Professional Documents
Culture Documents
FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE FOR BASKETBALL ENTHUSIASTS EVERYWHERE MARCH / APRIL 2007
ASSIST25
RUSSIA
barry brodzinski
shooting the right way
del harris
defense on the
WOMEN’S
pick-and-roll
pat rosenow
the third team on the court
chris d’orso
emotional connections
between team and fans
keith d’amelio
conditioning at
the nba level
OFFENSE
4-
25_003 26-03-2007 13:43 Pagina 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
DOCTORS, CONDITIONING
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The Odd - The Funny - The Unusual 50
FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - FUNDAMENTALS AND YOUTH BASKETBALL
SHOOTING
by Barry Brodzinski
THE RIGHT
WAY
Barry Brodzinski is considered by many defensive sets and know very little about
as the “Nation’s #1 Shooting Instructor” correcting a player’s shooting technique.
(www.shootingcamps.com). A high It makes absolutely no sense to put play-
school All-American at North Catholic ers through drills, or have them shoot
High School in Philadelphia, he then 1,000 shots without a basic understanding
played at La Salle University. As a head of how to shoot correctly. Remember that
high school coach of Roman Catholic the more something is done incorrectly,
High School, he has 300 wins, a 70% win- the worse the habit becomes and the
ning percentage, and his teams have harder it is to correct. Whether it is during
won two Philadelphia Catholic High my Shooting Camps at Five-Star, or at the
School Championships. He has been the Shooting Camps I run all over the country,
shooting instructor at the Five-Star I start off every session by first teaching
Basketball Camp for 24 years and is the the basics of proper shooting technique.
Director of the Five-Star Shooting Let’s get started with the breakdown of
Camps. He also is the author and instruc- the proper shooting technique. This
tor of the shooting video, “The Five-Star should either help a player as a shooter,
Shooting Method,” and the new four-part or help you better teach someone how to
Five-Star Shooting DVD Series. For more shoot.
info see:www.five-starbasketball.com
LEGS
Shooting the basketball has clearly This is your power base. As a shooter,
become the most important part of the you want your legs to be as strong as
game and I want to describe the shooting possible. The knees should be bent so
technique that I have taught for over 26 that you are always coming under the
years to players with all levels of talent. ball when you go to shoot. Feet should
Many people will tell you that defense be within the width of your shoulders to
wins games. However, I think that while provide proper balance. Most of you
defense certainly keeps you in games, it have heard the term “square up.” The
is shooting, and the ability to score when easiest way for a player to be “square to
needed, that wins games. If you look at the basket” is by having your feet and
the successful teams all over the world, chest pointing at the rim. If this is done
whether they are in the NBA, college, or every time, you will always be facing the
international play, the teams that win basket on your shot and this increases
shoot the ball well from all areas of the your chances of shooting the ball
court and have players who can make straight.
both the mid-range shot and the three
pointers. A prime example of this was Remember: It is much easier to correct a
last season’s NCAA champion, the player’s shot if it is short or long, as
University of Florida. This team put on an opposed to missing right or left. With
offensive clinic during the NCAA tourna- proper balance and leg power, a player
ment that no other teams could match. will be able to shoot right out of the
triple-threat position with no wasted
For many players, the ability to shoot con- motion.
sistently is the only thing holding them
back from being a better player. Coaches ARMS
can be a major help to their players, but Your arms should be relaxed and fall
many times I find that coaches are naturally along the sides of your body. A
focused on fine-tuning their offensive and good offensive player will always show
D.1
D.2
D.3
D.4
D.5
FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - FUNDAMENTALS AND YOUTH BASKETBALL
HANDS
The hands have two functions. There is the
“power hand,” or shooting hand, and the
“weak hand,” or guide hand. The “power
hand” should actually be centered, gripping D.7 D.10
the ball with the full fingers and thumb. The
bottom of the hand and the center of the
palm are kept off the ball. The “power hand”
wrist should be back early so it’s under the
ball. The guide hand should be on the side of
the ball and relaxed (light) on the ball so it
comes off easily when shooting. I cannot
emphasize enough how important it is to
have the shooting wrist back early. The wrist
snap is critical for achieving an early arc,
proper ball rotation, and finishing the shot on
your follow through.
D.8 D.11
HEAD
It is very important for a great shooter to
have the head up at all times. This way he
can see his teammates and pick up the tar- whether you are wide open or shooting
get (the rim) as early as possible. A shooter over someone, but the arc should always
needs to “focus” on the front of the rim fac- begin early in your release.
ing him, so he can shoot “up and over” the
rim. By “focusing” and shooting “up and RELEASE POINT
over,” the shooting function truly becomes The release point is different for younger
one of touch along with “eye-hand” coordi- and older players. The young player
nation. should center the ball and release it from
In all of my shooting instruction, I emphasize the chest area, and then use all the other
the importance of ball handling as a critical proper mechanics. The older player needs D.12
component to successful shooting. If you to release the ball just above the fore-
cannot dribble with your head up or fumble head, looking for what I call “see the V.”
the ball when it’s passed to you, you will lose This is the inverted “V” formed by proper
many opportunities to shoot during a game. position of the ball, hands, and arms as
soon as the ball clears the forehead area.
FOLLOW THROUGH Of course, players who are shooting in the
This is an automatic outcome of the “up and lane and over-extending their arms cer-
over” technique. Finish up and over by act- tainly have a different release point, but all
ing like you are trying to put your hand over others should be similar. Players will find
the rim and into the basket. This also will that the further you are from the basket,
assist with your arc, and more importantly, the more the hands cannot be overextend-
help you achieve an early arc to your shot. I ed or you will not get the power you need D.13
have mentioned early arc twice because it is to make these longer shots.
critical to have a consistent trajectory to
your shot. The arc will differ depending on This is a simplified but basic approach to
PAGE 06 | 25 2007 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE
23_004_011 24-03-2007 11:11 Pagina 7
D.16 D.18
D.19
D.20
D.21
FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - FUNDAMENTALS AND YOUTH BASKETBALL
D.22
D.23
DRILLS
INDIVIDUAL DRILLS
“DOOMSDAY CONTINUATION SHOOTING DRILLS”
A ball is placed at the corner of the free-
throw line, while the player stands at the
three-point line, foul-line extension. The
player sprints to the baseline, curls behind
the ball, picks it up, and shoots. He gets his
own rebound, puts the ball back in its orig-
inal position, goes back to the wing, and
continues the drill. The goal is to make 10
PAGE 08 | 25 2007 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE
23_004_011 24-03-2007 11:11 Pagina 9
FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - FUNDAMENTALS AND YOUTH BASKETBALL
TEAM DRILLS
“WARM-UP SHOOTING DRILLS”
The players form two lines at the baseline
on each side of the foul line. Each line has
a ball. The drill starts with one player, who
is the first shooter, at the three-point line.
