One thing that never fails us
4 years ago
Thursday, September 29, 2011
UAAP SEASON 74 NEWS
What are the Odds?
Paolo S. Mariano, Thursday, September 29, 2011.
Top seed Ateneo de Manila University already has one foot inside the championship door after winning Game 1 of the 73rd UAAP men’s senior basketball tournament. With the Blue Eagles clicking on all cylinders, they are the clear favorites to win the gleaming hardware.
All hope, however, is not lost for third seed Far Eastern University (FEU). In fact, as history dictates, the odds of the Tamaraws winning the title are pretty even with Ateneo’s.
Excluding this season, the first seed and the third seed have met in the Finals six times since the Final Four format was installed in 1994. The results are split 50-50. The number one seed has defeated the number three seed thrice, and vice versa.
Obviously, that bodes well for the Tamaraws, who are already down by one game in this year’s best-of-three championship. This Saturday’s Game 2 is a must-win for them and the 50-50 percentage could be a psychological help.
The last third seed that nipped the top seed is University of Santo Tomas (UST), which upset, incidentally, Ateneo in three games in 2006. It is one of the most competitive Finals match-up in recent memory with the two teams being separated by an average of only 6.3 points.
The other instances where the lower ranked squad ousted the league’s top team were in 1994 and 2002.
In 1994, UST trampled De La Salle University in three games to win its second straight title. The Growling Tigers were led by season MVP Dennis Espino, shifty guard Bal David, and volatile coach Aric del Rosario. Meanwhile, the Green Archers, who were mentored by Virgil Villavicencio, leaned on the one-two punch of Mark Telan and Jason Webb.
All hope, however, is not lost for third seed Far Eastern University (FEU). In fact, as history dictates, the odds of the Tamaraws winning the title are pretty even with Ateneo’s.
Excluding this season, the first seed and the third seed have met in the Finals six times since the Final Four format was installed in 1994. The results are split 50-50. The number one seed has defeated the number three seed thrice, and vice versa.
Obviously, that bodes well for the Tamaraws, who are already down by one game in this year’s best-of-three championship. This Saturday’s Game 2 is a must-win for them and the 50-50 percentage could be a psychological help.
The last third seed that nipped the top seed is University of Santo Tomas (UST), which upset, incidentally, Ateneo in three games in 2006. It is one of the most competitive Finals match-up in recent memory with the two teams being separated by an average of only 6.3 points.
The other instances where the lower ranked squad ousted the league’s top team were in 1994 and 2002.
In 1994, UST trampled De La Salle University in three games to win its second straight title. The Growling Tigers were led by season MVP Dennis Espino, shifty guard Bal David, and volatile coach Aric del Rosario. Meanwhile, the Green Archers, who were mentored by Virgil Villavicencio, leaned on the one-two punch of Mark Telan and Jason Webb.
University Athletics Association of the Philippines
The University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) is a sports association home to eight universities in the Philippines: Adamson University, Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, Far Eastern University, National University, University of the East, University of the Philippines, and the University of Santo Tomas. Established in 1938, it is one of the oldest athletic conferences in the country and has emerged to be the most popular inter-university sports association today. The eight member universities compete in three divisions (Seniors’, Juniors’, and Women’s) in fourteen sports.
Basketball, the most popular sport in the country stats off the UAAP Season. This competition has garnered an overwhelming number of fans rivalling the most established professional league in the nation, the Philippine Basketball Association. Furthermore, for the past six years, the sport of Volleyball has proven to be a developing spectator sport establishing its own fan base. Badminton, Baseball and Softball, Chess, Fencing, Football, Judo, Lawn Tennis, Swimming, Taekwondo, Track and Field, Volleyball, and Beach Volleyball competitions continue to provide the UAAP athletes a venue to hone their athletic prowess. Furthermore, the league serves as a breeding ground for national athletes. The UAAP through the years has produced Olympians and medallists in competitions such as the South East Asian Games and the Asian Games.
UAAP 74 NEWS
NU’s Parks is new MVP
Anthony Divinagracia
Manila, Philippines – National University prized rookie Bobby Ray Parks emerged as this season’s top individual performer, bagging the Most Valuable Player award in the 74th UAAP men’s basketball tournament.
Parks, who is set to receive the MVP in Game 2 of the Finals on Sept. 27, tallied 66.64.29 Total Statistical Points (TOTSPs) built around averages of 20 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.1 blocks a game, based on official statistics released by Imperium Technologies.
Seven-foot slotman Greg Slaughter of three-time defending champion Ateneo de Manila University finished second with 63.3571 TOTSPs after norming 13.3 points, 9.4 rebounds, 1.9 blocks, and 1.4 assists an outing.
University of Santo Tomas’ (UST) Cameroonian import Karim Abdul checked in third after registering 60.3864 TOTSPs anchored on double-double outputs of 12.1 points and 11.5 rebounds plus 1.5 blocks and 1.4 assists per contest.
“It’s nice to win the MVP award. But it’s still better to win the championship with my team. I’m up to winning the championship because that speaks a lot for the team than just one man’s accomplishment,” said Parks, who held the record for most points scored in a single game at 32 which he set against Far Eastern University (FEU) in double overtime on August 27.
The 6-foot-3 spitfire guard though failed to make it to the Final Four after NU ended up fifth for the second time with a 6-8 record.
Alex Nuyles (15.2 pts, 5.5 rebs, 3.3 assists) which led Adamson University in the Final Four anew placed fourth with 59 TOTSPs while FEU’s Aldrech Ramos (11.8 pts, 9.4 rebs, 1.5 assists, 1.2 blocks) collected 57.5714 TOTSPs to barge into the Top 5.
Ateneo wunderkind Kiefer Ravena slid to sixth place after a strong first-round showing but was the hands-down winner for Rookie of the Year honors with 56.3571 TOTSPs (13.1 pts, 4.2 rebs, 3.1 assists, 1.5 steals).
Parks, Slaughter, Nuyles, Ravena and Ramos compose this season’s Mythical Five.
