Mateusz Ponitka

Mateusz Ponitka(born August 29, 1993) is a professional basketball player from Poland, playing the guard position for the AZS Politechnika Warszawa. Mateusz was selected to All-tournament team during the FIBA Under-17 World Championship 2010 in Hamburg, Germany. He was also the best scorer during 2011 Nike Hoop Summit held in Portland, Oregon he had 17 points. According to nbadraft.net and draftexpress.com Mateusz Ponitka should be selected in the 1st Round of NBA Draft in 2012 or 2013.
Polish National Team
* In July 2010 he was a part of the silver medal team in the FIBA Under-17 World Championship in Hamburg, Germany. The golden medal went to the USA team with players as: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Marquis Teague, Bradley Beal and James McAdoo-all of them currently playing in the NCAA league. Ponitka was selected to the All-Star team of that tournament.
* In 2011 Polish national team was playing in the Under-18 European Championship in polish city . Jerzy Szambelan's team was sixth. During this tournament Ponitka averaged 15 points,8 rebounds and 1 assist per game. During nine games he was on the court for about 30 minutes and always scoring at least 10 points. Many polish celebrities promoted this tournament. Among those were: Marcin Gortat and Tomasz Adamek.
Polish Basketball League
* Mateusz Ponitka his whole junior career spent in one club UKS Kasprowiczanka Ostrów Wielkopolski from which in 2009 he moved to AZS Politechnika Warszawa.
* Season 2009/2010- During his first season he appeared on the court 27 times. He averaged 19 minutes, 7 points, 4 rebounds and 1 steal per game.
* Season 2010/2011- During Ponitka's second season he improved and during 26 minutes on the court he had 12 points, 5 rebounds and 2 steals.
* Season 2011/2012-Present season of Polish Basketball League Mateusz Ponitka for the first time appeared in the All-Star game where he scored 13 points. During this season his scoring averages are the highest during his short career- 12 points per game.
International Camps and Tournaments
* In 2010 Mateusz Ponitka took part in Basketball Without Boarders Camp held in Barcelona, which aim is to promote international teen players from outside of the USA. In the past such stars of international basketball and NBA as Vlade Divac, Rasho Nesterovic or Bruno Sundov participated in this Camp. Ponitka won the MVP award during this tournament. The award was given to him by LA Lakers Center Pau Gasol.
* On April 4, 2011 Ponitka participated in the Nike Hoop Summit held by Nike in the Rose Garden Arena in Portland, Oregon. Playing in the World team, with Bismack Biyombo and Raul Togni Neto, he was its best scorer with 17 points. According to nbadraft.net Ponitka was one of the bright spots of international rooster.
* NBA Draft- According to nbadraftexpress.com and nbadraft.net Mateusz Ponitka may be selected in the 1st Round of NBA Draft in 2012 or 2013.
* Ponitka is mentioned with as Polish top prospects.
Personal life
* Mateusz met and gave high-five to his idol LA Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, which is one of his best memories.
* He took up with Bismack Biyombo after 2011 Nike Hoop Summit.
* Durring summer 2011 Ponitka trained for one week with KK Union Olimpija and still keeps in touch with this club.
* One of his favourite movies is Space Jam with Bugs Bunny and Michael Jordan.

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