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Saturday August 14th , 2010 CZECH V SLOVAKIA! One letter makes a difference in a word. Changing one letter completely changes meaning. In this case, changing one letter means so much. It represents history. It tells a story. Changing one letter changes things. By nature the letter 'O' is smooth, together, all encompasing, never-ending. On the contrary, 'V' is sharp, aggressive, dividing, almost pushing the rest of the word apart. With one backspace on a computer or one eraser on a pencil, changing one letter O to V changes everything. In 1918, Czechoslovakia was formed. Through three Republics, the country developed and grew. From 1948 through 1989, Czechoslovakia lived under Communism. In the spring of 1989, starting with student demonstrations in Bratislava and Prague, there was change. From 1989 through 1992, Czechoslovakia was the letter 'O', one. But like 15 countries grew from the former Soviet Union, Slovakia pushed for autonomy. Finally, January 1st, 1993 the Czech Republic and Slovak Republic were simulatneously founded erasing the letter 'O' that contained the two countries. As our Czech Republic National team shared the Preuge Hotel in Prievidza with the Slovakian National team, familiarity was like family. We were far from opponents. Players and coaches from both sides knew one another well. Players like Robert Nuber, Ramon Marko (Kolin) or Peter Sedmak (Brno) were all Slovak players who played last season in Czech. Even Pavel coached Andrej Cervenka in Decin. It seemed like everyone knew each other and I was the only unknown. But I knew Slovak point guard Anton Gavel, who won the German championship playing with Bamberg last season. Meanwhile, Slovakian head coach Frantisek Ron, himself Czech, had coached most of our National team players while working in the Czech youth national program. It was almost as if everyone was from the same family tree. Pavel told me stories of his time playing with the National team program in the past, back when Czechoslovakia was together with an 'O'. One summer, playing in the Under 16 European Championship, Pavel was part of a Czechoslovakian team featuring six Czechs and six Slovaks on their roster. That team held training camp in Prievidza together. Back then, the coaches could split the teams by region for fun in a scrimmage. Twenty years later, the two teams were divided with a letter 'V'. As expected, like two brothers battling in a backyard game of one on one, for both Czech Republic and Slovakia, this was the biggest game of the summer. Since the 'V' split the two teams in 1993, there have only been a few official head to head meetings. Czech Republic had spent much of the last few seasons competing in a higher level than their Slovak brothers preventing this special matchup. But after a disappointing performance last summer, the Czech team had been relegated to Group B setting up a possible Derby.
Czech Republic National team at morning shootaround in City Arena Slovakia exuded confidence. Word on the streets of Prievidza was that this was the strongest Slovakian National team in ten years. Finally, both Rancik brothers, Rado (Galatassary, Turkey) and Martin (Spanish ACB) were in the lineup and hardnosed point guard Anton Gavel was in top form. Bunkering down in Prievidza for the Derby, Slovakia was ready.
Players leaving from Preuge Hotel for the game. Both teams made final preparations in morning shootarounds and the anticipation for the evening's game was electric. Everyone was waiting for this day and it was finally here. Pavel kept the game-day routine as normal as possible, but there was nothing normal about this game. It was something special. Two countries formerly togehter with an 'O', were now divided by a 'V'. This was an international basketball Derby.
Pregame warmup as Ladja leads stretching Leaving the Preuge Hotel on a beautiful day, there was excitement, focus and quiet on our bus. Arriving at City Arena, the players moved into the team room but Pavel, Honza and I stayed outside. The Slovakian 'Xgames' were taking place across the street from the gym. We walked to the Shell gas station for a Magnum Ice Cream bar. It was basically small talk --- no Slovakia, no Derby, no basketball. We were so close to tip. Time ticked slowly.
Czech Republic players huddle midcourt in Prievidza after taking the floor Throughout pregame warmup both teams were sharp. There was extra intensity on the floor. Even though players from both teams had excellent experience, there was something special about this game, this matchup, this night. Prievidza's home court advantage was strong for Slovakia. The fans filled City arena bringing energy and noise in chants, cheers and drums. The scoreboard clock ticked down. Cameras covered the action for Live TV. The horn blew. Teams, fans, countries cheered introductions. Both teams stood in a line as each anthem played. National pride was on display. This night was about pride.
FIBA DERBY, Czech Republic v Slovakia After anthems, we walked toward each other to exchange gifts ---both teams traded pins. I made sure to find Anton Gavel to wish him a good game. We shook hands and he said 'Thanks' adding 'you have the wrong shirt on'. It was game time.
Czech Republic and Slovakia jumpball tips off a fantastic game. The ball went up bringing emotions with it. Early action was intense and physical. Ramon Marko buried a three putting Slovakia on the scoreboard first. Czech captain Petr Benda established himself well in the first quarter scoring 7 points with strong moves and finishes inside. Anton Gavel got to the rim to finish and rimmed in a post-reaction three sparking Slovakia. The two teams traded baskets through the first few minutes with Czechs holding a 12-10 lead five minutes in. Teams fought for every point, battled every possession. Nothing was easy. Everything was strong. At the end of an emotional first quarter, Czech Republic led 19-15. In the first quarter, Czechs hit 57% of shots while Slovakia converted only 23% (2 of 15 from two and 3 of 6 from three). Effort and heart helped the hosts as they grabbed six offensive rebounds to our none.
