EuroBasket 1939
Reliving the intensity and historical significance of the third European Basketball Championship, hosted in Kaunas.
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Event Overview
Championship Details
The 1939 FIBA European Championship, commonly known as FIBA EuroBasket 1939, marked the third iteration of the continental basketball championship. Organized by FIBA, it featured eight national teams affiliated with the federation. The tournament was held in Kaunas, Lithuania, from May 21st to May 28th.
Historical Context
This championship took place against the backdrop of escalating global tensions preceding World War II. Despite initial interest from 17 nations, the geopolitical climate led to several withdrawals. The tournament's prestige was notably enhanced by the participation of strong European teams, including the defending champions Lithuania, alongside other formidable Baltic nations like Latvia and Estonia, as well as established powers such as Italy, France, and Poland.
Lithuania's Dominance
The host nation, Lithuania, emerged victorious, securing their second consecutive EuroBasket title. Their path to victory was marked by a crucial one-point win against Latvia, which ultimately proved decisive in the final standings. The tournament highlighted the growing strength of Eastern European basketball during this era.
The Venue
Kaunas Sports Hall
The competition was hosted in the newly constructed Kaunas Sports Hall, a significant development for Lithuanian sports infrastructure at the time. Initially, plans considered an open-air venue, but the need for a proper facility led to the construction of this hall, designed by Anatolijus Rozenbliumas. It boasted a capacity of approximately 11,000 spectators, with around 3,500 seats, and was built at a cost of approximately 400,000 Lithuanian litas.
The hall's construction was a community effort, with many volunteers contributing. One such volunteer, Donatas Banionis, recalled numbering benches for free access to the games, highlighting the immense public interest and the value placed on attending the championship.
Ticket Information
Pricing at the Time
Ticket prices for the EuroBasket 1939 were considered substantial for the era. A seat for the games typically ranged from 2.5 to 5 Lithuanian litas. Standing room tickets were available for 1.5 to 2 litas. For context, a ticket to all games, which was the cheapest option, cost 10 litas, indicating the high demand and perceived value of the event.
Ceremonies
Opening Ceremony
The opening ceremony, held on May 21st, 1939, was a grand affair that captured the nation's attention. Sport historian Jonas Narbutas described the scene: "The interest in the competition, of course, was huge... It seemed that the whole Kaunas swam into the National Stadium." The event drew an estimated 10,000 spectators, with reports suggesting up to 20,000 tickets were sold for the opening and closing ceremonies combined. The Lithuanian President, Antanas Smetona, delivered the opening speech, underscoring the national importance of the championship.
Participating Teams
National Squads
Eight national teams competed in the tournament. Several teams, including Lithuania, Poland, Estonia, and Latvia, featured players who had studied in the United States, bringing international experience to the competition. A notable pre-tournament discussion involved FIBA's player height regulations; ultimately, a decision was made just before the event to allow players of all heights to participate, accommodating taller players from Estonia and Lithuania.
Match Results
Key Contests
The tournament employed a simple round-robin format where each team played every other team once. Lithuania's path to victory was defined by a narrow 37-36 win against Latvia, a margin that proved critical in the final standings. The intensity of these early matchups set the stage for the championship outcome.
Final Standings
Tournament Rankings
The final standings reflect the competitive nature of the tournament, with Lithuania securing the championship title undefeated. Latvia and Poland tied on points but were separated by point difference, with Latvia taking second place.
Visual Archive
Historical Glimpses
While direct image display is restricted, historical records offer glimpses into the event. These include a ticket for the championship, images from the opening ceremony featuring President Smetona, and action shots capturing the intensity of games, such as the Lithuania-Hungary match. A notable artifact is the presidential prize awarded to the champions: a silver chest adorned with amber, symbolizing Lithuania's rich cultural heritage.
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not sports analysis or historical consultation. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional historical research or sports analytics. Always refer to primary sources and consult with qualified experts for definitive historical interpretations.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.