The Israeli national basketball team has experienced a sudden setback amidst its preparations for the European Championship. Star forward, Omri Casspi, has suffered a strain on one side of his knee. He will have to sit out the next two weeks of games, potentially jeopardizing his appearance in European Championship matches. Casspi was injured during one of the team's practice sessions. After undergoing an MRI examination, he was told he will need several weeks of physical therapy, after which he will undergo more tests. Following those, a "decision will be made on the continuation of his activities," according to a statement by the National Basketball Association. Suspicions that Casspi injured his meniscus or sustained a more serious injury to his ligaments were ruled out. On the other hand, due to the tight schedule ahead of the championship, there are doubts that he will be able to play in the games, and if he is able to, what condition he will be in. It's possible that, at best, Casspi will show up for the European Championship games without having taken part in a single training session. Casspi already missed the championship match in Cyprus due to illness, and will now miss the championship in the Netherlands (beginning Friday) and probably the championship matches with Poland and Russia to be held in Israel on August 22. The national team will fly to the Dutch city of Almir on Thursday where it will take part in a tournament starting Friday against the national teams of Holland and Georgia as well as Villanova University. After the tournament, the team will travel to Tibilisi for another match against Georgia, and then return to Israel. Fourteen Israeli players will play in the tournament after Nir Cohen was removed from the lineup Wednesday. Coach Arik Shivek will probably postpone deciding on the 12 players who will participate in the championship games next week until Casspi's final condition is clarified. Yotam Halperin, whose wife gave birth Wednesday, will play with the national team, but will probably miss the Tbilisi game due to his son's circumcision ceremony. Transfers Hapoel Jerusalem on Wednesday signed American player Jarvis Varnado, the best shot blocker in the U.S. college league. Maccabi Haifa signed American player Carlos Powell and Jewish-Canadian guard Simon Farine. Oranit Shwartz retires At age 32, and after more than a decade playing in the women's Premier League, Oranit Shwartz on Wednesday announced her retirement from basketball. "Unfortunately my heart had to succumb to my body" the forward said. "I thought I'd play another season but my body said I'd had enough." Schwartz, who last year won a historic treble with Elitzur Ramle, has also played for Maccabi Ra'anana, Elitzur Holon, Maccabi Ramat Hen, Ramat Hasharon, Elitzur Netanya, Maccabi Ashdod, the Italian woman's team Priolo, and for William and Mary College. Girls The national young girl's team, which has already ensured its advance to the quarterfinals on Thursday, defeated Norway 58:76.