He receives the ball from the opposite play-
er on the same side. After the pass, the
passer cuts around the foul area, and goes
on the other elbow, receives the ball from around the lane, starting behind the goal is to make at least 15 shots out of 20.
the player of the other line, and shoots. The three-point line and stepping into a 15-
shooter rebounds his own shot and passes foot shot, starting in the corner (diagr. “THREE PLAYERS RELOCATION SHOOTING
the ball to the line on the same side he has 24). Player 1 will be the rebounder and DRILL”
shot from (diagr. 22 and 23). the passer. After player 2 shoots all five This initially seems like a confusing drill.
15-foot jump shots, he will cut to the However, once the three players get it
“TWO PLAYERS - FIVE SPOTS SHOOTING DRILL” sideline corner and come back for a going, it becomes a fun, fast-paced
This a drill where two players work as part- three-point shot from each of the same shooting drill. Player 1, inside the lane,
ners. Player 1 is the first rebounder and five spots (diagr. 25). He will shoot 20 and player 2 on the perimeter, has a ball.
player 2 is the first shooter. Player 2 shoots shots and then switch with player 1, who In the meantime, player 3 moves to a spot
two shots from the five designated spots will became the shooter (diagr. 26). The to receive the pass from player 1 (diagr.
PAGE 10 | 25 2007 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE
23_004_011 24-03-2007 11:11 Pagina 11
FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - OFFENSE
RUSSIA WOMEN'S
by Igor Grudin
OFFENSE
Igor Grudin has become the coach of
the Russian national team in 2004, and
won the silver medal at the 2005 FIBA
Eurobasket for women and the silver
medal at the 2006 FIBA World
Championships for women. His career
as the head coach of clubs started in
France, where he coached Tarbes
(1996-97), Mondeville (from 1998 to
2002) and Bordeaux (2002-03). Then he
went back to Russia, where since
2003 he has been coaching Samara,
where he won the 2005 FIBA
Euroleague and played the 2006 FIBA
Euroleague final, winning also the
2005 and 2006 Russian titles.
Our national team finished the 2006 FIBA game) and fourth in assists (14.3 per
World Championships in the second game), which speaks highly of our team-
place, with a surprising 5-4 record, losing oriented offense. We had trouble main-
to France, USA, Czech Republic, and the taining our motivation and concentration
final game against Australia. But in the throughout the championship, but we still
semifinal our team had a game to remem- were able to obtain excellent results.
ber against the U.S. team, defeating them
75-68 and proving that, on big occasions, THE OFFENSE
we can produce great basketball. Our players were technically very gifted,
and we played a smart offensive game,
A well-balanced team, led by guard Ilona reading he opponent's weaknesses D.4
Korstin and our center, Maria Stepanova, extremely well. Our game was mainly
we finished as the third best scoring inside-oriented for Stepanova and the
team (with an average of 78 points per power forward, Tatiana Schchegoleva.
D.5
D.6
D.7
FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - OFFENSE
THE PLAYERS
1 - Oxana Rakhmatulina.
2 - Ilona Korstin.
3 - Natalia Vodopyanova.
4 - Tatiana Schchegoleva.
5 - Maria Stepanova.
D.12
D.13
D.14
COACHES - OFFENSE
D.26
D.27
D.28
D.29
D.30
D.31
D.32
goes out to the corner (diagr. 24).Now, 4 (diagr. 28) or pass to 4, who has gone to the
has the following choices (diagr. 25): corner (diagr. 29). The other options are an
▼ Pass to 3, for a shot from the corner. inside pass for 5 (diagr. 30) or for 2 who, D.33
▼ Pass to 5 for a post-up play. after receiving the screen of 5, pops out
and shoots from the top of the key (diagr.
BASELINE OUT-OF-BOUND PLAYS 31).
A Play
This is a play for the point guard. 5 and 4 are Another Play
at the free-throw line, with 1 under the bas- 3 screens for 5, who cuts down the lane. 2
ket, and 3 as the inbounder. 2 screens for 1, cuts off 3's shoulder and comes out on the
who comes out of the lane, and gets the strong side wing (diagr. 32). 3 goes to the
inbound pass from 3 (diagr. 26). 4 sets a ball top of the key, 4 steps out, and 1 passes
screen for 1 on the wing, and, at the same to 5 (diagr. 33). 5 can play one-on-one
time, 5 screens for 2, while 3 goes to the and, if the other defenders help out, 5
weak side corner (diagr. 27). 1 plays the kicks the ball out on the corner to 4, who D.34
pick-and-roll with 4, and she can shoot has a good outside shot (diagr. 34).
FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 25 2007 | PAGE 17
24_018_022 25-03-2007 11:17 Pagina 18
FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - OFFENSE
BRAZIL
by Antonio Carlos
Barbosa
AT THE WORLD
CHAMPIONSHIP
Antonio Carlos Barbosa started coaching
in 1963 with Instituto de Educaçao
Ernesto Monte. Then he coached Clube
Luso, Bauru, Piracicaba, Campinas and
Jundiaì, winning three Brazilian titles
and two South American titles. He has
been head coach of the Brazilian
women’s national team from 1977 to 1984,
and he’s become again head coach of the
Brazilian women’s national team in 1996.
He has won seven South American
championships and a bronze medal at the
2000 Olympic Games of Sydney.
OFFENSE
When possible, Janeth and Iziane al-
ways looked for the easy transition bas-
kets. They loved driving and drawing the
fouls going to the basket, while using the
crowd to motivate them. At the half-
court offense versus an individual de-
fense, we used a lot of high-low game
plays for our big players. We also used
screen-the-screener plays whenever
we could. At the end of possession
plays, we would try to drive and kick the
ball for an open shot, or else work plays
off the pick-and-roll.
I must admit that sometimes our urge to
score quickly led us to turnovers and put
us off our rhythm. Upon reflection, there
were some stretches where our guards
would forget about our effective inside
players. Even so, I think we had a good
tournament, carried on offense by three
players: our center, Alessandra (13.8 ppg),
and guards Iziane (16.9 ppg), and Janeth
(13.3 ppg). We also finished first in offen-
sive rebounds with 12.3 per game.
PAGE 18 | 25 2007 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE
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FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - OFFENSE
TRANSITION GAME screens-the-screener 5, and then pops receives the ball from 3 (diagr. 7).
Inside play for Alessandra out in the middle of the floor (diagr. 3).
A quick play. 1 dribbles to the side with 3 1 back screens for 5 and 4 passes the ball to
and 2 on the wings and 5 (Alessandra) on 1 passes to 3, who receives a screen from 4 5 in the lane (diagr. 8).
the low post on the ball side. 4, as the (diagr. 4). After the screen, 4 pops out, 3
second trailer, is in the middle of the passes to 2, who then passes to 5, who has Here is an option for this play: after the
court. 1 passes to 4, who then passes to crossed in the lane and posted down low back screen for 5, 1 receives a screen from
2, while 5 cuts to the ball side (diagr. 1). (diagr. 5). 4 (screen-the-screener-action), who
comes high at the top of the lane, and re-
2 looks for a pass inside to 5, and, after the HALF COURT MAN-TO-MAN PLAYS ceives the ball from 3 for a three-point shot
pass, plays pick-and-roll with 4 (diagr. 2). Inside Play for Alessandra (diagr. 9 and 10).