Ravena replaced Abdul in the Mythical list after the 6-foot-6 Cameroonian was suspended, disqualifying him for win any individual award under UAAP rules.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
FIBA World Basketball
FIBA World Basketball is a weekly television programme jointly produced by FIBA and the Sportsbrand Media Group.
The 26 minute show features international basketball action from around the world.
It includes worldwide action featuring men, women and youth categories from FIBA World Championship, the FIBA Continental Championships to Regional and National League competitions as well as historical footage from the FIBA Archive.
The weekly TV show is distributed on a worldwide basis.
Check the Country and Broadcaster here to see where you can watch FIBA World Basketball.
For those international basketball fans that can’t currently see FIBA World Basketball on TV then check out the FIBA World Basketball on fibatv.com.
FIBA Latest News
WUHAN (FIBA Asia Championship) – While the FIBA Asia Championship has been running for five days, the chase for the title and a place at the London Olympics is now starting to get interesting.
On Day 6, the final day of the Second Round, the three remaining undefeated teams – China, Iran and Korea – face tough challenges in an appetising evening of basketball that will make the London equation a little clearer.
“I think we will find out more from tomorrow. It is too early to tell,” said Korea coachJae Hur of his own team’s form, before being asked which of his main rivals appear to be travelling the best. “I think Iran is the better team, but it is really too early to tell.”
With the competition wide open, Jordan coach Tab Baldwin’s prediction of a knife edge tournament is looking like a good one.
On Day 6, the final day of the Second Round, the three remaining undefeated teams – China, Iran and Korea – face tough challenges in an appetising evening of basketball that will make the London equation a little clearer.
“I think we will find out more from tomorrow. It is too early to tell,” said Korea coachJae Hur of his own team’s form, before being asked which of his main rivals appear to be travelling the best. “I think Iran is the better team, but it is really too early to tell.”
With the competition wide open, Jordan coach Tab Baldwin’s prediction of a knife edge tournament is looking like a good one.
“It’s still open, I think it’s definitely open and will remain so until the final games,” he said.
Jordan were hoping to rekindle their best form and upset China, but instead found themselves on the end of a 93-60 thrashing in the hosts’ most impressive performance so far.
Jordan were hoping to rekindle their best form and upset China, but instead found themselves on the end of a 93-60 thrashing in the hosts’ most impressive performance so far.
Now Jordan must defeat the United Arab Emirates to earn the right to play the all-conquering Iran in the Quarter-Finals.
The Philippines were the team that bounced back into title contention on Day 5, physically beating up a Japan team that didn’t respond to the challenge inside the paint. Provided the Philippines can defeat Syria they will face Chinese Taipei in the Quarter-Finals.
Things aren’t so comfortable for Japan who now take on China, and coach Tom Wismanknows his team faces their toughest ask of the tournament.
The Philippines were the team that bounced back into title contention on Day 5, physically beating up a Japan team that didn’t respond to the challenge inside the paint. Provided the Philippines can defeat Syria they will face Chinese Taipei in the Quarter-Finals.
Things aren’t so comfortable for Japan who now take on China, and coach Tom Wismanknows his team faces their toughest ask of the tournament.
“We’ve got to take the lesson we learned from the Philippines game - 52 points in the paint, we got out-rebounded by 13, and we didn’t match up to physicality,” he said.
“If we can take something from that game and respond against China, which is going to be a much bigger test, we’ve got an opportunity to bounce back and show some heart.”
For Iran coach Veslin Matic, a number of teams are a big threat to his team’s reign as two-time defending champion.
“If we can take something from that game and respond against China, which is going to be a much bigger test, we’ve got an opportunity to bounce back and show some heart.”
For Iran coach Veslin Matic, a number of teams are a big threat to his team’s reign as two-time defending champion.
“We have played Korea before, and we lost to them, and Japan has improved a lot. There has been a lot of money invested in East Asian basketball and it is improving,” he said. “The balance is shifting a little bit this way.”
With just one Olympic berth and two places at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament on offer, things will certainly be in the balance until Sunday night, but things might be a little clearer Wednesday night after some of the giants of this year’s tournament have done battle.
PHI/JPN - Philippines survive classic, enter race to London
EUROBASKET - High TV figures reflect tournament's quality
JOR – Last chance for Jordan?
EUROBASKET - Navarro gets MVP, Parker in All-Tournament Team
JPN - Olympic sized test for dangerous Japan
With just one Olympic berth and two places at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament on offer, things will certainly be in the balance until Sunday night, but things might be a little clearer Wednesday night after some of the giants of this year’s tournament have done battle.
WUHAN (FIBA Asia Championship) - Another team entered the gold medal race at the FIBA Asia Championship on Tuesday night, as the Philippines prevailed 83-76 over the previously undefeated Japan in the game of the tournament to date.
Swingmen Marcio Lassiter and Chris Lutz were originally ruled ineligible for the tournament, but after an appeal were reinstated in time for the Second Round, reinvigorating the team with their physical defence that eventually wore Japan down, and giving the Philippines genuine hopes of medal.
Philippines centre Marcus Douthit led the way in dominant fashion with 25 points and 18 rebounds, while Lassiter and Jim Alapag each scored 15. Centre Joji Takeuchi had 22 points and 8 rebounds for Japan.
Philippines centre Marcus Douthit led the way in dominant fashion with 25 points and 18 rebounds, while Lassiter and Jim Alapag each scored 15. Centre Joji Takeuchi had 22 points and 8 rebounds for Japan.
Douthit was delighted after the game. "That win is huge!" he said excitedly. "That gives us an easier path to the semi finals. We'll let other teams take the high road, we'll take the low road and hopefully we'll end up there in the end."
The Philippines jumped out to a quick start with Douthit dominating the boards andMarnel Baracael and Kelly Williams scoring eight quick points between them for an 8-2 lead, but Japan came right back at them.
After clawing back the margin slowly, Japan connected on three straight triple bridging quarter time to go ahead 26-18. When Takeki Shonaki hit a three-pointer of his own four minutes into the second term the score was 31-23.
