July 11, 2011
Yahoo’s Jeff Eisenberg’s Five breakout college performers at U19 World Championships – Hugh Greenwood #1
Riga, Latvia — For all the hub-bub about the colleges represented in the game between the United States and Australia at the U-19 FIBA World Championships, and the soon-to-be collegiate stars on display, wouldn’t you know the best of the bunch was a Lobo. Hugh Greenwood, who averaged 13.0 points per game in the group phase, stepped it up, averaging 24.0 points in the final three-game stage, including 16 three-pointers over that span.
While Greenwood couldn’t lead Australia to a gold medal, he was named First Team All-Tournament, a tremendous achievement for the 6-3 guard that rolled his ankle during the tournament and missed a game and a half because of it. Overall, Greenwood averaged 17.1 points, 2.6 assists, and 4.0 rebounds per game. He shot .439 for the tournament, and .377 from the three, going 23-of-61, including 16-for-35 in the final three games, a .457 clip.
Greenwood scored in double-figures in all eight games he played, and he had at least 21 in each of his final three games, including a tournament-best 26-point effort against the United States. Against the U.S., he also led the Emus with six rebounds and five assists (to just one turnover).
“For Hugh to make First Team All-Tournament is an incredible honor,” said UNM head coach Steve Alford. “He had 26 points, five assists, and six rebounds against the United States. His experience at the FIBA U-19 World Championships will certainly benefit him down the road.”
Australia won their group with a 5-1 record, and finished 6-3 in the tournament overall, taking sixth place. They lost a chance at the gold medal with a 93-74 loss to Serbia. Australia then routed Croatia 90-63 before losing in the final minute to the U.S. 78-77. Greenwood, along with his 24.0 point average in the final three-game phase, also hit 16 threes, added 5.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and added five steals.