from BasketBloggin 3 July 2009
On the NBA front, Ron Artest is rumoured to be heading to LA to be a Laker with Laker Trevor Ariza heading to Houston.
The FIBA under 19 World titles are in full swing, here is the very latest of results from New Zealand as it appears on the FIBA website at: www.fiba.com
Thursday, 2 July 2009
Group A:
Puerto Rico defeated Lithuania 80-73
Greece defeated Angola 101-58
Group B:
USA defeated Iran 106-55
France defeated Egypt 102-56
Group C:
Spain defeated Syria 79-53
Australia defeated Canada 88-77
Group D:
Croatia defeated Kazakhstan 104-74
Argentina defeated New Zealand 66-64
So far today:
Group B:
USA 71-France 55
Egypt 95-Iran 91
Group C:
Canada 99- Syria 53
Group D:
Argentina 98-Kazakhstan 69
That is as up to date as it gets, back tomorrow with more.
22 July 2009
It's All Going On!!!
from BasketBloggin 2 July 2009
Around the hoop world today there is plenty of activity. The NBA free agent market opened with the Detroit Pistons getting right to business by coming to agreements with forward Charlie Villanueva and guard Ben Gordon. the move reunites former University of Connecticut. The Pistons also released recently acquired Fabricio Oberto.
In a trede the LA Clippers traded underachieving Zach Randolph to the Memphis Grizzlies for Quentin Richardson.
Elsewhere, the FIBA Under 19 World championships are underway in Auckland New Zealand.
Also directly from the Basketball Australia website, here is a story on the Boomers recent tour of China:
Around the hoop world today there is plenty of activity. The NBA free agent market opened with the Detroit Pistons getting right to business by coming to agreements with forward Charlie Villanueva and guard Ben Gordon. the move reunites former University of Connecticut. The Pistons also released recently acquired Fabricio Oberto.
In a trede the LA Clippers traded underachieving Zach Randolph to the Memphis Grizzlies for Quentin Richardson.
Elsewhere, the FIBA Under 19 World championships are underway in Auckland New Zealand.
Also directly from the Basketball Australia website, here is a story on the Boomers recent tour of China:
Jawai shines but Boomers fall
Wed, 01 Jul 2009 8:46 AM
By Basketball Australia
Related Links
- Nathan Jawai versus China
Despite a fourth quarter comeback that saw Australia’s men’s basketball team within striking distance of victory, China defeated the Boomers 74-61 in the second of two international friendly matches in China.
Trailing by sixteen points at three-quarter time the Boomers rode the broad shoulders and loud, large and angry presence of the 'Bamaga Behemoth' Nathan Jawai to get back into the match.
Jawai threw down three huge dunks under heavy pressure in the fourth quarter as the Boomers hammered away at the lead until it was reduced to just five points when less than two minutes remained.
But after an Oscar Forman pass was stolen, China nailed a dagger three-pointer and Australia’s desperation shots failed to fall as the experienced Chinese team iced the game from the foul line to win by thirteen points.
208cm Jawai had a monster game in his second match for Australia and connected on 11-of-12 shots to finish with 28 points and 11 rebounds while poor perimeter shooting restricted the remainder of the side to single digits. China’s first NBA player Wang Zhizhi top scored for the host nation with 13 points.
“I’m extremely proud of these guys for clawing out of the significant hole we dug ourselves in the first quarter and the emergence of Nathan Jawai was a huge positive,” Boomers Head Coach Brett Brown said.
“Nathan’s been dominant in both games here and he’s a legitimate low post threat that demanded double teams.
“When you think about his continued development alongside three quality bigs like Matthew Nielsen, Andrew Bogut and David Andersen it’s exciting and there will be a lot less pressure on him with those guys alongside him than he got tonight.
“We shot the ball poorly from the perimeter and Nathan was our shining light in the post offensively and we used him. China, on the other hand, shot very well but overall I’m extremely proud of this young group.”
After winning the opening match in Beilun 84-78, China was on the front foot from the outset of the second match in Benxi, leading 26-10 after one quarter and 36-20 at half time.
But the inexperienced Boomers side stayed toe-to-toe in hostile territory with a Chinese outfit boasting eight Beijing Olympians for 20 minutes across the second and third quarters and Australia was not done yet as the game entered its final quarter with the score, 54-38.
That was before Jawai’s outstanding effort and the hustle of a Boomers side that could not brag of a single World Championship or Olympic Games cap among them.