The Philippines answered, a sweet Chris Tiu-Lassiter fast break cutting the gap back to two points. But Koki Takeuchi responded immediately with a long range bomb, and when Tomoo Amino nailed a three from the corner the margin was back out to eight points just before half time.
A 10-0 run in the third quarter, capped by an off-balance Lassiter three-pointer gave the Philippines a 46-43 lead with 5:30 to play in the third period, and they finished the term with a stunning 8-0 run in 1:30 to claim the ascendency.
Japan closed to within five in the final term, but a three-pointer from Alapag and four straight points from Douthit, including a tip jam that brought the crowd to their feet, had the margin at 13 points and the contest appeared over.
Takeuchi didn't think so however, scoring eight points in 70 seconds to bring the margin back to six. When he blew past Douthit it looked as if victory was possible for Japan, but he missed the easy reverse lay-up and the Philippines would hold on from the free throw line.
KAUNAS (EuroBasket 2011) - EuroBasket 2011 arguably will go into the history books as the most competitive and enthralling edition of the biennial event.
The mass interest in the tournament is well reflected in some impressive television viewing figures. Here are some of them.
Spanish channel La Sexta's live coverage of Spain's win over France in Sunday's Final was watched by an average audience of 4.73 million viewers.
To put it in context: at the time of the game, almost a third of all people watching TV in Spain were tuned in to the Final, with the audience peaking at 5.96 million at 21:23.
Overall, the game ranked as the eighth most-watched programme of the year to date on La Sexta.
In France, the Final attracted a total of 2.90 million viewers with two channels - France 4 and Canal + Sport - broadcasting it.
France 4, the free-to-air channel, registered an average viewing audience of 1.90 million people in what was France's first EuroBasket silver medal game since 1949. The broadcast ranks as the highest average programme audience ever registered for the digital-only channel.
Meanwhile, Canal + Sport, the pay television channel, simulcasted the game and got an estimated viewing audience of 1.05 million, for the second highest audience in its history.
It was the best audience for a basketball game in France since the 1993 Euroleague Final between Limoges and Benetton Treviso for which five million tuned in.
The high viewing figures were not limited to just the Final.
La Sexta provide live coverage of all 11 of Spain's games, with each one viewed by at least 1.1 million people.
Last Friday's Semi-Final against F.Y.R. of Macedonia was watched by an average of 2.19 million people, while the Preliminary Round clash with Turkey attracted an average audience of 1.92 million.
F.Y.R. of Macedonia came to Lithuania with an impressive contingent of fans following them every step of their amazing journey.
Those who could not make the journey did pay close attention to their team's progress.
Their narrow defeat at the hands of Russia in the Bronze Medal game was watched by a quarter of the adult population, with an average 480,000 viewers. The game had the highest viewing share of the year in the country.
The mass interest in the tournament is well reflected in some impressive television viewing figures. Here are some of them.
Spanish channel La Sexta's live coverage of Spain's win over France in Sunday's Final was watched by an average audience of 4.73 million viewers.
To put it in context: at the time of the game, almost a third of all people watching TV in Spain were tuned in to the Final, with the audience peaking at 5.96 million at 21:23.
Overall, the game ranked as the eighth most-watched programme of the year to date on La Sexta.
In France, the Final attracted a total of 2.90 million viewers with two channels - France 4 and Canal + Sport - broadcasting it.
France 4, the free-to-air channel, registered an average viewing audience of 1.90 million people in what was France's first EuroBasket silver medal game since 1949. The broadcast ranks as the highest average programme audience ever registered for the digital-only channel.
Meanwhile, Canal + Sport, the pay television channel, simulcasted the game and got an estimated viewing audience of 1.05 million, for the second highest audience in its history.
It was the best audience for a basketball game in France since the 1993 Euroleague Final between Limoges and Benetton Treviso for which five million tuned in.
The high viewing figures were not limited to just the Final.
La Sexta provide live coverage of all 11 of Spain's games, with each one viewed by at least 1.1 million people.
Last Friday's Semi-Final against F.Y.R. of Macedonia was watched by an average of 2.19 million people, while the Preliminary Round clash with Turkey attracted an average audience of 1.92 million.
F.Y.R. of Macedonia came to Lithuania with an impressive contingent of fans following them every step of their amazing journey.
Those who could not make the journey did pay close attention to their team's progress.
Their narrow defeat at the hands of Russia in the Bronze Medal game was watched by a quarter of the adult population, with an average 480,000 viewers. The game had the highest viewing share of the year in the country.
Host nation Lithuania's Quarter-Final against that same F.Y.R. of Macedonia side was closely followed by 842,000 viewers, ranking it as the highest sports rating in seven years and the third highest since audience measurement was first established in the country in 2000.
Only the 2003 EuroBasket Final against Spain and the 2004 Olympics Semi-Final against the USA had higher ratings.
The clash was also followed extremely closely in the F.Y.R. of Macedonia, with an astonishing one in five inhabitants tuning in to watch the game. Every second person watching TV at the time of the game were taking in the action from Kaunas.
Germany's Second Round encounter with hosts Lithuania also performed very well, attracting the largest audience of EuroBasket 2011 in Germany.
Only the 2003 EuroBasket Final against Spain and the 2004 Olympics Semi-Final against the USA had higher ratings.
The clash was also followed extremely closely in the F.Y.R. of Macedonia, with an astonishing one in five inhabitants tuning in to watch the game. Every second person watching TV at the time of the game were taking in the action from Kaunas.
Germany's Second Round encounter with hosts Lithuania also performed very well, attracting the largest audience of EuroBasket 2011 in Germany.
An average 998,000 viewers tuned in to watch the game, ranking as the second highest-ever FIBA audience in the country.
Only the 2005 EuroBasket Final between Greece and Germany attracted more viewers (1.35 million).
The live broadcast of the contest was as one of the most-watched sports programmes transmitted by SPORT1 this year.
In Serbia, the same game attracted an average audience of 1.053 million viewers, its highest for the entire tournament.
The live broadcast of the contest was as one of the most-watched sports programmes transmitted by SPORT1 this year.
