**EuroBasket Records**
**Definition**
EuroBasket Records refer to the statistical achievements and milestones attained by players, teams, and nations throughout the history of the EuroBasket tournament, the premier European basketball championship organized by FIBA Europe. These records encompass individual and team performances in scoring, rebounding, assists, defensive statistics, and overall tournament accomplishments.
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# EuroBasket Records
EuroBasket, officially known as the FIBA European Basketball Championship, is the foremost international basketball competition for national teams in Europe. Since its inception in 1935, the tournament has showcased the continent’s best basketball talent and has been a stage for remarkable performances and historic achievements. Over the decades, numerous records have been set and broken, reflecting the evolution of the game and the emergence of basketball legends. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the most significant EuroBasket records, categorized by individual and team achievements, as well as historical milestones.
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## History of EuroBasket
EuroBasket was first held in 1935 in Geneva, Switzerland, with ten participating teams. Organized by FIBA Europe, the tournament initially took place every two years, later shifting to a four-year cycle, and more recently to a two-year cycle again. The competition has grown in prestige and competitiveness, featuring some of the greatest European basketball players and teams. Over time, the tournament has expanded in size and scope, with records reflecting changes in playing style, rules, and the level of competition.
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## Individual Records
Individual records in EuroBasket highlight the outstanding performances of players in various statistical categories. These records include points scored, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, and efficiency ratings, both in single games and across entire tournaments.
### Scoring Records
#### Most Points in a Single EuroBasket Game
The record for the most points scored by a player in a single EuroBasket game is a testament to offensive prowess and endurance. Historically, high-scoring games were more common in earlier decades due to different defensive strategies and rules.
– **Top Single-Game Scoring Performance:** The highest individual scoring output in a single EuroBasket game is 54 points, achieved by Radivoj Korać of Yugoslavia in 1961. Korać’s scoring ability remains legendary, and his record stands as one of the most impressive in European basketball history.
#### Most Points in a Single EuroBasket Tournament
Consistency over multiple games is crucial for tournament scoring records.
– **Top Tournament Scorer:** Radivoj Korać also holds the record for the most points scored in a single EuroBasket tournament, amassing 285 points in the 1961 championship.
#### All-Time Leading Scorers
Over the history of EuroBasket, several players have accumulated significant point totals across multiple tournaments.
– **Career Points Leader:** Nikos Galis of Greece is widely regarded as one of the greatest scorers in EuroBasket history, with a career total exceeding 1,300 points across five tournaments.
### Rebounding Records
Rebounding is a critical aspect of basketball, reflecting a player’s ability to control the boards and provide additional possessions.
#### Most Rebounds in a Single Game
The record for most rebounds in a single EuroBasket game is held by Arvydas Sabonis of Lithuania, who grabbed 31 rebounds in a game during the 1985 tournament.
#### Most Rebounds in a Single Tournament
Sabonis also holds the record for most rebounds in a single EuroBasket tournament, with 170 rebounds in 1985.
### Assists Records
Assists demonstrate a player’s playmaking skills and ability to facilitate team offense.
#### Most Assists in a Single Game
The highest number of assists recorded in a single EuroBasket game is 15, achieved by several players over the years, including Dražen Petrović of Croatia.
#### Most Assists in a Single Tournament
The record for most assists in a single EuroBasket tournament is 70, set by Juan Carlos Navarro of Spain in 2009.
### Defensive Records
Defensive statistics such as steals and blocks are also tracked, though official records have been more consistently kept in recent decades.
#### Most Steals in a Single Game
The record for steals in a single EuroBasket game is 9, achieved by multiple players.
#### Most Blocks in a Single Game
The highest number of blocks recorded in a single game is 8, held by players such as Arvydas Sabonis.
### Efficiency and Other Records
Efficiency ratings, which combine various statistical categories into a single performance metric, are used to evaluate overall player impact.
– **Highest Efficiency Rating in a Single Game:** Arvydas Sabonis recorded an efficiency rating of 50 in a 1985 game, one of the highest ever.
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## Team Records
Team records reflect collective achievements in scoring, defense, winning streaks, and tournament success.
### Scoring Records
#### Most Points Scored by a Team in a Single Game
The record for most points scored by a team in a EuroBasket game is 129 points, achieved by the Soviet Union against Turkey in 1961.
#### Largest Margin of Victory
The largest margin of victory in a EuroBasket game is 69 points, when Yugoslavia defeated Albania 129–60 in 1987.
### Defensive Records
#### Fewest Points Allowed in a Game
The record for the fewest points allowed by a team in a EuroBasket game is 25, held by the Soviet Union against Luxembourg in 1947.
### Winning Streaks and Titles
#### Most EuroBasket Titles
The Soviet Union holds the record for the most EuroBasket championships, with 14 titles won between 1947 and 1991.
#### Most Consecutive Titles
The Soviet Union also holds the record for most consecutive EuroBasket titles, winning five in a row from 1965 to 1971.
#### Most Appearances in EuroBasket Finals
Yugoslavia has appeared in the EuroBasket final 12 times, the most of any nation.
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## Notable Records and Milestones
### Youngest and Oldest Players
– **Youngest Player:** The youngest player to participate in EuroBasket was Ricky Rubio of Spain, who debuted at age 17 in 2007.
– **Oldest Player:** The oldest player to compete was Jānis Krūmiņš of the Soviet Union, who played at age 39 in 1965.
### Most Valuable Player (MVP) Awards
The MVP award recognizes the best player of each EuroBasket tournament.
– **Most MVP Awards:** Pau Gasol of Spain has won the MVP award twice (2009, 2015), one of the few players to achieve multiple MVP honors.
### Triple-Doubles
Triple-doubles, achieving double digits in three statistical categories in a single game, are rare in EuroBasket history.
– **Notable Triple-Doubles:** Arvydas Sabonis recorded multiple triple-doubles during his EuroBasket career, showcasing his all-around skills.
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## Evolution of Records Over Time
EuroBasket records have evolved alongside changes in basketball rules, playing styles, and the level of competition. Earlier tournaments often featured higher individual scoring due to faster pace and less emphasis on defense. The introduction of the three-point line in 1984 significantly impacted scoring records. Additionally, the professionalization of European basketball and the influx of NBA-experienced players have raised the overall standard, making recent records more competitive.
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## Conclusion
EuroBasket records provide a rich historical tapestry of European basketball excellence. From individual scoring feats to team dominance, these records celebrate the achievements of players and nations that have shaped the sport on the continent. As EuroBasket continues to grow in popularity and competitiveness, new records will undoubtedly be set, adding to the legacy of this prestigious tournament.
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**Meta Description:**
Explore the comprehensive records of EuroBasket, including individual and team achievements, scoring milestones, and historic performances in Europe’s premier basketball championship.