4 down screens for 3, while 5 comes high
Another play and 2 pops out on the wing. 1 passes to 3 Plays for Guards Iziane or Janeth
1, with the ball in the middle of the floor, (diagr. 6). Two high posts, 4 and 5, at the corners of
has the two wings, 2 and 3, and the two the free-throw area, two wings, 2 (Iziane)
high posts at the corners of the free- After the screen for 3, 4 comes high, back and 3 (Janeth), and the point guard, 1, in the
throw area. 5 steps out and screens for 1, screens for 1, who cuts in the lane, and middle of the court. 4 pops out and receives
who goes to the left side, while 3 then 4 pops out on the top of the lane and the ball from 1, who then cuts in the lane,
D.4 D.5
D.8
D.9
COACHES - OFFENSE
D.11 D.16
D.12 D.17
D.13 D.18
D.14 D.19
FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - DEFENSE
THE DEFENSE ON
by Del Harris
THE PICK-AND-ROLL
Del Harris is in his eight season as an assi-
stant coach with the Dallas Mavericks. He
landed his first NBA coaching job as assi-
stant with the Houston Rockets in 1976, and
then he became head coach, and in 1981 he
led the team to the NBA Finals. He then ser-
ved as assistant coach of the Milwaukee
Bucks and later became head coach. Then,
Harris was from 1994 to 1998 head coach of
the Los Angeles Lakers. He coached at
every level, from the high school to the col-
lege (Earlham College), to overseas (for six
seasons in Puerto Rico, winning three
national titles). At the national team level,
he was advisor of the 1994 FIBA World
Championship Canadian National Men’s
team, one of the assistant coaches of the
bronze medal US National team at the FIBA
World Championships in 1998, and head
coach of the 2004 Olympic Games Chinese
National team, which reached the eight
place. He wrote several successful
basketball technical books, above all on
defense.
D.1
D.2
D.3
There are many variations of this, like hard teammate recovers, or b) until the ballhan- aggressive, but prevents splits and tends
help: this requires the helper to be right up dler passes, or c) just a certain number of to offer the jump shot more than the roll or
on the picker as the pick is set to jump steps, ranging from zero to two or three. penetration for teams that do that quite
quickly out at a hard angle (90 degrees fac- These are strategical decisions based on well in their attack.
ing the sideline) in the path of the ballhan- the abilities of the two opponents and how
dler. This prevents the ballhandler from they attempt to score on the pick-and-roll In any coverage the defender on the ball
“turning the corner” over the pick and get- action by rolling, or popping, or by having may be told to go over or under the man set-
ting into the middle of the defense. It forces the ballhandler shoot, or to penetrate and ting the pick on him. That decision is made
the ballhandler break his angle of attack, or swing the ball to the weak side to shooters based on two factors: the distance the pick
to charge into the defender. Of course this or to a posted player. is set on the floor and the ability of the ball-
allowing his defender space and timing to handler to shoot behind the screen relative
go under the defensive helper, but over the Soft help. The helper may give a much to his skill at penetration. We prefer to go un-
player setting the pick and re-engage the softer angle help (45 degrees or less) and der picks set far out on the floor and against
ballhandler. The helper then recovers back jam up the middle more with his coverage. poor shooters; and we prefer to go over on
to the picker, unless he gets too extended “Covering the turn” means that the de- closer setups and against good shooters.
and someone has to pick him up, in which fender on the picker will drop back roughly Again, these are strategies that scouting or
case he rotates to the free throw lane in line with the “box” along the strong side time out adjustments must address.
“paint” area to find an open man. foul lane and give a sort of zone coverage
to the ballhandler and the foul lane. The Trap. A more aggressive coverage is to trap
In this hard help method, the helper may be defender on the ball must continue a hard the ballhandler with the defender on the
told to stay with the ballhandler: a) until his pursuit over the pick. This method is less picker. The most aggressive is for the de-
FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - DEFENSE
fender on the picker to trap the ballhandler be- mismatches when they occur. That is, a big
fore the pick is actually set, though the more player must automatically trap down for a
common way is to trap just as the ballhandler small teammate being posted by a big post
is coming over the pick. Naturally, with either as X4 does in diagr. 2. A small player must
form of this aggressiveness comes some risk. rotate over to replace a bigger teammate
A rotation is necessary if the ballhandler is stuck out on the perimeter defending a quick
able to pass the ball to the picker quickly on a penetrating smaller player due to a switch
pop or roll, with the lowest defender near the or emergency coverage as X3 does for X5 in
goal rotating to him. The diagr. 1 shows such a diagr. 3. The mismatched man will rotate off
rotation as X5 jumps out to trap 1 and X4 ro- to the weak side and pick up an open man. D.4
tates over to pick up 5, as he sees the ball in X2 rotates to 3 and X1 picks up 2.
the air from 1 to 5. X5 will rotate opposite the
pass into the paint and pick up the open man, Overplaying down to the baseline. Another
normally 4, though X3 has to help until X5 can oft-employed technique is to push the ball-
get there. Sometimes X5 is late, necessitating handler down toward the baseline. To do this
him to cover 3 on the weak side. the defender on the picker must call out the
signal for this coverage (usually a color or
Switching. This method is the easiest and is simply “down”) immediately as he sees the
utilized most often when equal-sized players pick about to be set. He then assumes a posi-
are involved in the pick-and-roll. However, tion two to three steps below the picker in the
late in the game, most NBA teams will use direction that the ball defender must push the
D.5
the switch with 4, or even all 5 men in order ball and the defender on the ball must get into
to prevent a quick easy shot, especially a 3- a severe overplay, pushing the ballhandler
pointer. Note: this is a critical strategy move “down” toward the baseline and into the de-
to remember when you are protecting a lead fender on the picker. This play usually occurs
late in the game. It is a good strategy when on wing and corner coverage (diagr. 4).
the possession clock is down to 7 seconds
as well, any time in the game. The open “Down” can be utilized on the top as well,
shots beat you, especially the threes. Mis- but it is less safe there. The defender on the
matches caused by switching are a far less picker calls “Down right or left”, depending
dangerous situation to be in than giving up on which way he wants the defender to
an open shot to a good player. The coach send the ballhandler. The ball defender will
must teach how to pass off mismatches then get into a position on the high side and D.6
quickly and/or drill players how to trap out push the ballhandler down toward the de-
D.7
adecco.com
FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - HOOP MARKET
ANOTHER LEGEND:
by Raffaele Imbrogno
DEAN SMITH
Raffaele Imbrogno has been coaching since 1980. He is In this section, we introduce the latest books, videos, CDs, and
an Instructor for the Italian National Coaches Commit- other tools that are primarily aimed at coaches, but certainly useful
tee of the Federation and has been Director of the Ita- for all of our readers. Please send your suggestions and comments
lian Basketball Federation Study Center. Imbrogno is al- about our basketball-related media for review in this section.
so the author of several technical basketball publica-
tions.