The team will arrive back in Sydney on Qantas flight QF130 at 8:30am on Thursday morning and enjoy a twenty day break before an extended squad undergoes a six day training camp in Sydney from July 21-27.
A touring side is then selected to depart for tournaments in Argentina and Brazil (July 27 – August 10) before a pre-FIBA Oceania Championship training camp in Sydney from August 18-22.
The Boomers then face New Zealand at the State Sports Centre at Olympic Park on Sunday 22 August in the first of a two game series to decide bragging rights as well as 2010 FIBA World Championship seedings, with the second match played in Auckland on August 25.
Quarter by quarter:
1. CHN 26 AUS 10
H. CHN 36 AUS 20 (10-10)
3. CHN 54 AUS 38 (18-18)
4. CHN 74 AUS 61 (20-23)
CHINA 74 (Wang Zhizhi 13, Li 12, Fy Zhu 8)
AUSTRALIA 61 (Nathan Jawai 28, Steven Weigh 6, James Harvey 5, Oscar Forman 5)
in Benxi, China
China wins series 2-0
In the next few days there will be reports from the Under 19 World championships and the World University Games. Until then, Happy Hooping.
Emus Ready for the World
from BasketBloggin 30 June 2009
Australia's Under 19 team finished off preparations for the upcoming FIBA Under 19 World Championships by winning the Four Nations tournament held in Melbourne recently. In the first game of the tourney, Australia ran out to an impressive 96-74 win over Greece. Brock Motum lead the way with 23 points and 10 rebounds. Ample support was provided by Ryan Broekhoff who scored 17 points while Cody Ellis chipped in with 13 points and 4 assists. Jorden Page scored an additional 13 points for the Emus.
In the final match, Australia was again lead by Brock Motum who scored 18 points and grabbed 7 rebounds as the Emus narrowly defeated Spain to win the trophy. Cody Ellis with 13 points 9 rebounds, Jorden Page, 11 points and Ryan Broekhoff 10 points, 9 rebounds, lead the supporting cast for Australia.
The other final day result went to Greece with a 84-65 defeat of France.
In the first round, Australia barely defeated France 85-83 thanks to 20 points from Brock Motum, 12 points and 10 rebounds from Mitchell Young, 15 points from Cody Ellis and 14 points/4 assists from Matthew Dellavedova.
The other first round result saw Greece bounce Spain 95-71. In the other second round encounter, France held off Spain 74-71.
The Final Ladder for the tourney stacked up as:
Australia 3 wins, 0 losses
Greece 2 wins, 1 loss
France 1 win, 2 losses
Spain 0 wins, 3 losses
All four teams will be participating in the World finals in Auckland New Zealand starting on July 2.
Australia's Under 19 team finished off preparations for the upcoming FIBA Under 19 World Championships by winning the Four Nations tournament held in Melbourne recently. In the first game of the tourney, Australia ran out to an impressive 96-74 win over Greece. Brock Motum lead the way with 23 points and 10 rebounds. Ample support was provided by Ryan Broekhoff who scored 17 points while Cody Ellis chipped in with 13 points and 4 assists. Jorden Page scored an additional 13 points for the Emus.
In the final match, Australia was again lead by Brock Motum who scored 18 points and grabbed 7 rebounds as the Emus narrowly defeated Spain to win the trophy. Cody Ellis with 13 points 9 rebounds, Jorden Page, 11 points and Ryan Broekhoff 10 points, 9 rebounds, lead the supporting cast for Australia.
The other final day result went to Greece with a 84-65 defeat of France.
In the first round, Australia barely defeated France 85-83 thanks to 20 points from Brock Motum, 12 points and 10 rebounds from Mitchell Young, 15 points from Cody Ellis and 14 points/4 assists from Matthew Dellavedova.
The other first round result saw Greece bounce Spain 95-71. In the other second round encounter, France held off Spain 74-71.
The Final Ladder for the tourney stacked up as:
Australia 3 wins, 0 losses
Greece 2 wins, 1 loss
France 1 win, 2 losses
Spain 0 wins, 3 losses
All four teams will be participating in the World finals in Auckland New Zealand starting on July 2.
Draft...the day after, Speculation time.
from BasketBloggin 27 June 2009
With the NBA Draft over and done with albeit hugely overshadowed by other world events in the last day, we can now take a look at who came out winners and who stuffed it up.
Denver Nuggets-Ty Lawson was a steal with the 18th pick draft and trade deal. He will provide solid backup to Billups and Anthony and eventually become the teams leader from the point.