Intense Czech Republic defense from Michal Carnecky and Zbynek Pospisil. Quarter two, saw Pavel Pumprla make plays scoring seven points in the quarter. Pushing the lead to 28-24, Czech Republic was in position to take control. But every opportunity to build a bigger lead, the Slovakian team responded. The Czech team dealt with adversity as starting point guard Michal Carnecky went down after knocking kneed with Rado Rancik early in the second quarter. The Czech bench would be tested. Working hard on the offensive boards gave Slovakia second chances and an offensive rebound from a free throw turned into an and-1 three point play bringing Slovakia right back within 1. At the half, this rivalry game was exactly where it was expected to be, Czech Republic 34 Slovakia 33.
Michal Carnecky (10) goesdown after knocking knees with Rado Rancik from Slovakia early in the second quarter.
Pavel Pumprla takes aim on a free throw in the first half against Slovakia. At the half, the one point lead was good. But the Czech staff was not completely satisfied with how we played. Pavel was proud of the team's aggressive, attacking attitude throughout preparation. The players met challenges in Bulgaria and Lithuania head on. Now, in Prievidza, it was Slovakia who were more aggressive in the first half. Maybe nerves or inexperience or emotion played a part? In the first half, we had zero offensive rebounds. Fifty-fifty loose balls and rebounds were all chased down by Slovakia. Hardworking guard Robert Nuber had more offensive rebounds than our physical big men. Our team was also not completely aggressive on the offensive end suffering several turnovers against pressure. We had shot 53% from the floor making 2 of 9 threes (22%) and 4 of 4 from the foul line while Slovakia hit 28% wth 5 of 12 threes (41%) and 6 of 6 from the free throw line. Slovakia won the battle on the boards 20-13 in the first twenty minutes. Pavel got after the guys in the lockerroom. He gave me the chance to add something too. Adding a short motivational point, I urged our players to be assertive and 'Take the game'. We returned to the floor ready for an intense second half. This international derby could go either way.
Physical Czech Republic defense. Starting the second half, Slovakia's Rado Rancik scored back to back baskets and the hosts had a 37-34 lead. Our team needed to respond. Pavel Slezak stepped up. The talented shooting guard for the Czech team buried three huge three point shots igniting the offense and bringing energy to his team. With every three Slezak drilled, the Czech confidence grew. During the first few minutes of the third, this derby was a fantastic basketball game. The floor was charged with emotion and intensity as the best of basketball in Czech Republic and Slovakia collided head to head. Leading 42-41, several Czech players made big plays. Lubos Barton was extremely active on the defensive boards, he would finish with 9 for the game and many came during this crucial third quarter stretch. Pavel Houska scored important baskets inside for the Czech Republic and Petr Benda put his team in front 55-50 at the end of three. The emotional run was sparked by tremendous team defense and several big baskets putting Czech team in front. In this hardfought game, a five point lead seemed somehow greater.
Slovakia's Robert Nuber at the foul line.
Czech Republic's Pavel Slezak defends Slovakia's Anton Gavel Petr Benda's excellent play continued to open the fourth. In fact, the Czech captain scored 11 straight points for his team to break the game open. Slovakia did not register a point for the first four minutes of the fourth quarter allowing the Czech team to take control. We finally grabbed our first offensive rebound early in the fourth on a tipped ball to halfcourt. With five minutes remaining, Pavel was managing the rotation with a 61-53 lead. But the hardworking Slovakian team was not done. Playing with heart and national pride, the Slovak players cut the Czech lead to six. But experienced plays down the stretch and strong defensive stops effectively ended the game. A deep Slovakian three at the buzzer cosmetically touched up the final score. This emotional FIBA Derby goes in the books as a 65-60 Czech Republic win. This game adds to the Czech-v- Slovak history.
Lubos Barton's 9 defensive rebounds were critical to the Czech Republic's 65-60 road win in Prievidza. Petr Benda led Czech scoring with 15 points 5 rebounds followed by Pavel Slezak with 12 points from four key three pointers. Pavel Pumprla added 11 points 3 boards and Pavel Houska chipped in 10 points 8 rebounds in a solid game. Lubos Barton grabbed a team best 9 rebounds in the win. As a team, Czech Republic shot 50% making 7 of 19 threes (36%) and 4 of 5 free throws. Meanwhile, Anton Gavel topscored for Slovakia with 17 points and Rado Rancik added 13 points 6 boards in the loss. Slovakia outrebounded Czech Republic 35-31.
Czech Republic captain Petr Benda led his team with 15 points 5 rebounds including 11 straight second half points in a key stretch. After the game an emotional high rushed through everyone on our team. We had captured our first official victory of the summer and won an intense rivalry game. I was thankful to be a part of it. Mostly, I was happy for the team and the players because I knew how important the win was for Pavel and the team. It meant alot that I could contribute to such a big win and help my friend.
Pavel talking with Czech basketball journalist Petr Hamtak after the big win in Slovakia. While the players cooled down, I spent time with Martin Veber and his family. We watched his two young boys run around the floor shooting shots while the clean-up crew went to work. After not seeing them since Chemniz a decade ago, it was great to see Martin and Lenka again. Like many people from both countries, I had looked forward to this game for so long. And this time, the experience went far beyond the expectation. It was a big win. It was a great night.
With Martin and Lenka Veber family after the Czech-v-Slovakia Derby Back at the hotel, both teams enjoyed a late night barbeque together. Players mingled. Staffs sat together. At one point, I joked like it felt like a family reunion. It was like the 'V' was replaced by an 'O'. Spelling in Czech or Slovak, it was all the same to me. Follow all the fast breaking ratiopharm Ulm and international baketball action all season long on Taylorhoops.com! GO ULM! MIKE T
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