In Serbia, the same game attracted an average audience of 1.053 million viewers, its highest for the entire tournament.
WUHAN (FIBA Asia Championship) – As he has all through his career, Jordan coach Tab Baldwin is approaching his team’s match-up with the powerful Chinese the only way he knows how.
“I am not going to sit there and say we are going to lose because they are China and they haven’t lost a game etc etc,” he said.
“I am not going to sit there and say we are going to lose because they are China and they haven’t lost a game etc etc,” he said.
“We are going to fight and we are going to try and figure out a way to win, and if we do win I don’t think we’ll be surprised.”
After playing at last year’s FIBA World Championship in Turkey, falling one point shortof beating Australia and narrowly going down to Angola, Jordan headed to the 2011 FIBA Asia Championship in Wuhan as one of the medal favourites.
While some players were missing from last year’s team, star trio Rasheim Wright, Sam Daghles and Zaid Abbas returned with a young but talented supporting cast.
After playing at last year’s FIBA World Championship in Turkey, falling one point shortof beating Australia and narrowly going down to Angola, Jordan headed to the 2011 FIBA Asia Championship in Wuhan as one of the medal favourites.
While some players were missing from last year’s team, star trio Rasheim Wright, Sam Daghles and Zaid Abbas returned with a young but talented supporting cast.
With Jordan teetering in fourth place in their group however, things have not gone to plan.
“It’s an unfortunate two-game trend that we get off to a good start and then seem to lose our way. And I do think it’s mental,” Baldwin said after his team gave up an 18-point second quarter lead to fall to the Philippines, following a similar fade out against Japan.
“Our team really does seem to struggle in the tough moments, particularly late in games and particularly when we have had a lead,” he added.
“It’s an unfortunate two-game trend that we get off to a good start and then seem to lose our way. And I do think it’s mental,” Baldwin said after his team gave up an 18-point second quarter lead to fall to the Philippines, following a similar fade out against Japan.
“Our team really does seem to struggle in the tough moments, particularly late in games and particularly when we have had a lead,” he added.
“It’s very frustrating for them because they know inside that they have the capacity to do it.
"They feel like they are letting each other down, and I feel like I am letting them down by not being able to find the right buttons to push.”
Philippines coach Rajko Toroman thinks Jordan are not far away from turning the corner.
Philippines coach Rajko Toroman thinks Jordan are not far away from turning the corner.
“Jordan played very well (in the first half), switching the defences. On our offence we didn’t know what to do because they knew every one of our moves,” he said.
This isn’t news to star point guard Daghles, but he is baffled as to why his team can’t produce for 40 minutes.
This isn’t news to star point guard Daghles, but he is baffled as to why his team can’t produce for 40 minutes.
“We are still trying to find our identity for some reason,” he admitted. “At some points of the game we show our great side and then we go away from it, so it is very strange to me.”
Things don’t get any easier with host nation China next up on Tuesday, a must-win game if Jordan are to move up to third place and avoid Iran in the Quarter-Finals.
Things don’t get any easier with host nation China next up on Tuesday, a must-win game if Jordan are to move up to third place and avoid Iran in the Quarter-Finals.
With their eyes still on getting on the podium and keeping the Olympic dream alive, Jordan is approaching the game with a positive outlook.
“They’ve found some form in this tournament after a really tough summer for them,” Baldwin said of the Chinese. “But I think there are some tactical issues with China that can be exploited.
“They’ve found some form in this tournament after a really tough summer for them,” Baldwin said of the Chinese. “But I think there are some tactical issues with China that can be exploited.
"It’s going to be a tough game, we know that, but my career as a coach in international basketball has been about never conceding a game before it’s played.”
For Daghles, who plays his club basketball for Jilin in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), this is a game he is very much looking forward to against players he knows very well.
For Daghles, who plays his club basketball for Jilin in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), this is a game he is very much looking forward to against players he knows very well.
“I do. Me and ZouZou (Zaid Abbas) know them especially well,” he said.
“Tomorrow’s going to be an exciting game with over 10,000 people at the game,” he added. “You’re always excited to play a team like China.
“Tomorrow’s going to be an exciting game with over 10,000 people at the game,” he added. “You’re always excited to play a team like China.
"Beating them will only build confidence for our team, and that’s what we need right now, some confidence - somehow, some way.”
KAUNAS (EuroBasket 2011) - Juan Carlos Navarrowas named the Most Valuable Player of EuroBasket 2011 and headlined the All-Tournament team which included Tissot Ambassador Tony Parker.
Navarro had 27 points and five assists as Spain defeated France 98-85 in Sunday's Final to successfully defend the title they won in Poland in 2009 and clinch an automatic place into the 12-team field for next year's Olympic Basketball Tournament in London.
Sergio Scariolo's men made history as they became the first repeat champions of Europe since Yugoslavia 20 years ago.
Navarro, nicknamed 'La Bomba', saved some of his best performances for last, scoring 26 or more points in each of Spain's last three games, including a 35-point explosion in the Semi-Final win over F.Y.R. of Macedonia.
The 31-year-old guard was rewarded for his clutch play throughout the tournament as the media picked him as the MVP and he was presented with a special edition Tissot T-Touch Expert watch by FIBA President Yvan Mainini and Lithuanian basketball great Arvydas Sabonis.
Navarro also headlined the All-Tournament team.
He was joined on it by team-mate Pau Gasol, F.Y.R. of Macedonia guard Bo McCalebb, forward Andrei Kirilenko of Russia and France's Parker.
Parker helped France reach their first final of an international basketball tournament since the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
Getting to the championship game allowed Les Bleus to book their own place in the London Games.
Parker led all players in scoring with 22.1 points per game and ranked fourth in assists (4.4).
Mr Mainini and Mr Sabonis presented all five players with specially engraved PRC 200 watches to celebrate their contribution to the tournament.
Navarro had 27 points and five assists as Spain defeated France 98-85 in Sunday's Final to successfully defend the title they won in Poland in 2009 and clinch an automatic place into the 12-team field for next year's Olympic Basketball Tournament in London.