After our review of the new beautiful book (with DVDs) fense, Smith de-
of John Wooden of the University of California, Los An- scribes his defen-
geles, here are two top level DVDs of Dean Smith, the le- sive weapon in
gendary coach of the University of North Carolina. For great detail.
those of you who don’t know, Smith won 879 games as a You quickly come
head coach at North Carolina, two NCAA titles, and was to understand
College Coach of the Year four times. He was elected to that when this de-
the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1983. fense is well exe-
Championship Productions has recently released new cuted, it offers
DVDs: “Dean Smith’s Encyclopedia of the Scramble De- the possibility to
fense” and “Dean Smith’s Paint Zone Scramble.” For radically change
fans of this great coach, these two DVDs bring new the pace of the
knowledge elements based of Smith’s philosophy. game. Smith says
The people who read “Basketball Multiple Offense and that the main
Defense” (Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, objective of this
1982, with the foreword of Bobby Knight and one section defence is to for-
dedicated to the shuffle offense written by Bob Spear) ce the opponent
will find that many of the ideas from the book are now in to play out of their
the DVDs. Smith, the great legend of basketball, descri- schemes.
bes his defensive approach with great intelligence. At the foundation
In the first part, Smith goes through the main elements of of this defense is
his defense a solid man-to-
on a black- man concept.
board, then Coach Smith explains his historic defensive sequence, cal-
uses videocli- led “30,” which is based on run-and-jump. He also details his
ps of players defensive series, called “40” (zone press 2-2-1), and “50” (a
on the court zone defense that is used after a time out, and in situations
going through involving an inbound pass). Smith uses clear examples of
the motions, how to build a solid defense and uses game highlights of his
backing up winning teams to show how it all can work.
what he has On his second DVD, Smith introduces one of his trademarks:
just descri- a defense based on one player pressuring the ball, while
bed. The DVD other four defenders are set in a zone defense. Smith calls
ends with ga- this his “point” zone.”
me highlights This particular zone is presented, starting from different
of some of his sets (2-3 and 1-3-1) and in different game situations. The
fantastic Ca- DVD lasts 84 minutes, and Smith packs each minute with
rolina Tar information on how to work his defense.
Heel teams. These two DVDs make excellent additions to the libraries of
In the first young coaches, who will easily be able to see and under-
two hours of stand the greatness of a winning coach who is able to sim-
the DVD, whi- ply and effectively describe concepts that initially seem ex-
ch are dedi- tremely difficult. We can only hope that Championship Pro-
cated to ductions will eventually produce some DVDs on the offensi-
scramble de- ve concepts creates of this celebrated coach.
PAGE 28 | 25 2007 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE
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23_030_033_rosenow 26-03-2007 14:12 Pagina 30
THE THIRD
TEAM ON
THE COURT
by Pat Rosenow
team, you must resist the temptation to nation's team has a game and you them to your nation's delegation. It
do anything that would indicate your watch it, you should always take the might be appropriate to discuss the offi-
criticism of any call or decision made by next opportunity to congratulate the ciating with your nation's chief referee,
the officials working that game. Your pri- officials from that game and tell them once the competition is over, everyone
marily loyalty must be to the officials. "good game," regardless of the outcome. has returned home, and tempers have
Leave any criticism to the head referee cooled; but not before. If you demon-
If your nation's team loses and you think and observers. strate loyalty, you'll be respected by
there may have been incorrect calls, do Also, don't get trapped if anyone from your fellow officials, the teams, and the
not say a thing to anyone. First, you may your nation's delegation (or anyone else organizers.
not have had the most objective view of for that matter) comes and ask you to
the plays in question. Bedsides, if there give an opinion on the quality of officiat- Trust and confidence are vital to the
were incorrect calls, the head referee ing. Answering a specific question creation of an effective team of officials.
will know it and address it with the offi- about a rule is acceptable, but don't turn One of the quickest ways to destroy
cials who made the mistakes. If your on your referee teammates and criticize teamwork is for an official from a nation
FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 25 2007 | PAGE 31
23_030_033_rosenow 26-03-2007 14:12 Pagina 32
ing at the charts in the officials' manual one focused. A quick glance during a as basketball officials. Trust, confi-
and acting out certain plays. Just the time out can help remind everyone dence, and effective communications
attempt to go over a few things is an where the ball will be put in play. Of are the keys to teamwork in officiating
important step in building trust and con- course that's true in all games. international basketball. There is no
fidence. However, it is even more useful in inter- greater reward for a referee than to do
national competitions as a tool to rein- a good job on a challenging game with
Communications during the game are force trust and confidence. new partners from totally different
harder without a common language, backgrounds. We discover that our love
but not impossible. Non-verbal commu- In the United States we have a famous and respect for the game is a common
nication will always work. That means saying from our early history as a col- bond which crosses cultural differences
eye contact is absolutely vital. A head lection of colonies that "If don't hang and national boundaries. And that it
nod or thumbs up can make all the dif- together, we will most certainly be what international sports is all about.
ference in the world in keeping every- hanged separately." That applies to us
FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 25 2007 | PAGE 33
25_034 25-03-2007 11:28 Pagina 38
RIGHT OR WRONG?
The following questions focus on the document, “FIBA Official QUESTIONS
Basketball Rules: Official Interpretations”. A free download is 1. A4 releases a shot for a goal from a position near the
provided on the FIBA website (www.fiba.com). For additional baseline. The 24-second signal sounds while the ball is in
clarifications, explanations or examples, please consult this the air on the shot, after which the ball does not touch the
document. rim or go into the basket. Shall the resulting throw-in
awarded team B be administered from the free-throw line
extended?
2. Near the end of the first period, A4 is erroneously awarded
two free-throws and is successful on both attempts. The
period ends without the error being realized. During the
first dead ball following the beginning of the second
period, the error is discovered and brought to the attention
of the officials. Shall the free-throws scored by A4 be can-
celed?
3. A2 ends a dribble while both feet are off the floor, after
which A2 comes to a stop by landing on both feet simulta-
neously. May A2 now take a pivot step?
4. Team A has been in continuous control of the ball in its
backcourt for four seconds when the clock is stopped
because of an injury to a team A player. When play resu-
mes, shall team A be given a new 8-second period to
move the ball to the frontcourt?
5. While the ball is in the air on a last free-throw a double
foul occurs, after which the free-throw is successful. Is
this a jump-ball situation?
6. On a throw-in, is it acceptable for the official administe-
ring that throw-in to blow the whistle when the ball beco-
mes live?
7. B3 commits a disqualifying contact foul against A5. May
the resulting free-throws be attempted by any opposing
player?
8. Coach A is given a warning for disrespectfully communi-
cating with the table officials. Later in the game and while
team A is in control of the ball, coach A again disrespect-
fully addresses the table officials, after which A2 scores a
field goal. Coach A’s repeated action is now brought to the
attention of the referee who charges coach A with a tech-
nical foul. Shall the goal by A2 also be canceled?
