FIBA: DURANT VOTED BEST IN THE WORLD

Move over LeBron. Step aside D-Wade. Make room Kobe. Kevin Durant is coming fast and furious to join basketball’s Mt. Rushmore. After leading the United States to a 81-64 victory over host nation Turkey in the 2010 FIBA final, the 21-year-old forward of the Oklahoma City Thunder accomplished something LeBron James and Dwyane Wade couldn’t … [Read more…]

FIBA: TURKEY SAVES BEST FOR LAST

Lucky or not, host nation Turkey will be competing for a gold medal in the 2010 FIBA World Championship. Down 82-81 to Serbia with 4.3 seconds to play, Turkey coach Bogdan Tanjevic’s designed a play for his best player, Hedo Turkoglu. But as the Phoenix Suns forward made his move toward the sideline he lost … [Read more…]

USA-RUSSIA HOLDS SPECIAL SIGNIFICANCE

On Sept. 9, 1972, Russia shocked the United States in the controversial gold-medal game at the Olympics Games in Munich, Germany. It was a bitter loss for the Americans, who still refuse to accept their silver medals because they all believe the game was taken away from them by the officials. It was the United … [Read more…]

TEODOSIC’S SHOT ENDS SPAIN’S REIGN

With one incredible long shot, Milos Teodosic lifted Serbia into the semifinals of the 2010 FIBA World Championship and ended Spain’s reign as world champions. After Spain tied the game at 89 with 25.8 seconds left in the game on Marc Gasol’s dunk, Serbia put the ball in the hands of its playmaker, Teodosic, and … [Read more…]

DIAMANTIDIS ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

Dimitris Diamantidis is not a name most American basketball followers are familiar with. But to those hardcore fans in Europe and especially Greece, Diamantidis is considered a basketball god. The 30-year-old guard/forward known for his defense and versatility has a resume worthy of Greek mythology. He is a four-time Greek League MVP, five-time Euroleague defensive … [Read more…]

FIVE BEST PLAYERS IN FIBA WORLDS

Because of the lack of star power currently competing in the FIBA World Championship in Turkey, some members of the basketball media have tabbed this year’s event as the “B-rated” championships. But don’t tell that to the individuals who have clearly set themselves apart from the rest of the competition and put together A-plus performances … [Read more…]

FIBA: LUIS SCOLA POWERS ARGENTINA

Don’t cry for Argentina just yet. Even though the South Americans don’t have their best player, Manu Ginobili, in the 2010 FIBA World Championship, the 2004 Olympic gold-medalists are still a threat to contend for a medal in Turkey. Luis Scola has become the unquestionable leader of the team and he having a very good … [Read more…]

FIBA: BARBOSA FALLS SHORT AGAINST U.S.

Despite the absence of forwards Nene and Anderson Varejao, Brazil came within a basket of tying the United States at the end of regulation in Monday’s Group B matchup in the 2010 FIBA World Championship in Turkey. Fortunately for the Americans, Leandro Barbosa took the point-blank shot and – not surprisingly – missed. It was … [Read more…]

FIBA: FRANCE’S BACKUP PLAN WORKS

With Les Bleus still reeling from the debacle that occurred at the World Cup in South Africa, the French basketball team is doing its best to bring some much needed amour and dignite back to the country. Through the first three games at the 2010 FIBA World Championship in Turkey, France is in first place … [Read more…]

FIBA: GORDON LEADS U.S. OVER CROATIA

When training camp started a month ago, Eric Gordon was a longshot to make the United States national team. But with each passing scrimmage and exhibition game, it became more and more evident that the L.A. Clippers guard had the perfect game to play against international competition. Gordon made it extremely difficult for team officials … [Read more…]