Anchorage’s Travante Williams attacks the Greek defense during Sunday’s World Cup qualifier in Athens. Photo by FIBA
Portugal has never been known for basketball. It’s a soccer country. But Anchorage playmaker Travante Williams is helping change that.
Last year, he helped the team register its best record in team history at the European Championship, and on Sunday, he helped Portugal punch its ticket to the second round of World Cup qualifying for the first time.
The 32-year-old played almost 32 minutes and bagged 15 points, eight rebounds and three assists to power Portugal to a 71-56 victory over Greece in Athens in the final pool play game of the first round.
It was fitting that this physical, low-scoring game took place at Sunel Arena – which was originally built to host judo and wrestling – because Williams’ success on the hardwood is defined by his fighting spirit.
As a college player, he tapped out at Division II before carving out a 10-year pro career – a former Portuguese Finals MVP and defensive player of the year who is now playing in France’s top league.
A naturalized Portuguese citizen, Williams has brought his trademark toughness to the national team.
The former East High, Mt. Edgecumbe and UAF player currently ranks fifth among scorers at the 32-team Euro qualifier with a 20.8-point average in six pool play games. The 6-5 guard is also a defensive stalwart from perimeter to post.
Williams blocks a shot from behind. Photo by FIBA
Against Greece, Williams sank 4-for-10 field goals and hit five of six free throws. He knocked down two 3-pointers, including one 52 seconds into the fourth quarter that pushed Portugal’s lead to 60-42.
Portugal finished 3-3 in Group B to finish second, winning a tiebreaker against Greece thanks to Sunday’s road win.
In the African nations qualifier, South Sudan and its two Alaskans dropped a 78-74 decision to Cameroon in the final game of first-round pool play on Sunday.
Cameroon won Group A with a 5-1 record after posting the wire-to-wire win over South Sudan, who was second in pool play at 4-2.
Anchorage’s JT Thor came off the bench to play 27 minutes and produce eight points, six rebounds, two assists and five blocked shots.
Anchorage’s JT Thor was a rim protector for South Sudan on Sunday. Photo by FIBA
The 6-10 former West High player spent this past season with Pallacanestro Reggiana in Italy’s top league. Now he’s showing out in this weekend’s World Cup qualifier.
Thor pumped in 18 points against Cape Verde and then furnished 11 points, seven rebounds and four assists against Libya.
The other Alaskan on the South Sudan team is Mier Panoam, of Anchorage, who logged just four minutes after playing 22 and 14 minutes in his previous two games.
He made the most of his limited PT, splitting a pair of free throws, handed off an assist and made one steal.
