The "Elemér Tordai Memorial" Tournament

Elemér Tordai's No. 9 jersey was retired by the club

Today starts in Sibiu the 7th edition of the "Elemér Tordai Memorial" Tournament. The three day event which features four teams, wants to be a tribute to one of the best players who ever played for CSU Sibiu. With him on the court the club had it's most glorious period which culminated with winning their only two championships.

Elemér Tordai was born in Mediaș in 1971 and played during his career for Gaz Metan Medias, West Petrom Arad, Dinamo Bucuresti and CSU Sibiu. Wherever he played he was a true professional and an example to be followed by the young players. For this and for his loyalty to CSU Sibiu for which he played in his last seasons, the fans keep him in their hearts even today. He unfortunately passed away in 2007 after a long battle with cancer at only 36 years of age. CSU Sibiu organizes a friendly tournament every year since then, in his memory, a tournament which opens unofficially the new basketball season in Romania.

This year's participants are SCM U Craiova, Universitatea Cluj Napoca, BC Mures Tirgu Mures and the hosts CSU Sibiu. Every team will meet all the others during this three day event, and the winner will be pronounced the one with the most victories. 

The full schedule of games:

Thursday, 28th of August

17:00 CSU Sibiu - Universitatea Cluj-Napoca 90-53
Top achievements:
CSU Sibiu: Bojovic 24 points, Calota 18 points. Pascu Norbert played 12 minutes for Sibiu without scoring.
Universitatea Cluj: Pintea 11 points, Ionescu 9 points, Foalea 8 points. Steff Norbert played for Cluj and scored 4 points.

Complete stats.

19:00 BC Mures Tirgu Mures - SCM U Craiova 97-98 (after OT)

Top achievements:
BC Mures: Ivanovic 24 points, Sinadinovic 19 points, Peciukas 16 points, Barro 15 points.
SCM U Craiova: Krstanovic 21 points, Velickovic 20 points, Vucurovic 17 points, Santa 10 points.

Complete stats: BC Mures, SCM Craiova.

Friday, 29th of August

17:00 Universitatea Cluj-Napoca - BC Mures Tirgu Mures 46-103
Top achievements:
Universitatea Cluj: Foalea 14 points, Pintea 11 points, Steff 4 points
BC Mures: Lazar 24 points, Corpodean 19 points, Capusan 16 points, 10 rebounds.

Complete stats.

19:00 CSU Sibiu - SCM U Craiova 102-95

Top achievements:
CSU Sibiu: Bojovic 30 points, 6 rebounds, Calota 27 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists
SCM U Craiova: Krstanovic 38points, 13 rebounds, Vucurovic 18 points, Bureau 16 points, 8 rebounds, Santa 6 points.

Complete stats.

Saturday, 30th of August

10:30 Universitatea Cluj-Napoca - SCM U Craiova 61-89
Unfortunately I couldn't get the statistics for this game.

12:30 CSU Sibiu - BC Mures Tirgu Mures 51-91
Top achievements:
CSU Sibiu: Bojovic 19 points, 7 rebounds, Lapuste 13 points, Paun 8 points
BC Mures: Ivanovic 18 points, 10 rebounds, Barro 14 points, 12 rebounds, Sinadinovic 12 points, 7 assists

Complete stats: CSU Sibiu, BC Mures.

With these results BC Mures won the 7th edition of the Elemér Tordai Memorial Tournament. 

BC Mures Centers: Lucian Țibîrnă

Lucian Tibirna is the younger brother of CSM Oradea center Bogdan Tibirna. The 18 years old center comes from Focsani where he played out his junior years so far. But that team, although it made it to the U20 final tournament, wasn't competitive enough for Lucian, thus he made the decision to transfer to a team that can assure him a better environment to maximize his talents and develop his inside game. On top of that he can have the chance to debut in the Romanian first division LNBM.

