Nika Muhl and the Croatia U18 Team

[awhom111]

Croatia lost again today, this time to Israel by two points. I think that ends their tournament though maybe 'awhom' can confirm.

Nika had perhaps her best numbers of the tourney, admittedly against inferior competition.

20 points (6-14 Fg, 4/8 3-PT, 4/4 FT), 8 rebs, 6 assists, 5 steals, 6 TO

http://www.fiba.basketball/europe/u18women/2019/game/1107/Croatia-Israel#tab=boxscore

They do still have two games left on Saturday and Sunday. Everyone plays the same number of games. They must win both or next summer, their U18 team will get dropped down to Division B.

 

[awhom111]

Link for her game at 8am ET on Saturday:

 

[awhom111]

It was a tough ending for their A Division aspirations as Nika fouled out halfway through the fourth quarter with the scored tied after having 12 points in 24 minutes and then her team fell 73-70:

Bosnia and Herzegovina v Croatia boxscore - FIBA U18 Women's European Championship 2019 - 13 July - FIBA.basketball

The official website of FIBA, the International Basketball Federation, and the governing body of Basketball. FIBA organises the most famous and prestigious international basketball competitions including the FIBA Basketball World Cup, the FIBA World Championship for Women and the FIBA 3x3 World...

www.fiba.basketball

It's pretty unbelievable how they went from a clear shot at the semifinals to now just trying to avoid last place. They will finish the tournament against Serbia at 7am ET on Sunday with the YouTube link not up yet, but do not be surprised if they do not go with their full lineup for the whole game.

 

[awhom111]

Video for Nika's last game:

 

[Sluconn Husky]

For the tourney, Nika averaged 12.3 points, 5.7 rebs, 6.6 assists, 2.6 steals, and 4.6 TO's.

38% FG, 38% 3-PT, 61% FT

 

[DEpup]

Hard to really evaluate a player when they don't have skilled players around them. That situation always results in the star having to do too much and play gets forced.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Hard to really evaluate a player when they don't have skilled players around them. That situation always results in the star having to do too much and play gets forced.

You took the words right out of my mouth. Been thinking this since game 1. Everything was work; everything was forced; very little help.



Nika told us in April she has too work on her shooting and she perhaps passes too much. Both correct. Her 6.6 assists per game a Euro high, but there were tons of passes that should have been more assists and when people consistently throw up bricks find your own spot and shoot! This will not be an issue at UConn, but focus of shooting over the course of your year Nika.

 

[DEpup]

She needs a little talk from Sue Bird on a good PG passes until the team needs you to take control and you need to recognize that moment and then start shooting and make shots to get your team back on track. I love that about Sue's game. She always knows when she needs to take over.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

Geno attended the U18 Euro Championships. Here he is with the Spanish team's coaching staff. Spain has at least two players with UConn interest: Paula Fraile and Marta Garcia

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Croatia disappointed, but Nika's highlites look pretty good:

 

[Huskee11]

There is a lot to like about Nika’s game. She is aggressive and enthusiastic, and looks like a leader. Adept ball handler, magnificent and creative passer, pickpocket on defense. Runs the court well, is able to turn the corner off the pick and roll, finishes strong at the hoop. Decent shooter.

I don’t know if she has ever heard of John Stockton, but her style of play made me think of him. She might want to check out some old Utah Jazz videos.

Paige and Nika in the same backcourt, now that’s going to be fun!