King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia of Spain, and Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero greeted the country's national team following its EuroBasket triumph in Katowice.
King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia of Spain, and Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero greeted the country's national team following its EuroBasket triumph in Katowice.
29-year old Pau Gasol pulled off an amazing Eurobasket, effectivelly leading his team to their first gold ever and was deserved named MVP of the tournament.
Turkey had no interest whatsoever in this game, a mood that was clearly to be seen in the game against Russia, as they lost 66-89 to finish at 8th spot.
In a game without any special interest, as both teams had reached qualification for the World Championship 2010, France beat Croatia for the fifth spot at the Eurobasket 2009.
After many failed attempts, the "eternal fourth" managed to grab their second-ever bronze medal (the first was back in 1949) and fifth overall in Eurobaskets, after they beat Slovenia 57-56.
Spain finally won their first ever gold in a Eurobasket after cruising past Serbia with 85-63 in the final match of the tournament.
In what could be described as the most dramatic game of Eurobasket 2009 the young Serbian squad managed to win over Slovenia to reach the first Eurobasket final since 2001 when they were crowned champions. Milos Teodosic was unstoppable with 32 points as his team earned a memorable overtime win 96-92.
Reigning World Champions Spain will play in their second Eurobasket final in a row after defeating Greece 82-64. These two teams also met in the semi-final in Spain two years ago and the outcome was similar.
Croatia booked their ticket for Turkey and the World Championship 2010 as they beat Russia in a tight game with 76-69 behind a great performance by Roko-Leni Ukic.
In a second half effort Les Bleus downed World Championship 2010 hosts, Turkey to clinch a spot in next year's competition.