LA Clippers-Taylor Griffin was the stud of this years draft and the Clippers were right in taking him. He will have time to adjust and will have a healthy Kaman and Camby up front to help shoulder the load. Will this be enough for the Baron to return to being a productive team first player?
Memphis Grizzlies-Drafted well and could get immediate help from Carroll and Thabeet will be a dominant defensive force in the years to come. Young was also a second round steal.
Orlando Magic-though they had no draft picks, the trade to bring Vince Carter back to the Sunshine state will make all parties happy. The loss of Tukoglu may not be as tough as it once seemed.
San Antonio Spurs-No first round picks, no worries!! The Spurs made out like Bandits whether or not they keep or trade Blair, Jack McClinton can score with the best of 'em and the acquisition of Jefferson helps the team transform itself into more of a threat.
Philadelphia 76ers-The Sixers got a still when a lottery pick Jrue Holliday fell into their hands at pick 17.
With the NBA Draft over and done with albeit hugely overshadowed by other world events in the last day, we can now take a look at who came out winners and who stuffed it up.
Winners:
Denver Nuggets-Ty Lawson was a steal with the 18th pick draft and trade deal. He will provide solid backup to Billups and Anthony and eventually become the teams leader from the point.
LA Clippers-Taylor Griffin was the stud of this years draft and the Clippers were right in taking him. He will have time to adjust and will have a healthy Kaman and Camby up front to help shoulder the load. Will this be enough for the Baron to return to being a productive team first player?
Memphis Grizzlies-Drafted well and could get immediate help from Carroll and Thabeet will be a dominant defensive force in the years to come. Young was also a second round steal.
Orlando Magic-though they had no draft picks, the trade to bring Vince Carter back to the Sunshine state will make all parties happy. The loss of Tukoglu may not be as tough as it once seemed.
San Antonio Spurs-No first round picks, no worries!! The Spurs made out like Bandits whether or not they keep or trade Blair, Jack McClinton can score with the best of 'em and the acquisition of Jefferson helps the team transform itself into more of a threat.
Philadelphia 76ers-The Sixers got a still when a lottery pick Jrue Holliday fell into their hands at pick 17.
Losers:
Chicago Bulls-Questions surround Johnson & Gibson.
Minnesota Timberwolves-Either a bad Chemistry experiment or stocking the shelves for a fire sale?? They are building, but what are they building??
Other Notes:
Shaq will again don the number 33 for the first time since his college days for his Cleveland debut next season.
Rubio did not show up at a Wolves press conference.
Turkoglu opts out of Orlando contract.
Next week I will start looking at the upcoming Under 19 World Championships, the WNBA, the local Aussie scene and a few other things.
Nelson says the Warriors will not trade Curry.
'til then ... shoot 'em if you're open and if not, drive and dish!!
The Diesel pulls into Cleveland, hooks up Championship train!!
from BasketBloggin 26 June 2009
Shaquille O'Neal has left the building in Phoenix and headed for Cleveland in hopes of winning another title before hanging up the big boots. In a Draft Eve trade O'Neal was sent to the Cavs in exchange for Ben Wallace, Sasha Pavlovic and a 2010 second round draft pick. The combonation of the big Diesel with King James has Cav fans rejoicing in the streets.
In another big trade, Vince Carter has gone home to Florida after a trade by the New Jersey Nets sent him to the Magic along with Ryan anderson for Rafer Alston, who will return to the NYC/Mix Tape area where he is a cult figure, Courtney Lee and Tony Battie. A healthy Carter could be the slasher the Magic are looking for in their quest for finals glory next season.
I will have a complete wrap up of todays draft and other trades in tomorrows blog...'til then, happy speculating.
Shaquille O'Neal has left the building in Phoenix and headed for Cleveland in hopes of winning another title before hanging up the big boots. In a Draft Eve trade O'Neal was sent to the Cavs in exchange for Ben Wallace, Sasha Pavlovic and a 2010 second round draft pick. The combonation of the big Diesel with King James has Cav fans rejoicing in the streets.
In another big trade, Vince Carter has gone home to Florida after a trade by the New Jersey Nets sent him to the Magic along with Ryan anderson for Rafer Alston, who will return to the NYC/Mix Tape area where he is a cult figure, Courtney Lee and Tony Battie. A healthy Carter could be the slasher the Magic are looking for in their quest for finals glory next season.
I will have a complete wrap up of todays draft and other trades in tomorrows blog...'til then, happy speculating.
Back to the Prospects
from BasketBloggin 25 June 2009
After yesterday's trade excitement, I will get back to having a look at more of the drafts top prospects.