Sergio Scariolo's men made history as they became the first repeat champions of Europe since Yugoslavia 20 years ago.
Navarro, nicknamed 'La Bomba', saved some of his best performances for last, scoring 26 or more points in each of Spain's last three games, including a 35-point explosion in the Semi-Final win over F.Y.R. of Macedonia.
The 31-year-old guard was rewarded for his clutch play throughout the tournament as the media picked him as the MVP and he was presented with a special edition Tissot T-Touch Expert watch by FIBA President Yvan Mainini and Lithuanian basketball great Arvydas Sabonis.
Navarro also headlined the All-Tournament team.
He was joined on it by team-mate Pau Gasol, F.Y.R. of Macedonia guard Bo McCalebb, forward Andrei Kirilenko of Russia and France's Parker.
Parker helped France reach their first final of an international basketball tournament since the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
Getting to the championship game allowed Les Bleus to book their own place in the London Games.
Parker led all players in scoring with 22.1 points per game and ranked fourth in assists (4.4).
Mr Mainini and Mr Sabonis presented all five players with specially engraved PRC 200 watches to celebrate their contribution to the tournament.
WUHAN (FIBA Asia Championship) – Japan may have finished only 10th at the 2009 FIBA Asia Championship, but under new coach Tom Wismanthey are a different unit at the 2011 version in Wuhan, and United Arab Emirates (UAE) coachZoran Zupcevic is impressed.
“I like the way Japan plays. They try to play fast basketball, they try to be aggressive, they use what they have very well,” Wisman said after his team fell 101-61 to the 2011 East Asian Championship silver medallists on Day 1 of the Second Round.
“The level they play at, the style they play, I don’t think any other team in the championship can feel comfortable with that. I believe they are always dangerous.”
Japan, 4-0 in the tournament, face their biggest tests of the tournament so far over the next two days when they play a resurgent Philippines and the undefeated China.
Wisman believes his team’s comprehensive display against UAE helped greatly in the preparation for the upcoming challenges.
“I like the way Japan plays. They try to play fast basketball, they try to be aggressive, they use what they have very well,” Wisman said after his team fell 101-61 to the 2011 East Asian Championship silver medallists on Day 1 of the Second Round.
“The level they play at, the style they play, I don’t think any other team in the championship can feel comfortable with that. I believe they are always dangerous.”
Japan, 4-0 in the tournament, face their biggest tests of the tournament so far over the next two days when they play a resurgent Philippines and the undefeated China.
Wisman believes his team’s comprehensive display against UAE helped greatly in the preparation for the upcoming challenges.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
FIBA World Championship All Star Five announced
The All Star Five is made up of Luis Scola at centre, Linas Kleiza and Kevin Durant as forwards, and Hedo Turkoglu and Milos Teodosic in the guard positions.
The five players, each voted best player in his position by a selection of top basketball media representatives, received their awards on-court during the FIBA World Championship medal ceremony.
Additionally, they were each rewarded with a special edition Tissot PRC 200 Autoquartz watch by the Swiss watchmaker and FIBA global partner. The watches, which include a unique case back, were handed to them by Tissot's President Francois Thiebaud.
Scola led the tournament in scoring with an average of 27.1ppg, also pulling in 7.9rpg. Scola scored 30 points or more in five straight games, including 37 points in the Eight-Final against Brazil.
Kleiza helped the Lithuanian team win the bronze medal with 19ppg and 7.1rpg, highlighted by 33 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists in the playoff against Serbia.
Durant scored a tournament high 38 points in the Semi Final win over Lithuania, and led the USA to the gold medal with 28 points in the final, and an average of 22.8ppg and 6.1rpg over the tournament.
Turkoglu led the Turkish team on their remarkable run to the silver medal by averaging 12.3ppg, 4.2rpg and 3.4 apg. His best performance came against France in the Eight-Finals where he had 20 points and 4 rebounds.
Teodosic will be remembered for his game winning three-pointer in the Quarter Final win over Spain, but also shone throughout the FIBA World Championship, averaging 11.3ppg and 5.6apg, good for third in the tournament.
USA - Durant named tournament MVP
Durant had a game-high 28 points in his team's 81-64 triumph over Turkey in the final on Sunday.
The 21-year-old power forward won the honour - voted by international media representatives at Istanbul's Sinan Erdem Dome - having averaged 22.1 points and 6.2 rebounds as his team went undefeated in Turkey.
Durant collected the MVP trophy and was also handed a one of a kind Tissot T-Touch Expertwatch by Francois Thiebaud, the President of FIBA Global Partners Tissot.
Durant also topped the competition's All-Tournament team.
The Oklahoma City Thunder star was voted as the top forward and was joined by Serbia guard Milos Teodosic and Turkey's Hidayet Turkoglu.
Lithuania's Linas Kleiza and Argentina's Luis Scola completed the All-Tournament team.
TUR/USA – USA cruise past Turkey to end 16-year wait for World Championship crown
The result ended a 16-year wait for the USA, who had not won this tournament since 1994.
In the first official game ever between the two teams, Mike Kryzewski’s team gradually pulled away as Turkey looked to be suffering the after effects of their hard-fought win over Lithuania in Saturday’s semi-final.
Down 17-14, the Americans reeled off 11 unanswered points in a stretch spanning the late part of the first quarter and early second for a 25-17 advantage and they stayed in front the rest of the way.
Kevin Durant (who visited with FIBATV.com after the victory) gave his team their first double-digit lead, 31-21, midway through the second period. The Turks fought bravely but never got close enough to prove a real threat.
The teams went back and forth and Durant knocked down his second three-pointer of the night to put the USA up 12-7.
Hedo Turkoglu answered by hitting consecutive long bombs that edged Turkey in front 15-14 with 4:07 left in the first quarter.
However, he then picked up a knock and had to leave the game, going to the locker room before returning minutes later with a thick sleeve on the knee.
Omer Asik’s lay-up stretched the Turks’ lead to 17-14 with 3:28 remaining in the period, but the Americans then accounted for the last eight points of the period to lead 22-17.