Growing up in the shadow of his brother, who made it at top level at an early age, Lucian strives to at least equal that performance and hopefully surpass it. Having experienced players around him and a top quality coaching staff, he has every chance to achieve his goals, everything depends on his hard work and ambition. He will play mostly for the Liga 1 (second division) team, beside Dimitris Rasty, Boloni Tamas, Barabasi Csongor and other players who played in the past for the Romanian National Team. Depending on his work and achievements at practice and in games, he could have the chance to make the roster of the first team. And even if it is not going to happen this season, he has time on his side and a good possibility to build a basketball career at Tirgu Mures.

No. 11 Lucian Tibirna

Below you can read an interview with Lucian Tibirna.

1. Why did you choose BC Mures?
I chose BC Mures because I wanted to play in a united team, with a competent staff, which I can understand and which understands me. I think that this club can offer me this possibility.

2. Your older brother has already made the first team at Oradea. Do you hope to follow his path in the BC Mures jersey?

I am proud of my brother and in my eyes he will always be the best, but my character, my will and my devotion can help me to pass him and reach my own dreams.

3. You will have the opportunity to work at practice with three experienced centers: Barro, Lazar and Jakab. What does this mean to you?
For me this is a special opportunity, to be able to train with Ousmane Barro, because he is a very experienced player, who played all over the world. I also think that Lazar Laszlo can teach me a lot of his experience as a young player. About Cristian jakab I don't know a lot but I think we will get along well. I want to steal pieces of each of their experience and to learn as much as I can from them to become a better player.

4. A few words for the fans.
For me the fans are the sixth player of the team. They are always beside the team, no matter of the results, they give you the strength to continue and they are the main reason to win the game. I chose to fight for BC Mures and I hope I won't disappoint anybody.

BC Mures Shooting Guards: No. 25 Matija Ceskovic

Matija Ceskovic could prove to be the returning prodigal son for BC Mures. In his first season with the club he was either angel or demon. He reeks of talent, lots of it, and has the spark of genius. When he is in "the zone" no one can stop him. He scores from downtown, mid range or with two defenders hanging from his neck. But there are moments when he can lose a game all by himself, by forcing difficult shots in key moments, with open teammates on the court.

Last year he left, or maybe he was forced to leave by the signing of Goran Martinic. Coach Sekulovic knew, there is no room for two soloists in the same orchestra and he chose Martinic. So Ceskovic signed with CSU Sibiu.

With Sibiu he made it to the playoffs from 3rd place in the regular season, one better than BC Mures. There this team lost after a thrilling five game series against 6th seeded U-Mobitelco Cluj Napoca.

In the regular season he averaged 17 points, 4.2 assists and 1.1 steals in 34:20 minutes per game. In the playoffs he had 14.6 points, 2 rebounds and 4.4 assists in 37:45 minutes per game.

This season with BC Mures he is looking ahead to many minutes on the court, because he is the only pure shooting guard in the team. Of course Sinadinovic, Polyák and even Emile can play 2 if needed, but to Ceskovic, the shooting guard position fits like a glove.

In defense he can guard any outside player. He is well built and quick on his feet, hard to loose by the offensive player. When in mismatch with a taller player he knows when to foul to prevent an easy basket.

His return to BC Mures could prove the spark of genius missing from last year's team, the binding material between the warrior attitude and talent of the other players.

Below you can read an interview with Matija Ceskovic.

1. You are coming back to Mures after playing last year in Sibiu. What made you choose Mures again?

Hey, I can say that I am coming back home. I missed the Jungle, and beside that, I know some players and the coach, and I think that we have a combination of young and experienced players, so these are the reasons why I have decided to come back.

2. With Sinadinovic and Polyak playing point guard, you will mainly play shooting guard. Is this an advantage for you?

My natural position is 2, but I will be there to help them on position 1 if needed. My goal is for the team to play good together and personal statistics will come by themselves.

3. Knowing the coach and the team, do you think you can at least repeat last year's performance?

This season the Romanian league will be much stronger than before, so we will also need to be lucky in some games and we can make good results.

4. A few words for the fans. 

Hui hui haira!