Look for:
DeMar DeRozan (SG): Following O.J. Mayo's footsteps as a one and done from USC to the NBA, could follow his lead as a prime rookie performer in say...Toronto.
Jonny Flynn (PG): A fearless leader from the point will go to the hoop, pull up or dish with the best of them from this years draft, may become a Buck.
Stephen "Son of Dell" Curry (G): Definitely has the curry DNA though a bit shorter than his dad, could end up playing in Charlotte which would be friendly hometown confines.
Chase Budinger (G/F): Yes, white men can jump as this former volleyballer will prove, look for him to stay local and hop onto the roster of the Suns.
Eric Maynor (PG): A true floor general who has unquestionable floor leadership skills and smarts to bring to the table. May become a Philly favourite.
Biggest Bust:
Austin Daye (F): While intriguing with height for a big guard/small forward and with pedigree, should have taken another year or two to bulk up and hone his skills at 'Zaga. With that said look for Detroit to possibly be the ones to take a chance on him.
'Til tomorrow fans, we wait anxiously for the results and unpredictable outcomes of this years draft, while it is said to be a weak one, it is rather strong for back court players and deep at the PG position. As for Australia's own Patrick Mills, another year in the NCAA would not have hurt but look for him to go anywhere from late first round to not drafted at all. thus is the nature of the beast of Draft day 2009.
After yesterday's trade excitement, I will get back to having a look at more of the drafts top prospects.
Look for:
DeMar DeRozan (SG): Following O.J. Mayo's footsteps as a one and done from USC to the NBA, could follow his lead as a prime rookie performer in say...Toronto.
Jonny Flynn (PG): A fearless leader from the point will go to the hoop, pull up or dish with the best of them from this years draft, may become a Buck.
Stephen "Son of Dell" Curry (G): Definitely has the curry DNA though a bit shorter than his dad, could end up playing in Charlotte which would be friendly hometown confines.
Chase Budinger (G/F): Yes, white men can jump as this former volleyballer will prove, look for him to stay local and hop onto the roster of the Suns.
Eric Maynor (PG): A true floor general who has unquestionable floor leadership skills and smarts to bring to the table. May become a Philly favourite.
Biggest Bust:
Austin Daye (F): While intriguing with height for a big guard/small forward and with pedigree, should have taken another year or two to bulk up and hone his skills at 'Zaga. With that said look for Detroit to possibly be the ones to take a chance on him.
'Til tomorrow fans, we wait anxiously for the results and unpredictable outcomes of this years draft, while it is said to be a weak one, it is rather strong for back court players and deep at the PG position. As for Australia's own Patrick Mills, another year in the NCAA would not have hurt but look for him to go anywhere from late first round to not drafted at all. thus is the nature of the beast of Draft day 2009.
Stop the Presses...There's tradin' afoot!!!
from BasketBloggin 24 June 2009
Before I write about more prospects today, I first must report there has been trading activity over the last 24 hours. The Minnesota Timberwolves have sent guards Randy Foye and Mike Miller to the Washington Wizards for the number 5 pick of the Wizards and Etan Thomas, Darius Songaila and Oleksiy Pecherov. The Timberwolves now own four first round picks and are in an excellent position to wheel and deal even more before draft time.
Also in the last 24 hours, the San Antonio Spurs have gotten younger by trading for Milwaukee's Richard Jefferson. The Spurs sent Bruce Bowen (38), Kurt Thomas (36) and Fabricio Oberto (34) to the Bucks in the deal. The move is seen as a Bucks ploy to clear salary cap room for 2009-2010 as all of the players received have a short time left on their current contracts.
There is sure to be more activity between now and draft day so stay posted.
Before I write about more prospects today, I first must report there has been trading activity over the last 24 hours. The Minnesota Timberwolves have sent guards Randy Foye and Mike Miller to the Washington Wizards for the number 5 pick of the Wizards and Etan Thomas, Darius Songaila and Oleksiy Pecherov. The Timberwolves now own four first round picks and are in an excellent position to wheel and deal even more before draft time.
Also in the last 24 hours, the San Antonio Spurs have gotten younger by trading for Milwaukee's Richard Jefferson. The Spurs sent Bruce Bowen (38), Kurt Thomas (36) and Fabricio Oberto (34) to the Bucks in the deal. The move is seen as a Bucks ploy to clear salary cap room for 2009-2010 as all of the players received have a short time left on their current contracts.
There is sure to be more activity between now and draft day so stay posted.
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