FIBA CHAMPIONSHIP 2010 (DAY 4)

TEAM OF THE DAY: LITHUANIA

Ranked 6th in the world in 2009.

Lithuania took on FIBA 2006 champions Spain (2nd) today for what turned out to be an amazing game. With Spain being heavily favored, few expected Lithuania to put up any type of challenge.  The start of the game was fast paced for both teams.  Spain had great speed and great shooting with the help of the many current and former NBA players on their roster.  The pace proved too much for Lithuania by the start of the 2nd half as they were down by 18 points.  

However, the shots stopped falling for Spain and Lithuania was playing smart basketball, shooting high percentage shots from mid-range and in the paint cutting the lead drastically for a 66-66 tie with 5:15 left in the game.  Five minutes and a few Spanish turnovers later, Lithuania would lead 74-73 with 6 seconds left.  A Team Spain foul would put Lithuania at the free throw line.  Lithuania sealed the win by hitting both free throws continuing the tournament undefeated (3-0).  

I think it's important to mention that the fans for both teams were the most passionate I have seen to date during FIBA 2010.  Major excitement on every play with genuine concern in their faces during tense moments.  There were drums, painted faces and flags representing both sides making it an even more enjoyable game and finish.  The arena looked and sounded like it was sold out.  Glad to see there is true love for the game outside of North America.  Cheers!

*Canada loses to France by 5 points in a close and well played game.  

Next up, New Zealand.

GROUP C

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Russia 72  Cote d'Ivoire

Puerto Rico 84  China 76

Turkey 76  Greece 65

GROUP D

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New Zealand 108  Lebanon 76

France 68  Canada 63

Lithuania 76  Spain 73

FIBA CHAMPIONSHIP 2010 (DAY 3)

TEAM OF THE DAY: BRAZIL

Ranked 14th in the world in 2009.

Brazil and Team USA (ranked 2nd) came into today's game undefeated (2-0) and put on the the tournament's first meaningful "nail-biter".  Brazil came out making it hard for the US to defend them, getting open for 3-pointer after 3-pointer.  The game started out as a "track meet" with both teams running up and down the court scoring on fast breaks.  Without going into a play-by-play, Brazil led by 3 (46-43) going into half-time, and were at the free throw line, down 2 points (70-68) with 3.5 seconds left in the game.  Brazil would miss both free throws and Team USA would get the rebound for the win.  Even though Brazil lost the game, they get "TEAM OF THE DAY" for being the first real challenge to the US.  For anyone watching, it was clear that favored Team USA are not unbeatable.

TEAM OF THE DAY: AUSTRALIA

Ranked 11th in the world in 2009.

Team Australia should also be recognized as "Team of the Day" for dominating Germany (7th) 78-43.  Watching this game was like watching pros versus amateurs.  NBA stars Dirk Nowitzki (Germany) and Andrew Bogut (Australia) were not playing which gave both teams an opportunity to show how they fair without them.  Australia played most of the game with their bench executing flawlessly on fast breaks and half-court set ups.  They played excellent defense forcing Germany to use up all of the shot clock on their possessions resulting in poor shooting.  What made it even more fun to watch, was the terrible officiating that seemed to favor Germany.  The great thing about that was Australia didn't complain, they just kept scoring.  Had the game been close, it may have been an issue but, as I have always said; "The only way to protect yourself from bad officiating is to blow out your opponent".  Australia kept their composure during bad calls and simply out played Germany.

GROUP A

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Serbia 112  Jordan 69

Australia 78  Germany 43

Argentina 91  Angola 70

GROUP B

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Slovenia 91  Croatia 84

Iran 71  Tunisia 58

USA 70  Brazil 68

FIBA CHAMPIONSHIP 2010 (DAY 2)

TEAM OF THE DAY

Team Greece, ranked 4th in the world in 2009.

Greece went undefeated against 9th ranked China and 10th placed Puerto Rico in the last 2 days.  This may not seem impressive based on rankings but, consider that Greece lost 2 of their best players due to a 2 game suspension after an on the court brawl with Serbia during exhibition play.  Also consider that both suspended players will back to face an 18th placed Turkey Team on Tuesday. Keep in mind that in 2006, Greece beat an NBA filled Team USA roster in the semi-finals for the Silver medal, sending the US home with the Bronze.  Among the 7 undefeated teams on day 2, Greece has scored the most points against their opponents, 172, second only to USA's 205.

*Team Canada lost their second game in a row, this time to Lithuania.  Next up, France.

GROUP A

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Angola 79  Jordan 65

Germany 82  Serbia 81

Argentina 74  Australia 72

GROUP B

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USA 99  Slovenia 77

Croatia 75  Iran 54

Brazil 80  Tunisia 65

GROUP C

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China 83  Cote d'Ivoire 73

Greece 83  Puerto Rico 80

Turkey 65  Russia 56

GROUP D

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Lithuania 70  Canada 68

France 86  Lebanon 59

Spain 101  New Zealand

FIBA Team USA Roster 2010

FIBA Team Canada Roster 2010

FIBA CHAMPIONSHIP 2010 (DAY 1)

Team USA gets top billing with the most dominating performance of the day.