9. A5 commits a dribble violation, after which a fighting
situation occurs between A5 and B5. A5 and B5 are char-
ged with disqualifying fouls. Shall play resume with a
team B throw-in?
10. During an interval of play, team A is entitled to the next
alternating possession. During the same interval of play, a
technical foul is charged to a team A player. Shall team A
continue to be entitled to the next alternating possession?
ANSWERS
1. No; Art. 29.3 6. No; Art. 47.2
2. No; Art. 44; FIBA 7. No; Art. 37.2.3
Interpretation
8. No; Art. 38.1.5
3. Yes.; Art. 25.2.1
4. No; Art. 28.2.2 9. Yes; Art. (39.2.3
5. No; Art. 35.2.2 10. Yes; Art. 12.4.8
EMOTIONAL
by Chris Orso CONNECTIONS
BETWEEN THE TEAM
AND THE FANS
Chris D’Orso joined the Orlando Magic
in 1989. He was appointed as
Promotions/Publicity Coordinator, then
he moved into Sponsorship Sales
Department, as a Corporate Account
Manager. In 1994 he was promoted to the
Assistant Director of Marketing position
and in 1998 became Director of
Marketing. Since 2002 he is the Vice
President of Marketing and ticket sales.
essence, we are selling. We are tap- between your costumer and the busi- ing back again and again to our
ping into the human need and hopeful- ness will create avid fans! Avid fans games. And, more importantly, all
ly supplying our fans with life long come to more games which generates these opportunities are tied to ticket
memories. In the business of sports, we more revenue for your team. In sales. In order to participate in any
have the ability, like no other business, Orlando we allow our fans the chance one of these experiences it requires a
to create connection with our con- to play on the court pre-game, high ticket purchase which has helped us
sumers and fans. We also need to con- five our players during introductions, generate thousands of dollars in ticket
tinue to develop sales strategies be a ball kid for the night, be a Junior revenue for our team.
around these emotional connections. Magic Dancer, deliver our game ball to
the referees and even attend the play- Being around the team and the game
Today you have to be creative in how ers’ captain meeting! All these oppor- on a daily basis, you forget how spe-
and what you sell, creating opportuni- tunities will create these life long cial it may be for a fan to come in
ties to generate a closer connection memories that will keep the fans com- close contact with your team. You
need to build around the emotion of make sure you are giving the best to the public. It allows the fans the
connecting to your core product, the experience possible. opportunity to pick and purchase seats
basketball team. Watch children when for the upcoming season and partici-
they come in contact with a player, but You need to manage your brand as best pate in interactive activities. Fans are
more importantly watch how special it you can and make sure you are effec- treated to games, clinics, a full team
is for a parent. The pictures and memo- tively controlling your message. A major autograph session and much more. You
ries of coming in contact with the play- part of a sports team message is the are up front and close to your potential
ers last a lifetime. And it is important experience that fans receive at your season ticket holders and by doing this,
for the players to understand this con- events. We have created events that do an emotional connection is created
cept during these moments of contact. just that, the Magic Select a Seat event with our team that we hope will be the
It only takes one fan’s bad experience and the Influencer Parties. The Magic catalyst to purchase seats. We have
with a player to ruin their reputation. Select a Seat event is an event that we been conducting these events for the
That’s why it is so important to always hold prior to the season which is open past five seasons and each year we
BOUNCES
ON HARDWOOD
For starters, the game of basketball is played with a well-inflated basketball. But what happens once a
player makes a move to the basket and the ball down goes to the floor with that first dribble? Let's take a
close look at the hardwood that FIBA Study Centre partners have installed at the top basketball arenas
around the world.
HARO SPORTS
HARO Sports is a business unit of Hamberger Industries, The hardwood top
one of the biggest hardwood flooring manufacturers in the layer receives a fac-
world. tory applied PERMA-
DUR(r) finish for su-
The sports flooring business unit was founded in 1955, and, perior performance
since then, it has placed floors in over 65 countries, inclu- and surface protec-
ding sites for the Olympic Games, world and continental tion.
championships.
Each of the eight
HARO Sports portable and permanent floors offer a fast and layers of PERMA-
easy installation, much lower maintenance cost, exceptio- DUR(r) finish is indivi-
nal life span, greater safety for the athletes, and superior dually UV cured, whi-
quality. ch provides a harder
and more durable
Their hardwood floors enjoy a flexible, engineered con- surface so it doesn't require refinishing within the first 10
struction that nearly eliminates the swelling and shrinking, years.
gaps and cracks that are common with conventional strip
hardwood floors. Every portable and permanent HARO Sports floor meets and
exceeds the requirements of the DIN standard 18032, part 2,
This method features a solid hardwood top layer supported delivering true force reduction up to 67 % and ball rebound
by a premium quality birch plywood core layer. of to 98 %, so reducing risk of injury.
JUNCKERS
Junckers is Area elasticity allows for op-
Europe's timum freedom of movement,
leading ma- while point elasticity impedes
nufacturer rapid movement and to some
of solid hardwood floors, and, since its extent locks the feet to the
founding 75 years ago, more than one floor.
hundred million square meters of its
floors have been installed all over the A sports floor and its perfor-
world. mance are the results of a sy-
stem comprising three interac-
Wood is the obvious and natural ting elements: The undercarria-
choice of material for sports flooring, ge construction, the solid
and in order to ensure sustainable hardwood floor, and the surface
forestry, this company uses certified treatment.
wood from controlled and managed
forests. A solid hardwood Junckers In order to ensure optimum life
sports floor offers area elasticity as span and performance, periodical
opposed to the point elasticity, whi- checks, maintenance, additional
ch is an inherent characteristic of surface treatment, and sanding
PU, PVC, and linoleum floors. may be required.
PRESTIGE
For Prestige Sports Systems, the long-time affi- and the durability of the flooring surface. This is
liation and FIBA Partnership has been an inte- achieved through constant research, testing,
gral part of their success and presence in six and development of both the playing surface
continents. and its subfloor designs, together with our con-
tinuous commitment to the DIN standards.
From the 2006 National Games in India, to the recent Asian Ga-
mes in Qatar, to the upcoming 2008 Olympics in Beijing, you will Prestige's patented Bi-Power systems have evolved from basket-
find a Prestige floor, whether it be a permanent, portable, wood, ball to other sports, providing a complete solution to architects,
or synthetic installation. Prestige is one of the world leaders in designers, schools, and government officials.
the manufacture, supply, and export of quality residential, com-
mercial and sports flooring systems to over 56 countries. The strong alliance with other FIBA equipment suppliers has al-
so ensured that worldwide facilities are getting only the top level
The hardwood and synthetic sports systems have been special- products. With the support of our worldwide technical centers,
ly tested and certified by worldwide organizations ensuring the Prestige has also ensured that the flooring systems are installed
safety of the players, the heightened performance of the game, professionally for maximum benefit and long life.
ROBBINS
Robbins Sports Surfaces spans the globe with installations
in over 60 nations around the world.
