Lubos Barton

Lubos Barton is used to shining on the EuroBasket stage. In 1999 Barton had just finished his freshman year at Valparaiso where he had averaged a respectable 13.8 ppg and 5.6 rpg. Nobody expected the 202-cm guard/forward to do much at EuroBasket, especially considering he had turned 19 just three months before the tournament.

Despite his unheralded status Barton went on to become the revelation of the tournament. He shot a red hot 61% from three-point range and added 2.0 apg, 5.7 rpg and 2.0 spg to go along with his team high 18.7 points.

His performance earned him several offers to prematurely end his collegiate career and come back to Europe, but Barton opted to see out his four years in the USA.

After graduating in 2002, Barton found his way to Italy and Fortitudo Bologna. He stayed one season in Bolgona before going to Roma for two years and then signing with DKV Joventut Badalona in 2005.

During the 2005/2006 season, Barton played a major role in DKV’s return to the top of Europe. Not only did DKV end the season with a European title to their name (the EuroCup), they also finished in the top four of the ACB and earned a berth in the 2007 Euroleague.

Along with Jiri Welsch, Barton was the focal point of the Czech Republic’s successful qualifying campaign. He averaged 17.2 points per game, along with seven rebounds and three assists.