Team France gets honorable mention for defeating reigning champs Spain.

Team Canada came up short against Lebanon.  Next game is versus Lithuania.

GROUP A

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Australia 76  Jordan 75

Serbia 94  Angola 44

Argentina 78  Germany 74

GROUP B

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Slovenia 80  Tunisia 56

USA 106  Croatia 78

Brazil 81  Iran 65

GROUP C

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Greece 89  China 81

Russia 75  Puerto Rico 66

Turkey 86  Cote d'Ivoire 47

GROUP D

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Lithuania 92  New Zealand 79

Lebanon 81  Canada 71

France 72  Spain 66

FIBA World Championship Canadian TV Schedule

I had mentioned in an earlier blog post that I was planning on streaming as many Team Canada games as possible during the FIBA Championship tournament.  It seems that TSN2 has decided to air all Team Canada games including the FIBA Championship Semifinal and Final game.  As expected, there are some early tip-offs due to time zone differences but, as long as I'm not working that day, I will be sure to set my alarm and get a nice cup of coffee for some early morning hoops.

Good Luck Team Canada!


AUGUST

Saturday, August 28 Canada vs. Lebanon 11:30am/8:30am TSN2
Sunday, August 29 Canada vs. Lithuania 9am/6am TSN2
Tuesday, August 31 Canada vs. France 11:30am/8:30am TSN2

SEPTEMBER

Wednesday, September 1 Canada vs. New Zealand 9am/6am TSN2
Thursday, September 2 Canada vs. Spain 9am/6am TSN2

Saturday, September 11 Semifinal 6pm/3pm TSN2
Sunday, September 12 Final 6pm/3pm TSN2

2010 FIBA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TRAILER

2010 FIBA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

2010 FIBA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP IN TURKEY
AUGUST 28 TO SEPTEMBER 12

For those who don't know, FIBA stands for the International Basketball Federation.  Formed in 1932 by Argentina, Czechoslovakia, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Portugal, Romania and Switzerland.  The much lesser known FIBA World Championship is the basketball equivalent of the FIFA World Cup.  The event takes place every 4 years with teams needing to qualify before being selected to 1 of 4 groups for the tournament.

Surprisingly, the Americans dominate the Olympics but have been unable to make an impact during the FIBA World Championships.  They've won the tournament only 3 times, none since 1994, and only came away with the bronze in Japan during the 2006 tournament.  That 2006 team had NBA stars such as Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, Dwight Howard, Chris Paul, Chris Bosh and Carmelo Anthony.  This years 2010 team does not include any of the players mentioned above.

I won't pretend to have followed this event closely throughout my entire life.  If anything, the most I would learn about this tournament would be through American media boasting of their massive talent pool and the ease in which they defeat all opponents.  I felt, as a Canadian, I should take more interest in my country's participation in this type of global event while appreciating the chance to watch talented players from countries not famous for basketball in North America.

Part of the reason that FIBA does not get the attention that FIFA does is likely due to the fact that the majority of the world's countries have a soccer team.  As supposed to basketball which is slowly spreading as an option for athletes outside of many developed nations.

I am really excited to see the best players from Canada and the USA compete against the rest of the world.  With the help of the Internet, I'm hoping to watch as many games as possible.  Knowing FIBA is in need of exposure, Nike held a huge festival in New York city with Team USA players making TV appearances, exhibition games, outdoor scrimmages for fans as well as a pick up games in local parks.  Music performances and celebrity appearances also played a part in the festivities which included the likes of Jay-Z among many others.

No doubt all the attention will be on Team USA.  I too will be among those waiting to see the NBA talent on display in Turkey, at the same time, I will make sure to pay even closer attention to Team Canada and their success throughout the tournament.

GROUP A            GROUP B            GROUP C            GROUP D
1. Angola            1. Brazil              1. China                 1. Canada
2. Argentina        2. Croatia            2. Cote d'Ivoire      2. France
3. Australia         3. Iran                 3. Greece                3. Lebanon
4. Germany         4. Tunisia           4. Russia                 4. Lithuania
5. Jordan             5. Slovenia         5. Puerto Rico         5. New Zealand
6. Serbia             6. USA                6. Turkey               6. Spain

2010 SENIOR MEN'S NATIONAL TEAM TRAINING CAMP ROSTER

Jermaine Anderson        Joel Anthony       
Ryan Bell                        Denham Brown
Jermain Bucknor            Aaron Doornekamp   
Olu Famutimi                 Michael Fraser
Levon Kendall               Tyler Kepkay
Kyle Landry                   Kelly Olynyk
Andy Rautins                 Robert Sacre
Jevohn Shepherd

Head Coach: Leo Rautins


2010 USA BASKETBALL MEN'S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP FINALISTS

Chauncey Billups        Tyson Chandler
Kevin Durant               Rudy Gay
Eric Gordon                 Danny Granger
Andre Igoudala            Kevin Love
Lamar Odom               Rajon Rondo
Derrick Rose               Russell Westbrook

Head Coach: Mike Krzyzewski

NBA in Montreal, Quebec Canada October 22, 2010

(Demar Derozan / Toronto Raptors)

Toronto Raptors vs New York Knicks @ the Bell Center in Montreal Oct. 22, 2010 

*Do my eyes deceive me?  NBA Basketball in Montreal at the Bell Center?  Yessir!