Durant tied it at 17 all with a deep three-pointer, Stephen Curry, fresh off the bench, also connected from downtown and Russell Westbrook made a pair of free-throws in the dying seconds.
Turkey’s offense stalled and they were forced into two shot clock violations by their opponents’stifling defense.
Westbrook converted a three-point play early in the second quarter to cap the 11-0 spurt.
Ersan Ilyasova and Rudy Gay traded baskets before the USA yet again used some tough defense to force Turkey into another shot clock violation.
Turkoglu re-entered the game with 7:46 left in the half and Kerem Tunceri made a pair of free-throws that cut the deficit to 27-21.
Durant then hit his sixth and seventh three-pointers – the latter one tying Puerto Rico’s Larry Ayuso for most in a game at the FIBA World Championship – consecutively for a 48-32 advantage just two minutes into the third quarter to account for more than half of his team’s points (26 of 48).
Semih Erden scored inside on two occasions, only for Durant and Billups to cancel those points out for 38-28.
Oğuz Savaş made three of four free-throws before Gay scored with a minute remaining before the break.
Ilyasova split a pair from the charity stripe and Westbrook made good on both his tries in the dying seconds for a 42-32 halftime lead.
Turkey had their fourth shot clock violation right after the break.
Durant then hit his sixth and seventh three-pointers consecutively for a 48-32 advantage just two minutes into the third quarter to account for more than half of his team’s points (26 of 48).
Turkoglu could only watch from the bench as his knee injury forced him back on the sidelines.
Ender Arslan drained a three-pointer for Turkey’s first points of the period with 6:36 to go.
Andre Iguodala then skied high for an offensive rebound and fed Odom for an easy two.
Omer Onan hit three of four throws and Arslan knocked another long bomb for six straight points that got the home side within 52-41.
Gay’s jumper ended the run, Westbrook then buried a rare three-pointer, Durant knocked a turnaround jumper and Lamar Odom got an easy dunk as the American pushed the advantage to 61-48 heading into the final frame.
Derrick Rose showed off his speed to score four quick points in the open court at the start of the fourth and Odom later scored inside for the USA’s first 20-point lead, 70-50.
He later had a tip-in off as Rose missed a free-throw for a three-point play.
Tunceri knocked down a three-pointer and fed Gonlum underneath for an easy two that got Turkey within 74-57 but at the other end he failed to close in on Odom who made him pay with a jumper for his eighth and ninth points of the period.
Westbrook and Turkoglu traded three-pointers for 79-62 and the former then threw an alley-oop to Iguodala to add some stylish finishing touches.
Durant finished with a game-high 28 points.
For complete highlights of the game, as well as an interview with MVP Kevin Durant go to FIBATV.com.
Quotes:
Mike Kryzewski (USA head coach): “I want to congratulate the Turkish team for a truly perfect tournament. They epitomised what a team should be and we had to be at our very best to beat them. It was a terrific tournament and a truly wonderful city. I’ve never seen a country celebrate a team better than Turkey. It created a great atmosphere for the tournament.”
(Olympic Champion or World Champion? Which one means most?): “This championship meant a lot because we have a very young team. It meant a lot to all of us. This was very special. We hadn’t won the World Championship since 1994 and we, as a country, are trying to show great respect for the World Championships which I’m not sure we did a decade ago. I mean it’s twice as big in terms of the number of teams participating than the Olympics. But the Olympics meant a lot too.”
(On USA Basketball rebuilding in recent years): “I’m not sure we have dominance if you look at the game against Brazil. And we didn’t dominate tonight. We played a bit better than Turkey. What Jerry Colangelo has done is build a culture where we respect the international game and develop a team that can play in those events. I love the international game. There are so many great coaches and teams and it has made me a better coach. Our goal is to win a gold medal but also to win the respect of others in the way that we play and carry ourselves.”
(On Kevin Durant): “He elevated. He was on a pretty high floor already but he went close to being in the penthouse. The beauty about Kevin is he’s pure. He’s not trying to do anything except play basketball and get better. I love coaching him and he learned how to be a really great international player in the last five weeks which will help him be an even better NBA player. He’s very genuine. He’s a special guy and definitely a special player.”
Kevin Durant (USA forward): “I’ve had a great time in Istanbul, beautiful city. Playing for coach Kryzewski was a great experience and I had a great time with my team-mates. I look forward to 2014.”
(On whether he realised how his play will impact his fame and stardom): “I just wanted to come out here and win. That was my mindset from day one. None of that stuff, global marketing entered my mind. I just wanted to win for everybody. This is a great feeling and it’s all I worried about.”
“I was put in a great position to come out here and start. My teammates always made sure I came to work every day and they pushed me.”
(on wanting to shake off the tag of being a ‘B’ team with all players from the ‘Redeem Team’ out): “That was motivation for us all. We worked that much harder to prove people wrong.”
“Everybody, coaches, guys behind the scenes and everyone pushed us to make sure that we played as one group. Words can't describe my feelings now. Sixteen years without winning this tournament. I have been four years in this programme and I feel like a veteran now. There is only one (current) American NBA player that has won this tournament in the NBA (Shaquille O'Neal) so that's pretty special.
Chauncey Billups (USA guard): “This was a big win for us. We wanted to come here and prove we were the best players in the world, the best team in the world, and we did that. It's very important. We hadn't done this in 16 years. Now we have qualified for two years time (2012 London Olympic Games), we can go there and try to get another gold.”
Lamar Odom (USA forward/centre): “We tried to play our style, our game which is aggressive and we did it right away. We kept it during the whole game, played hard and got the crowd out of the game. To win this tournament we needed to be the best defensive team and I think that we achieved that.”
Bogdan Tanjevic (Turkey head coach): “Congratulations to my team, to the fans and the city of Istanbul. It was a fantastic atmosphere. The USA were fantastic. We had a lot of nerves last night (against Serbia) and it was a tiring game. The Americans had three hours more rest than us for today’s game but they played spectacular. I am so proud of my team.”
