Kuzikaro, Ido

A powerful Israeli national team center, Kuzikaro is an aggressive, intelligent, and team-oriented player.

Ido played in every game of the 2003 European Championship for Israel. In the first game, Kuzikaro's 10 points coming off the bench inspired a fourth quarter comeback against Germany, but the national team lost the match, 86-81. The Israeli team was not in top form when they lost the second game to Lithunaia, 94-62, although Ido managed seven points. In the September 7, 2003, game against Latvia, Kuzikaro was finally named to his team's starting five and proved his worth with a stunning 18-point performance, as Israel coasted to a 91-75 victory. Ido continued to shine in Israel's historic second-round win over Slovenia on September 8th. He scored 12 points, helping Israel come back from a 3-18 deficit to win the game, 78-76. In the quarterfinals Israel lost to Spain, 78-64, although Ido scored 12 points. Israel placed seventh in the tournament.

Ido helped his current team, Hapoel Jerusalem to its greatest achievement on April 13, 2004 as they beat Real Madrid 83-72 in the ULEB cup final. The ULEB cup is among Europe's premier competitions. The center scored 7 points and provided the necessary muscle in the paint.

Birth and Death Dates:
b. Jan. 8, 1978

Career Highlights:
Kuzikaro came through the Hapoel Galil Elyon youth system but was not considered a top prospect due to the unrefined nature of his game at that time. He played for the under-18 national team and averaged 7 points a game in the 1998 Euro under-20 championship as a substitute.

Ido made his pro debut in the 1997-98 season for Galil and was a starter by the 1999-00 season. That year he scored 10.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game. In 2002-03, Kuzikaro established himself as one of the biggest stars in the Israeli league. He scored 15.5 points per game, and made an assist a game.

Origin:
b. Israel

Career Dates:
Player: 1997-present

Position:
Center

Physical description:
6"6

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