SEICOM
This Italian company has vast experience in manufacturing
and supplying high-level sports parquet floors for sport
halls around the globe.
conditioning
by Keith D’Amelio
at the nba
Keith D’Amelio is on his second year as
level must run, jump, cut, dribble and shoot
the Strength and Conditioning Coach of from a variety of body positions and in all
the Toronto Raptors. Previously, he had planes of motion. Due to the variety of
the same role with the Asheville Altitude movements needed, basketball players
of the NBDL, the NBA developmental must have the proper flexibility to get into
league. He was also assistant of the these positions and the strength to con-
Strength and Conditioning Coach of the trol their body in the positions. If one
Boston Celtics for four years. these aspects is missing, or has a weak
link, then injuries occur. As with Andrea,
The primary goal of any Strength and if there is an imbalance in strength or
Conditioning Coach is to help prevent flexibility some where with in the kinetic
injury both on the game field and in the chain then there is a potential for injury.
weight room, from there the next goal is One of the major aspects of this is to have
to enhance performance, and this was a strong foundation of core stability and
the exact approach that we took with strength so that there is a strong base
Andrea Bargnani, the last NBA draft’s top from which to move the extremities. In
pick. our strength program there is also a
When we drafted Andrea, everyone heavy emphasis on single leg training as
thought that he was too frail and light to most of the movements listed earlier (run-
play in the NBA and that at 113 kg (250 ning, jumping, cutting) are performed
lbs.) he would get pushed around. As a with only one leg in contact with the
result, many said that for him to be suc- ground.
cessful he needed to gain significant This places tremendous force on the
weight. This was never intention, as we ankle, knee and hip complexes requiring
began his training we knew that with his high levels of both stability and strength.
skills and athleticism he would be more While we utilize many different move-
than ready for the NBA. The one aspect ments to enhance lower body strength
that he did need significant work on was (front squat, split squat, modified dead-
in his overall strength we also wanted to lifts, slide board leg curls and many oth-
help improve his movement deficiencies ers), the exercises that I place a greater
so that we would limit his potential from emphasis on are the single leg squat and
unnecessary injuries. single leg deadlift.
Andrea had some very minor issues that
needed to be corrected before any true SINGLE LEG SQUAT
gains in both strength and athleticism The single leg squat is one of the best
could be reached. measurements of not only lower body
He had some movement deficiencies and strength but of lower body neuromuscu-
muscle imbalances mostly due to his lar control. You can quickly determine
overall size and his age, at 20 years old someone’s deficiencies with this move-
old and 2.13 mt. (7-0 ft.) tall not everything ment as well. In the single leg squat, I do
grows in unison. As a result certain mus- not place the emphasis on how much
cles get both overlooked and underused, weight one can do, I place the measure
potential creating problems by altering on to what depth one can go. If you can
the body’s mechanics. We knew that if single leg squat with great form to 28 cm
we did not take care of these minor prob- (12 inches), then I know you have tremen-
lems first that they could become bigger dous strength and stability.
problems down the road and would also When Andrea first arrived he was unable
limit the gains that Andrea would get from to perform a single leg squat to 56 cm (24
further training. inches), he was able to squat to 60 cm (28
Basketball is a sport in which the athlete inches), although without great form. This
NEWS
Dioumassi:
discovering Iranian
civilization through
One-on-one
basketball
The start of the millennium opened a new of different communities, with Kurds, Turks,
era in the world of Iranian basketball with Armenians, Jews, Arabs and Persians mak-
the arrival of foreign players into the Iranian ing a very good mixture.
teams. Makan Dioumassi is one. The French
national basketball team player turned FIBA: What is your opinion of the Iranian
down offers from his former club, the ASVEL Basketball?
Villeurbanne of Lyon and other major
European teams to come to Iran and join DIOUMASSI: The positive point is that the
Saba Battery. The 35-year old law graduate Iranian basketball really has the potential
and Olympic silver medalist wanted to dis- to improve and become one of the leaders
cover life beyond basketball. in the region. But the negative point is the
lack of infrastructure and a wide gap
Makan Dioumassi took a timeout to talk to between the first top four teams and the
FIBA correspondent Houman Bagheri, about rest. There is also a shortcoming with the
his life, basketball and his experience of Iran. marketing of the sport. Even though tickets
are free, there are not many people who
FIBA: What brought you over to Iran despite come to watch the games. But, for football
very good offers from top European teams there are thousands who pay to go and
like Bologna? watch a match.
DIOUMASSI: Yes, I did receive good offers FIBA: So what is your view of the Iranian
from Italian, Spanish and Russian clubs. My spectators who do come to see the match-
own club offered me the position of their es?
Sports Director. I had been playing basket-
ball for 15 years and I knew I still wanted to
continue, but not just for the money. I was pitality from my Iranian teammates. They
interested in doing something completely are always very kind and nice to me, invit-
different. I had always been fascinated by ing me over to eat with them in their homes.
history and ancient civilizations. I was really
interested in discovering more about them. FIBA: Has any new experience you gained
So when I got the offer from Iran I thought here changed you or your life?
“Well, why not?.”
DIOUMASSI: I feel like a message bearer now.
FIBA: Among your offers were there any from My friends call me from all over the world
other countries in this region? and worry about my security in Iran. It’s
because of the news they see and hear
DIOUMASSI: Yes, there were offers from about Iran. But I reassure them that it’s not
Qatar and Saudi Arabia. I told you about my like that and ask them to come here and see
interest in ancient history and old empires, it for themselves.
so it was important for me to come to Iran
and see it for myself. FIBA: Have you found any similarities
between the Iranian and French cultures?
FIBA: Do you find that your social life is
limited over here? DIOUMASSI: They are very close and I know
there are a lot of ties between the two
DIOUMASSI: No, not at all. I am discovering nations. The Iranians think well of the
new things and new people everyday and French. People here also live very similar to
as I said Iranians are very open and wel- people in France. In France we have a large
coming and at the same time traditionalists, immigrant community. I have a white French
because they are proud of their country. I mother and a Black African father. So we
am receiving an enormous amount of hos- have a lot of mixtures and Iran also has a lot
PAGE 44 | 25 2007 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE
22_044-045 24-03-2007 11:25 Pagina 45
NEWS
the world
Planet
basketball
in brief
for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. Basketball Australia has also announced a
“Forget Beijing and forget medalling: we’ve 26-woman defencejobs Opals squad for its
got to qualify first,” Boomers head coach campaign to follow World Championship
Brian Goorjian said. “Only the World Gold with Olympic Gold.
Champions Spain and the host nation China All 12 World Champion defencejobs Opals
are guaranteed a spot in Beijing, so I can con- have been retained, including Adelaide
fidently say that all the other nations are think- Lightning guard Erin Phillips, who is
ing like we are. At this point, qualifying is the recovering from a knee reconstruction.
goal.” “This is the squad, but certainly we can add
The Australia Post Boomers 17-man squad is and delete players at any given time,”
as follows: defencejobs Opals head coach Jan Stirling
David Andersen - CSKA (Russia), Chris said. “That has always been the case with
Anstey - Melbourne Tigers, Stephen Black - shadow teams, when they’re announced 18
Angelico Biella (Italy), Andrew Bogut - months out from an Olympic Games. A num-
Milwaukee Bucks (USA), CJ Bruton - ber players named in the squad will be sub-
Brisbane Bullets, Aaron Bruce - Baylor ject to stringent fitness and physiological
University (USA), Wade Helliwell - Sebastiani testing in April in advance of the Opals’ June
Rieti (Italy), Joe Ingles - South Dragons, Sam camp.”