Hedo Turkoglu (Turkey forward): Congratulations to the USA. Nobody expected us to get this far in the tournament so as team captain I’m really proud of my teammates. I have to give credit to coach Tanjevic for what he has done.
(On what he told his teammates before the fourth quarter): “Tonight everybody was kind of nervous and wasn’t playing their game. I told the guys to relax and play the way we do. Even last night against Serbia there were nerves. I was telling them to enjoy the moment because it might not happen again. I’m happy with how we played overall in the tournament.”
(On what he thought made this a successful tournament for his team): “I think we had great chemistry between the players, the coaching staff. We were like a big family. We were together for two months and we made sure to enjoy our time together. Nobody cared who shot the ball the most. We acted like a team, thought like a team and it will make us a great team.”
FIBAtv - 2010 FIBA World Championship nail-biters
The preliminary round, held in Ankara, Izmir, Kayseri and Istanbul, provided plenty of thrills and spills.
Serbia v Germany
group A - Kayseri, 29th August
Early on, the young German team surprised everyone when they took EuroBasket finalists Serbia down to the wire. Six behind with 1:40 to go, Aleksander Rasic came up with two big consecutive three-pointers to bring the game into overtime.
A first period of overtime would not be enough to separate the two teams. In the second period however, Germany edged their way ahead to lead by two with a minute to go. Then, with Germany under immense pressure and the shot clock ticking down, the ball is fed out to Jan Jagla who nails an amazing fade away three-pointer, which ultimately wins Germany the game.
USA v Brazil
group B - Istanbul, 30th August
One of the things that makes basketball so unique is how much can happen in the dying seconds of a game. Brazil and the USA provided a perfect illustration of this.
Sporting a two-point lead, the USA left the Brazilians with a chance of victory when Chaucey Billups missed a three-pointer with 10 seconds to go. Alex Garcia snatched the rebound and Brazil brought the ball up the floor setting up Marcelo Huertas, who drove into the lane and drew a foul from Kevin Durant.
Huertas’ first free-throw hit the front of the rim and stayed out. Magnano instructs him to intentionally miss the second. His flat shot hits the rim and bounces to the left corner where Huertas chases it down.
Durant hustles over to attempt a block of his three-pointer. Instead, Huertas passes to Barbosa under the basket, who leaps high and shoots the ball off the backboard but it dropped, hits the rim and stays out.
Brazil v Slovenia
group B - Istanbul, 1st September
Brazil received a second sucker-punch as they fell to Slovenia. Behind for much of the game, Brazil began to mount something of a comeback. But with 21 seconds to go, the scores at 76-71 and with the South Americans threatening to go one better than they had against the USA, Nachbar hits a three-pointer to open up enough breathing space to go on and secure the win.
Germany v Angola
group A - Kayseri, 1st September
The crowd in the Kayseri Kadir Has arena had been on its feet for a while by the time the final couple of minutes of the Angola-Germany game were being played. Angola had built up, and surrendered and eight point lead, while Germany were seeing a ten point lead evaporate.
A Joaquim Gomes three-pointer launched an amazing eight-point run, that also included an Felizardo Ambrosio steal and dunk before the very same Ambrosio sinks an outrageous fade away three off the glass to bring Angola to within one.
They would manage to force overtime and go on to win the game, thereby eliminating the Germans and securing qualification for the Eight-Final round for the first time in the country’s history.
Puerto Rico v Ivory Coast
group C - Ankara, 2nd September
Ivory Coast came oh so close to qualifying for the Eight-Finals. In fact they came to within one last gasp three pointer. They needed to beat Puerto Rico by 12 points, and that was the very margin of their lead with only fractions of a second remaining.
Then, David Huertas takes aim from way out wide to sink a three-pointer that books China a ticket in the knock-out round. Ivroy Coast would nevertheless win the game and register their first ever World Championship victory.
As the teams made their way to Istanbul’s Sinan Erdem Olympic dome, it was immediately clear that adrenaline levels were set to rise further still.
Argentina v Brazil
Eight-Final - Istanbul, 7th September
Brazil were involved in some of the greatest games and closest finishes of the 2010 FIBA World Championship. After nail-biters against USA and Slovenia, things would yet again go down to the wire in their Eight-Final game with neighbours Argentina.
Averaging 27.5 points per game, breaking thirty on no less than five occasions and pouring in 37 on the night, Luis Scola would be responsible for Brazil’s third narrow defeat.
Just three points ahead, an under pressure Pablo Prigioni plays a millimetred behind the back pass into Scola, who sinks a jump shot from just inside the paint increasing the gap to five, effectively ending Brazil’s chances of progressing.
Serbia v Spain
Quarter-Final - Istanbul, 8th September
Some weeks ago in Athens we saw the worst of Serbia’s young prodigy Milos Teodosic. In their quarter-final against Spain, we got to see the best.
With Serbia having led for most of the game, Spain clawed it back with an 11-2 run to bring the scores even at 89-89 with 25 seconds to play. Following a time out called by Serbia, the ball is handed to Teodosic, who calmly lets the clock countdown as he looks for options.
With the clock at five seconds and Marc Gasol towering over him, Teodosic – meters outside the three-point line – lines up and lets loose to sink three from way downtown, putting Serbia three points ahead, with as many seconds remaining on the clock. Unable to make a shot in the three remaining seconds, Spain bow out to the side they beat one year ago in the EuroBasket final.
Serbia v Turkey
Semi-Final - Istanbul, 11th September
Imagine a packed 15,000 seater Sinan Erdem Dome celebrating a last second victory to set up a World Championship Final meeting between hosts Turkey and pre-tournament favourites the USA. That is what took place during Saturday’s Semi-Final between Turkey and Serbia.
During the last minute of play, whichever team had possession of the ball looked like they would win the game.
An exchange of free-throws left Serbia one point ahead with 28 seconds to go. Semih Erden then put Turkey one point ahead from inside the paint with 16 on the clock. Then the real madness begins. Milos Teodosic gets a defensive rebound off an Erden free-throw, before Serbia edge ahead through Velickovic on the ensuing attack. Four seconds on the shot clock. Bogdan Tanjevic calls a time-out.
