Shaking off the effects of the government shutdown, the US Armed Forces Men’s Basketball team persevered and earned the bronze medal in the 2013 (49th) SHAPE International Basketball Tournament.
Held at SHAPE Headquarters in Mons, Belgium, the 2013 SHAPE tournament featured eight international teams competing from 24 November to 1 December.
In round robin pool play, the US went 2-1 losing their opening match against Italy 57-55.
USA bounced back and defeated Belgium 80-31 lead by Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Chris Carter’s strong performance off the bench with 17 points.
USA came back again with strong defense and turned up the offense over Kazakhstan, winning 104-55.
With a 2-1 record in pool play, the US Armed Forces team faced Latvia for the bronze medal game, winning 97-73.
Lithuania defeated Italy 86-61in the championship game to earn their second straight gold medal.
The United States continues their run of 13-straight SHAPE Tournaments since 1999 with a medal.
The 2013 government shutdown resulted in the cancellation of the 2013 Armed Forces Basketball Championship.
However, Service members from the Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard obtained approval to participate in the joint US Armed Forces Team training/trial camp to prepare for the 2013 SHAPE Tournament.
The US was led by first-time head coach Coast Guard Lieutenant Micah Bonner (MSD Peoria, IL) and assistant coach Air Force Tech Sergeant Ricardo Bachelor (Homestead, FL ).
Complete Game Results - Click Here
2013 Armed Forces Basketball Team Roster:
10 PO2 Chris Carter USN Fort Sam Houston, TX
6 ENS Jordan Sugars USN San Diego, CA
5 FN Marquel DeLancey USCG Cape May, NJ
4 PO3 Dennis Murphy USN Norfolk, VA
8 LTJG Romeo Garcia USN Norfolk, VA
7 2LT Mike Lyons USAF USAFA, CO
9 SN Christopher Linton USCG Alexandria, VA
15 PO2 Jason Jefferson USN Norfolk, VA
13 2LT Taylor Broekhuis USAF LA AFB, CA
14 LT Calvin White USN Williamsburg, VA
12 A1C Brandon Gordon USAF Edwards AFB, CA
11 SrA Caleb Chandler USAF Los Angeles, CA
LT Micah Bonner USCG MSD Peoria, IL
TSgt Ricardo Bachelor USAF Homestead, FL
CIV Eddie Goad USAF Robins AFB, GA