Mackinnon - Brisbane Bullets, Darnell Mee - Tours to China, Russia and the United States
Cairns Taipans, Patrick Mills - Australian are scheduled for 2007.
Institute of Sports, Brad Newley - Townsville The squad is as follows: Eva Afeaki, Suzy
ARGENTINA U19 SET FOR CHILE Crocodiles, Matthew Nielsen - Lietuvos Rytas
WARM-UPS Batkovic, Tully Bevilaqua, Michelle
(Lithuania), Glen Saville - Wollongong Hawks, Brogan, Renae Camino, Rohanee Cox,
Argentina Under 19 coach Eduardo Pinto
Luke Schenscher - Fort Worth (USA), Jason Hollie Grima, Jacinta Hamilton, Kristy
hopes his team’s series with Chile will stand
Smith - Sydney Kings, Mark Worthington - Harrower, Lauren Jackson, Kathleen
them in good stead for the FIBA U19 World
Sydney Kings. Macleod, Sharin Milner, Emily Mcinerny,
Championship for Women.
The two sides will face up five times in Jenna O’Hea, Erin Phillips, Natalie Porter,
preparation for the tournament, which will Alicia Poto, Emma Randall, Samantha
be held between July 26th and August 5th in Richards, Jenni Screen, Deanna Smith,
Bratislava, Slovak Republic. Belinda Snell, Laura Summerton, Penny
He said: “The goal of this tour was to watch Taylor, Jenny Whittle, Carly Wilson.
the team, especially some players, who
have almost no experience of competing at 2007 WORLD SELECT TEAM FINALIZED
international level against an adult team. FOR 10TH NIKE HOOP SUMMIT
We are in a warm-up period in several Selecting 11 players from 10 different coun-
aspects, such as physical, technical and tries, the 2007 World Select Team that will
tactical, and we are missing some important compete in the 10th annual Nike Hoop
players like (Sthefany) Thomas and (Romina) Summit on April 7 at the FedExForum in
Pesante.” Memphis, Tenn., was recently announced.
The Nike Hoop Summit, the premier annual
AUSTRALIA ROSTERS ANNOUNCED basketball game featuring many of the
Basketball Australia has announced a 17- world’s leading basketball players aged 19
man Australia Post Boomers squad, whose years or younger, sees top senior high school
players will vie for a place on the national players from the USA taking on a World
team to compete at the 2007 FIBA Oceania Select Team comprising the world’s top play-
Qualifying Series in August. ers. The World roster features four guards
Nihad Djedovic (1.98 mt., 6’6”, Bosna
The men’s team must defeat the New Sarajevo/Bosnia), Chen Jianghua (1.88 mt.,
Zealand Tall Blacks in that series to qualify 6’2”, Guangdong Tigers/China), Aleksandar
PAGE 46 | 25 2007 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE
22_046_049 26-03-2007 13:44 Pagina 47
Alana Beard (Washington Mystics), Sue Bird KING JAMES MULLS OVER SUMMER
(Seattle Storm), Swin Cash (Detroit Shock), OPTIONS
Tamika Catchings (Indiana Fever), Jessica LeBron James is undecided if he will repre-
Davenport (Ohio State University), Katie sent the United States at the FIBA Americas
Douglas (Connecticut Sun), Cheryl Ford Championship this year in Las Vegas as the
(Detroit Shock), Sylvia Fowles (Louisiana team tries to qualify for the Olympics.
State University), Taj McWilliams-Franklin The 22-year-old is considering taking a break
(Los Angeles Sparks), DeLisha Milton-Jones after a hectic schedule over the past two
(Washington Mystics), Deanna Nolan seasons which saw him help the Cleveland
(Detroit Shock), Courtney Paris (University of Cavaliers reach the second round of the 2006
Oklahoma), Candace Parker (University of NBA play-offs before helping the United
Tennessee), Cappie Pondexter (Phoenix States capture a bronze medal at the FIBA
Mercury), Michelle Snow (Houston Comets), World Championship in Japan.
Diana Taurasi (Phoenix Mercury), Tina A two-time All Star, James is third in the
Thompson (Houston Comets) and Lindsay league in minutes per game (40.9) and
Whalen (Connecticut Sun). The USA’s next
chance to qualify for the 2008 Olympics will
be at the 2007 FIBA Americas Championship,
slated for Sept. 25-29 in Valdivia, Chile. The
gold medalist at that tournament will earn a
berth to the Beijing Olympic 12-nation field. In
addition to the USA, teams participating in
Ugrinoski (1.88 mt., 6’2”, Arkadia Traiskirchen, the 2007 FIBA Americas Championship will
Austria/Croatia) and Petteri Koponen (1.92 be Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Cuba,
mt., 6’3”, Honka Espoo/Finland). The World Jamaica and Mexico. Should the United
Team has forwards Omri Caspi (2.04 mt., 6’8”, States not return home from Chile with the
Hapoel Galil Elyon/Israel), Alexis Wangmene gold medal, there will be one final chance to
Mang-Ikri (2.06 mt., 6’9”, Blair Academy, qualify for the Olympics at the 2008 FIBA
N.J./Cameroon), Nicholas Batum (2.04 mt., World Olympic Qualifying Tournament slated
6’8”, Le Mans/France), Emir Preldzic (2.06 mt., for June 9-15 at a site to be determined. “I
6’9”, Ljublijana/Slovenia) and Nemanja think continuity is so important in the devel-
Aleksandrov (2.08 mt., 6’10”, Crvena opment of the USA Senior National Team,”
Zvedna/Serbia). The roster is rounded off said US head coach Anne Donovan.
with center Giorgi Shermadini (2.16 mt., 7’1”, “Although we don’t have the benefits of
Maccabi Tbilisi/Georgia) and forward/center extensive training as in the past, we are look-
Alexis Ajinca (2.16 mt., 7’1”, Pau- ing to maximize the time that we are togeth-
Orthez/France). er. By identifying a pool of players we’ll be
able to train extensively and evaluate the
21 PLAYERS SELECTED FOR best fit for our National Team. The more that
WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAM our staff and our players are able to train and
With an eye towards continued adaptability play together, the better our USA National
to the changing women’s basketball environ- Team will be, come competition time.”
ment and building upon the success of the
USA Basketball Women’s Senior National wants a break, but the lure of Las Vegas
Team program, USA Basketball announced is also tempting.
the 21-member 2007-08 USA Women’s Senior He told the Cleveland Plain Dealer:
National Team. This group of seasoned veter- “Anyone needs time off. Being in this coun-
ans and rising stars, headlined by three-time try is more persuasive. Playing in Vegas
Olympic gold medalist Sheryl Swoopes would be a big reason why I would play, but
(Houston Comets) and two-time Olympic gold I still have to think about getting some rest.”
medalist Katie Smith (Detroit Shock), will train James’ absence would be a blow to Team
together over the next two years as the U.S. USA, who already look set to be without
attempts at the 2007 FIBA Americas Dwyane Wade after the Miami Heat star
Championship to qualify for the 2008 Olympic suffered a dislocated shoulder.
