a Portuguese basketball player, currently playing for FC Porto.-External links:* LCB * EuroBasket 2007... |
1,99 | Forward | 1980 | FC Porto |
| 8 | Francisco Jordão Francisco Jordão Francisco José Coragem Jordão is a Portuguese basketball player. He measures 2.00 metres and plays as a forward.-External links:* EuroBasket 2007... |
2,00 | Center | 1979 |  1º de AgostoClube Desportivo Primeiro de Agosto Clube Desportivo Primeiro de Agosto , is a sports club from Luanda, Angola.-History:... |
| 9 | Filipe da Silva Filipe da Silva Filipe da Silva is a Portuguese basketball player, currently playing for Spanish side CB Villa de los Barrios.-External links:* LCB * EuroBasket 2007... |
1,93 | Guard | 1979 | CB Villa de los Barrios CB Villa de los Barrios Club Baloncesto Villa de Los Barrios is a professional basketball team based in Los Barrios, Andalusia and played in the Soldado Samuel Aguilar, in LEB league until 2009, year when the senior team ceased activity.-Season by season:-Individual awards:... |
| 10 | João "Betinho" Gomes João Gomes João Gomes , most commonly known as Betinho, is a Portuguese basketball player.-Career:Gomes played for FC Barreirense in Portugal, the club where he developed his basketball skills, and was noticed by American and European scouts. His performance with led to an invitation to play in the Reebok... |
1,99 | Forward | 1985 | FC Barreirense |
| 11 | Jorge Coelho Jorge Coelho Jorge Miguel Correia Coelho is a Portuguese basketball player. He played at his home country for Portugal Telecom , CF Belenenses and FC Porto . He currently plays for Spanish side CB Palencia... |
2,00 | Center | 1978 | CB Palencia |
| 12 | Paulo Simão Paulo Simão Paulo Simão is a Portuguese basketball player, who plays for CF Belenenses. He has played for the Portugal national basketball team.-External links:* LCB... |
1,98 | Forward | 1976 | CF Belenenses |
| 13 | Elvis Évora Elvis Évora Elvis Garcia Monteiro Évora is a Cape Verde-born Portuguese basketball player. He plays as a center.He played for FC Porto, from 1998/1999 to 2004/2005. After a season at Tenerife, he moved back to Portugal, playing for Ovarense, from 2006/07 to 2007/08, were he was twice National Champion. In... |
2,05 | Center | 1978 | Ovarense Aerosoles Ovarense (basketball) Ovarense Basketball is a team of professional basketball that plays in Ovar, Portugal. The team plays in the LCB. The Ovarense created its section of basketball in 1970, with the initiative of a member entrepreneur, John Gonçalves, but in this space of time managed to assert itself as one of the... |
| 14 | Miguel Miranda Miguel Miranda (basketball) Miguel Ângelo Saraiva Miranda is a Portuguese basketball player, currently playing for FC Porto.-External links:* LCB * EuroBasket 2007... |
2,05 | Center | 1978 | Ovarense Aerosoles Ovarense (basketball) Ovarense Basketball is a team of professional basketball that plays in Ovar, Portugal. The team plays in the LCB. The Ovarense created its section of basketball in 1970, with the initiative of a member entrepreneur, John Gonçalves, but in this space of time managed to assert itself as one of the... |
| 15 | João Santos João Santos João Pedro Gomes Santos is a Portuguese basketball player, currently playing for Portuguese side SL Benfica. He measures 2.03 metres and plays as a power forward.... |
2,03 | Forward | 1979 | Grupo Capitol Valladolid CB Valladolid Club Baloncesto Valladolid, S.A.D., actually known as Blancos de Rueda Valladolid, is a professional basketball team based in Valladolid, Castile-Leon, Spain. CB Valladolid is member of the Asociación de Clubs de Baloncesto... |
Notable players
- Nuno MarçalNuno MarçalNuno Ricardo Oliveira Marçal is a Portuguese basketball player. He plays as a forward.He first played at FC Porto, from 1992/93 to 1998/99, moving then to Fuenlabrada, in Spain, for 1999/00. He returned to FC Porto, where he played from 2000/01 to 2002/03...
- Tó Ferreira
- Carlos LisboaCarlos LisboaCarlos Humberto Lehman de Almeida Behnoliel Lisboa Santos , better known as Carlos Lisboa, is a former Portuguese basketball player and a current coach, usually considered the best basketball player to ever come from his country...
- Pedro MiguelPedro Miguel NevesPedro Miguel Rodrigues Neves , known as Pedro Miguel, is a former Portuguese basketball player. He played as a guard.Pedro Miguel first played for Vasco da Gama and FC Porto. He achieved the best results of his career for Benfica, during the "Eagles" basketball golden era, being one of their best...
- Pedro Nuno
- Rui Pinheiro
- Mike PlowdenMike PlowdenMichael Plowden , known as Mike Plowden, was an American-born Portuguese naturalized basketball player and coach. He was a power forward.Plowden came to Portugal still in his 20s to play for Barreirense...
- Steve RochaSteve RochaSteven Wayne Rocha, known as Steve Rocha , is a former American-born Portuguese basketball player and a current coach. He played as a center. Rocha is from Portuguese origin and latter settled in Portugal, where he become one of the best players for his adopted country...