Some Matija Ceskovic highlights from 2011-2012

BC Mures Forwards: No. 12 Adrian Oprea

Adrian Oprea is a promising young player. Originating from Miercurea Ciuc, he came to Tirgu Mures at a tender age to play at a top youth club. His coaches have been Szászgáspár Barnabás, George Trif and Steff Zakariás. After proving his talent at junior level, coach Sekulovic decided to promote him to the extended first division roster and give him some minutes in easier games, to get the feel of high level basketball.

He made the National Team both at U18 and U20 levels and took part in two European Championship campaigns. This summer at the Division B U20 EC in Bosnia, coached by Hristu Șapera, his team finished in 9th place. He averaged 5.4 points, 2.1 rebounds, 0.8 assists and 0.9 steals in 13.3 minutes per game.

Playing at the U20 EC

With BC Mures U20 he finished in 4th place in last year's National Championships being one of the determining players of the team. This year the club entered a team consisting of only U20 players in the second division (Liga 1). With teammates like National Team players Dimitris Rasty, Barabási Csongor, Lucian Țibîrnă, Engi Dávid, Bölöni Tamás, Mădălin Potcoavă chances are that the results will come and a nice nucleus of young talent will form, to take over from the veterans in the near future.

With plenty of talent to use and an athletic body, Oprea has everything he needs to make it at top level, it only depends on his will and determination. He needs to develop his court vision and increase his decision making in order to match up to players like Peciukas or Ceskovic. One thing is sure: time is still on his side.

No. 21 Adrian Oprea

Below you can read a short interview with Adrian Oprea.

1. You have been at BC Mures for many years now, most of the time at youth level, but you have already made your appearance in the first team. What are your expectations for this season both at youth and senior levels?

This season I expect the team to be among the top teams both at U20 and senior level.

2. Which are your basketball skills and qualities that can help you make it at top level?

My best quality and chance to play is defense. It is not the best possible yet but I am trying to make progress as much as I can.

3. Which is your favorite position on the court?

My favorite position is shooting guard but I can also play small forward.

4. A few words for the fans.

We thank you for being there at the games every time and cheering for us even at away games.

BC Mures Forwards: No. 11 Sammy Lee Emile

Sammy Emile playing for Mars Hill University

Sammy Emile is the biggest gamble of BC Mures this season. Most of the other players have already played for the club in previous seasons, or played in the Romanian National League, so everybody knows what to expect from them. Only Polyák László is somewhat different, but he was seen by coach Sekulovic in live games before. Emile has never played in Europe before. He comes from Mars Hill University, a Division II NCAA team. During his career he also played in Canada, Brasil, Irak and in the ABA League in the USA.
Watching his highlight videos we can see that he has good coils in his legs, a hot hand from behind the ark and a half decent drive to the basket. He can finish with a dunk, a layup or a jump-shot making him hard to guard.
If last year's team missed something, it was an explosive all around player, who can make the play when set pieces don't work anymore. If he can do that, the fans will love him and stay behind him, like they do with all players who put their heart out on the court.

Below you can read a short interview with Sammy Lee Emile.

1. It is your first time in Europe as a player. Why did you choose BC Mures?
Yes, it is my first time in Europe. I chose BC Mures because of the coach and the winning tradition.

2. You are the only American in the team. How is the team chemistry with players from so many countries?
The chemistry is coming together fast because it's a team full of veterans that understand the game of basketball.

3. What position do you like to play on the court?
My position is 3/2 and some time the point if the coach needs me.

4. A few words for the fans.
My main goal is to help bring a championship to BC Mures.

Sammy Lee Emile Highlights

BC Mures Forwards: Dimitris Rasty

Playing for the U20 National Team

Dimitris Rasty is one of the young talents of Romanian basketball. He was born in Grece but learned basketball in Romania, mostly at Colegiul National Aurel Vlaicu. At 200 cm height he plays small and power forward, but he is hard to guard by tall players because he can shoot with a decent percentage from outside the arc. Rasty also has good penetration to the basket, playing well the mismatch situations.

