By Rigas Dardalis/ dardalis@eurohoops.net
The move of Pistons to leave the floor before the end of the game without shacking hands with the Bulls after the Eastern finals in 1990 is one of the most notorious basketball moments ever. Last night a simular scene was repeated in Eurobasket U20 by the French national team in the almost opposite context. The team left the gym of Heracklion, Crete, not only without shacking hands, but without even going to the showers. They were furious with the Turkish national team, despite their 68-64 win.
The person responsible for this incident and also an incredible French come back was Tayfun Eruklu. The captain of the Turkish team made a difficult three point shot with four minutes left and made the score 62-53 in favor of his team. He then turned to the French bench and made a gesture that infuriated his opponents. The French team reacted and answered with a 15-0 run that gave them the win.
When the match ended, the winners left the court and went straight to their bus. Today (17/7) FIBA will examine the matter and decide if there will be some kind of punishment to either side.