Turkey inbound the ball to Hedo Turkoglu, who loses control on the left wing, but Kerem Tunceri got to the ball first and was a step ahead of the defenders as he drove hard to the hole to put Turkey back ahead within the final second. The Sinan Erdem erupts.
This time Serbia head coach Dusan Ivkovic calls the time-out. In what must have been an intricately rehearsed play, the remaining half-second would somehow be enough for the ball to reach Novica Velickovic, who shoots only for Erden to come up with a game saving fingertip block, propelling Turkey into the final.
So as the long hard four-year wait for the next edition begins, enjoy the above action that we think you will probably never get tired of watching...
FIBA
Men’s Ranking after 2010 FIBA World Championship for Men
| Rank | Country | IOC | Current Points | +/- Rank* | |
| |||||
| 1. |  USA | USA | 892.0 |  +1 | |
| 2. |  Spain | ESP | 720.0 | +1 | |
| 3. |  Argentina | ARG | 665.0 |  -2 | |
| 4. |  Greece | GRE | 489.0 |  | |
| 5. |  Lithuania | LTU | 462.0 | +1 | |
| 6. |  Turkey | TUR | 301.0 | +12 | |
| 7. |  Italy | ITA | 300.0 | +1 | |
| 8. |  Serbia | SRB | 234.0 | -3 | |
| 9. |  Australia | AUS | 224.0 | +2 | |
| 10. |  China | CHN | 219.7 | -1 | |
| 11. |  Russia | RUS | 194.0 | +6 | |
| 12. |  Germany | GER | 182.0 | -5 | |
| 13. |  Angola | ANG | 180.0 | -1 | |
| 14. |  France | FRA | 170.0 | +1 | |
| 15. |  Puerto Rico | PUR | 169.6 | -5 | |
| 16. |  Brazil | BRA | 161.6 | -2 | |
| 17. |  Slovenia | SLO | 154.0 | +3 | |
| 18. |  New Zealand | NZL | 147.0 | -5 | |
| 19. |  Croatia | CRO | 136.0 | -4 | |
| 20. |  Iran | IRI | 83.1 | +1 | |
| 21. |  Nigeria | NGR | 69.6 | +1 | |
| 22. |  Venezuela | VEN | 49.0 | +1 | |
| 23. |  Canada | CAN | 48.2 | -4 | |
| 24. |  Lebanon | LIB | 48.0 | | |
| 25. |  Uruguay | URU | 37.6 | +4 | |
| 26. |  Mexico | MEX | 36.8 | +4 | |
| 27. |  Israel | ISR | 36.0 | -2 | |
| 28. |  Panama | PAN | 33.0 | +3 | |
| 29. |  Qatar | QAT | 30.5 | -1 | |
| 30. |  Dominican Republic | DOM | 30.4 | -4 | |
| 31. |  Korea | KOR | 29.1 | -4 | |
| 32. |  Jordan | JOR | 24.5 | +6 | |
| 33. |  Japan | JPN | 24.1 | -1 | |
| 34. |  Latvia | LAT | 24.0 | +1 | |
| 35. |  Senegal | SEN | 20.4 | +2 | |
| 36. |  Cote d'Ivoire | CIV | 18.6 | +5 | |
| 37. |  Tunisia | TUN | 18.4 | +6 | |
| 38. |  Poland | POL | 16.0 | +1 | |
| 39. |  Virgin Islands | ISV | 14.4 | +1 | |
| 40. |  Kazakhstan | KAZ | 13.8 | -4 | |
| 41. |  Chinese Taipei | TPE | 13.5 | +1 | |
| 42. |  Bulgaria | BUL | 12.0 | +2 | |
| 43. |  Cameroon | CMR | 11.0 | +2 | |
| 43. |  Ukraine | UKR | 11.0 | +2 | |
| 45. |  Egypt | EGY | 10.8 | -12 | |
| 46. |  Central African Republic | CAF | 10.6 | +1 | |
| 47. |  Portugal | POR | 10.0 | +2 | |
| 47. |  Bosnia and Herzegovina | BIH | 10.0 | +2 | |
| 47. |  F.Y.R. of Macedonia | MKD | 10.0 | +2 | |
| 50. |  India | IND | 8.4 | +2 | |
| 51. |  Morocco | MAR | 8.0 | +3 | |
| 52. |  Kuwait | KUW | 7.8 | +3 | |
| 53. |  Philippines | PHI | 7.5 | +3 | |
| 54. |  Cape Verde | CPV | 7.2 | +3 | |
| 55. |  Mali | MLI | 6.2 | -7 | |
| 56. |  Czech Republic | CZE | 6.0 | +2 | |
| 56. |  Great Britain | GBR | 6.0 | +2 | |
| 58. |  Algeria | ALG | 5.4 | -24 | |
| 58. |  Mozambique | MOZ | 5.4 | +2 | |
| 58. |  Syria | SYR | 5.4 | -6 | |
| 58. |  Uzbekistan | UZB | 5.4 | +2 | |
| 58. |  South Africa | RSA | 5.4 | +2 | |
| 63. |  Hong Kong | HKG | 4.8 | | |
| 63. |  Indonesia | INA | 4.8 | | |
| 65. |  Rwanda | RWA | 3.4 | | |
| 66. |  Kingdom of Saudi Arabia | KSA | 3.3 | | |
| 67. |  Sweden | SWE | 3.0 | | |
| 67. |  United Arab Emirates | UAE | 3.0 | | |
| 69. |  Gabon | GAB | 2.0 | | |
| 70. |  Malaysia | MAS | 1.8 | | |
| 71. |  Libya | LBA | 1.6 | | |
| 72. |  Madagascar | MAD | 1.4 | | |
| 73. |  Sri Lanka | SRI | 0.9 | | |
| 74. |  Dem.Rep. of Congo | COD | 0.8 | | |
| 75. |  People's Republic of Congo | CGO | 0.6 | | |
| 75. |  Liberia | LBR | 0.6 | | |