Last season he played for Concordia Chiajna in the National League, finishing in 13th place with only 2 victories. He also played for the U20 National Team at the Division B European Championships, finishing in 9th place.

At Chiajna he played 25 games, having 3.5 points, 1.6 rebounds and 0.4 assist in 16 minutes per game. At the European Championships he had a statistical line of 2.9 points, 2 rebounds and 0.4 steals in 11.6 minutes per game.

At BC Mures he will have to fight for a place on the court with veteran players like Peciukas, Ivanovic, Emile or Capusan so he has a lot on his hands, but his youth and fighting spirit can make him a useful role player in the team. He will have the opportunity to play in the club's second division team with other young talent like Barabási Csongor, Lucian Țibîrnă, Adrian Oprea, etc. There he will have the chance to strengthen his game and, given the opportunity, to make the step to the senior team.

Below you can read an interview with Dimitris Rasty.

1. Why did you choose BC Mures?

 I chose BC Mures because it is a top team both at senior and youth levels. The young players have total support from the club and also  from the fans, which is important to me as a player at the beginning of my career.

2. For a relatively tall player you have hot hands from outside the three point line. Which are your favorite positions on the court?

Because of my height I can play either positions 3 or 4, so I have to master both forward and center moves. My favorite position is of power forward because there I can play pick  and pop with my teammates from positions 1-2-3. This way I can create an open three point shot more easily, just like Ivanovic.

Playing for Chiajna in the National League

3. Which are your strengths with which you can make it at BC Mures?

I like to give 100% in everything I do, at practice and on the court. I always listen, never give up and I am always behind my team, no matter what, because in basketball the final result can always be changed.

4. A few words for the fans.

Thank you for the welcome messages and the support. Because of you my accommodation and work as a player will be much easier! 

BC Mures Point Guards: No. 6 Polyák László

In my opinion one of the best signings of BC Mures, in the preseason, was Polyák László. The young Hungarian guard comes with several advantages. First of all he has Romanian citizenship, his parents originating from Romania, which is very important because of the 6 foreign players rule of the Romanian Basketball Federation. He was an important part of the Hungarian youth squads between 2009 and 2013 taking part in five European Championship campaigns and qualified to Divison A in 2013 with the U20 team.

Last season he played  for Hungarian outfit Marso Nyíregyháza finishing in last place in the first league with a 5-17 win-loss ratio.

Playing for Nyíregyháza

He can play positions 1 and 2 in offense which is a great help for coach Srecko Sekulovic because he can substitute either Edi Sinadinovic or Matija Ceskovic in the rotation. He has good court vision and a decent three point shot. In defense he can guard any opponent due to his size and muscular build, qualities which don't hinder his speed. He follows the ball actively and has many rebounds due to his good positioning and intelligence. 

His statistics at he U20 EC in 2013 included 6.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 24 minutes per game. For his club he averaged 4.7 points, 2 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 19.4 minutes per game.

Polyák László (second from left) at the 2013 EC victory ceremony in Pitesti (Rou)

Below you can read a short interview with Polyák László.

1. What made you choose Tirgu Mures as your next team?

Coach Sekulovic saw me at a friendly tournament, he liked my playing style and mentality, and he wanted me to be part of his team for this season. I know that this is a very competitive league and I know Srecko to be a heavy handed and good coach and I can progress under his hands. Mainly this is why I made this choice.

2. You were an important part of the Hungarian youth National Team. Now that you are playing in Romania, what are your hopes to be selected in the senior National Squad?
Yes, I took part in five youth European Championships (U16,  U18, U20) and I mostly had an important part in the team. For the senior team there is much work to be done but I am hopeful that I am on the right track.

3. What is your favorite position on the court, point guard or shooting guard?

I like to play point guard, but I don't have a problem if I have to play shooting guard.

4. What are your strong points on the court?

In my opinion my strength is that I am physically strong and still athletic given my height, and I can also be useful in defense.

5. A few words for the fans.

 I hope that we will have many fans at our games and they will help us as a sixth player to achieve a good result this season.