National Post announced that on October 22, 2010 the Toronto Raptors would be facing off against the New York Knicks at the Bell Center in Montreal.  As a fan of the Raptors, and basketball in general, I could not be more happy.  My favorite team, from my favorite sport, coming to my city to play an actual NBA game.  Amazing!  Even though it is only a pre-season game, there is no reason not to get excited.

Montreal has never hosted an NBA basketball game in the leagues entire history.

Over the years the league has held games almost everywhere in the world with its Basketball Without Borders program and it's surprising that this will be the first visit here (Montreal).  NBA Commissioner David Stern has been aggressively promoting the game in places like Asia, Europe, South America and Africa for more than a decade.  There was apparently an attempt at this once in the past, however interest was minimal and it was canceled before it got off the ground.

In all honesty Minor Pro and Professional basketball has not done very well in Canada over the years.  Of the 20 Minor Pro teams established since 2004, ranging from Calgary, Halifax, Montreal, Hamilton, Vancouver and Quebec, only 2 teams, the Montreal Matrix and Ontario Red Wolves survived 2 years before folding.

I know we are a Hockey country and all, but that is embarrassing.

The Vancouver Grizzlies lasted in the NBA from 1995-2001 before moving to Memphis.

That leaves the Toronto Raptors, established the same year as the Grizzlies, as the longest running NBA franchise outside of the USA.  This is a big deal and should be acknowledged.  Sure Canadians care more about Hockey and the NFL gets a good following all over North America, but why not support a little basketball?

Believe me, I am not naive enough to think we as "Montrealers" would have a waiting list for season tickets, like the Habs do for an NBA team, but it would be nice.

For now I only ask that people come out to support and widen their gaze beyond the ice and the field, and take a look at the court.

Montreal may never get a team, but with enough exposure and support, more games like the one to hit the Bell Center could be a regular occurrence and good for the city's identity.

(The National Post reported the story on August 12, 2010)  

2010-2011 NBA Schedule Released

(Kevin Durant (left) and Derrick Rose)

*Please don't panic! I am aware the above picture is not of the Miami Heat!*

The full 2010-2011 NBA schedule was released on Tuesday August 10. Like most fans, I skimmed my favorite teams schedules for games I could not miss.

It's no doubt Toronto, Cleveland, Boston and Orlando fans have Miami dates circled on their calendars.  To be honest, I am one of the many planning a road-trip to see the "Heroic Trio" in action. 

Opening day has Boston hosting the Miami Heat.  With the addition of Shaq to the Celtics, expect the media and sports stations to be drooling for highlights, all while forcing us to listen to Eastern Conference Finals predictions.

But if your favorite team is out west and are not called the Lakers, Miami wins are not worth much more than bragging rights.  But I want to talk about another early season match up on day 2 of the schedule that hardcore fans should not miss.  

On October 27, the Oklahoma Thunder host the Chicago Bulls.  

Oklahoma showed us during the 2010 Playoffs that they can really compete with best. Pushing the Lakers to anything but an easy win in the 1st round of the Western Conference Playoffs.  Kevin Durant, who remains under the radar with an average of 30ppg, was 2008 All Rookie Team, 2008 Rookie of the year, 2010 All NBA 1st Team, an NBA All Star 2010 and 2010 Scoring Champion.  All this since being drafted 2nd overall in 2007.  

Durant gets legitmate help from Russell Westbrook and Jeff Green combining for just over 30ppg on a team that averages 100 points per game. Watching the Thunder play reminds me of the run and gun of the Phoenix Suns a few years back.

Chicago is a team that lost out on the "Lebron-athon" and the chance to get Dwayne Wade, but wound up with a piece I believe leaves them better off; Forward Carlos Boozer.  The Bulls made the playoffs the last 2 years putting up a good fight during both 1st round series. Falling short to the Celtics in 7 games, and the Cavaliers last spring.  Even thought they struggled a bit towards the end of last season, it was clear this team is moving in the right direction.

2008 1st Overall pick  Point Gaurd Derrick Rose, who won Rookie of the Year and made the 2008 All Rookie Team, scores on average 26ppg and hands out 7 assists.  Not far behind is Luol Deng and Joakim Noah chipping in just under 35 points on a team that socres about 100 points per game themselves.

With the big body of Carlos Boozer who averaged 20 points and 13 rebounds per game in Utah, you got yourself a pretty strong team.

Let's be honest. stats alone cannot predict exciting games.  

If you have watched either team play, you know they are 2 young hungry teams with a lot still to prove, both of which demand and deserve respect.  The Bulls and The Thunder are energetic and passionate, making this a perfect match up.  Not to mention the Oklahoma City Thunder home crowd was the most impressive of all Playoff teams last year is something worthy of note, which will only add to the atmosphere.

I truly believe after the opening day "Media Orgy" on Oct. 26, this is the best quality game to take place (Oct. 27).