Games and then defend its three consecutive That would leave Carmelo Anthony as
Olympic gold medal winning streak. It is America’s only captain for the tournament.
expected that players selected to compete
on USA Senior National teams in the 2007 DRAW OF THE 2007 FIBA U19 WORLD
and 2008 international competitions will CHAMPIONSHIP FOR MEN AND WOMEN
come from the USA Basketball Senior FIBA, in cooperation with the Slovak
National Team pool. Basketball Association, hosted in
In addition to Smith and Swoopes, included Bratislava the draw for the 2007 FIBA U19
on the USA’s deep and talent-stocked roster World Championship for Women that will
are: Seimone Augustus (Minnesota Lynx), be played from 26th July to 5th August 2007
FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 25 2007 | PAGE 47
22_046_049 26-03-2007 13:44 Pagina 48
NEWS
After 15 years of wearing the “verdeamarel- building that covers 2.000 square meters
ha” (green-and-yellow) uniform, the 34-year- and is an extension of the FIBA Pedro
old cited fitness reasons for the move, but Ferrándiz Foundation, a museum with the
will continue playing for a further two or objective to preserve the heritage of inter-
three seasons at club level in Spain. “It was national basketball.
a difficult decision,” said the Rivas Futura The official inauguration of the FIBA Hall of
star. “Brazil have important meetings this Fame has been chaired by the Mayor of
year, including the FIBA Americas Alcobendas, Mr. José Caballero, and in
Championship, but I need to take a definitive presence of the Spanish Secretary of State
rest. Mainly it is due to physical reasons. If I for Sports, Mr. Jaime Lissavetzky, the
am able to play two or three years more, I President of the Spanish Basketball
prefer to say goodbye to the national team. I Federation and FIBA Central Board member,
have played for Brazil since 1991... It was not Mr. José Luis Sáez, FIBA’s President, Mr.
easy to leave the team. I talked a lot with my Bob Elphinston, FIBA’s Secretary General,
husband and my family and I have their sup- Mr. Patrick Baumann, and the complete
port.” Playing for Brazil, Helen won the 1994 FIBA Central Board. The Central Board of
in Bratislava with 16 teams comprised of World Cup in Australia and also helped the FIBA has met in Madrid during the next two
players born in 1988 or after. South Americans to a bronze medal at the days. In addition to the official inauguration
2000 Olympic Games in Sydney. of the building, the announcement of the ini-
COMPOSITION OF THE GROUPS: tial inductees into the FIBA Hall of Fame has
Group A: Argentina, Korea, Slovak Republic INAUGURATION OF THE FIBA been made. Inductees into the FIBA Hall of
and Spain. HALL OF FAME Fame are divided into four categories:
Group B: China, Ivory Coast, Lithuania and The inauguration of the FIBA Hall of Fame, PLAYERS (they must have been retired from
USA. to commemorate the 75th anniversary of international competition for five years),
Group C: Canada, Czech Republic, Japan the foundation of FIBA, was taken place on COACHES, TECHNICAL OFFICIALS (REFER-
and Serbia. 1st March 2007 in Alcobendas (Madrid, EES and COMMISSIONERS) and CONTRIB-
Group D: Australia, Brazil, Mali and Sweden. Spain). The FIBA Hall of Fame is a five-floor UTORS.
For this initial enshrinement ceremony, the
The draw for the 2007 FIBA U19 World International Basketball Federation has
Championship for Men was hosted in decided to pay tribute to a selection of inter-
Novi Sad in cooperation with the Serbian nationally-reknowned figures who made
Basketball Federation. The championship outstanding contributions to our sport of
will be played from 12th to 22nd July 2007 basketball and who, unfortunately, are no
in Novi Sad (Serbia) with 16 teams com- longer with us. During the opening press
prised of players born in 1988 or after. conference, FIBA Secretary General
Patrick Baumann mentioned: “There are a
COMPOSITION OF THE GROUPS: number of basketball Hall of Fames in many
Group A: Brazil, France, Lebanon and countries throughout the world and all of
Lithuania. them deserve our utmost respect. The cul-
Group B: P.R. of China, Mali, Serbia and USA. ture and history of basketball going beyond
Group C: Australia, Canada, Nigeria and the borders of one country, the FIBA Hall of
Turkey. Fame has been created to honor all those,
Group D: Argentina, Korea, Puerto Rico and who greatly contributed to our game in all
Spain.
corners of the planet and made basketball point when all parties agreed with the so-
one of the most popular sports in the world.” called “Tokyo Communiqué”, approved by the
Here is the complete list of the initial posthu- FIBA Central Board. Beginning of February
mous inductees into the FIBA Hall of Fame: 2007 a solution was finally on its way. Under
PLAYERS: Alexander Belov (RUS), Kresimir the leadership of Mr. Pangilinan, Chairman,
Cosic (CRO), Teófilo Cruz (PUR), Mirza the Three-Men Panel met in Bangkok to sort
Delibasic (BIH), Radivoj Korac (SRB), out the latest differences between Philipinas
Fernando Martin (ESP), Drazen Petrovic Basketball (PB) and Basketball Association of
(CRO), Liliana Ronchetti (ITA), Vanya Voynova the Philippines (BAP), under the supervision
(BUL). of FIBA Secretary General Patrick Baumann,
COACHES: Antonio Diaz-Miguel (ESP), FIBA Asia President Sheik Saoud Bin Al Thani
Alexander Gomelsky (RUS), Henry “Hank” and FIBA Asia Secretary General Dato Yeoh
Iba (USA), Vladimir Kondrashin (RUS), Choo Hock. The Three-Men Panel agreed on
Aleksandar Nikolic (SRB), Giancarlo Primo all major outstanding issues and agreed to
(ITA). proceed with the Unity Congress in Manila.
REFEREES: Obrad Belosevic (SRB), Vladimir PB and BAP called on all their stakeholders
Kostin (RUS), Pietro Reverberi (ITA), Renato to attend the Unity Congress. FIBA and FIBA
Righetto (BRA). Asia approved the agreement and fully sup-
CONTRIBUTORS “GOLD”: Léon Bouffard ported the holding of the Unity Congress.
(SUI), R. William Jones (GBR), James FIBA and FIBA Asia therefore encouraged
Naismith (CAN), 8 Founding Federations Of all basketball stakeholders, in particular all
Fiba: Argentina, Czech Republic, Greece, members of BAP and PB, to unite by attend-
Italy, Latvia, Portugal, Romania, Switzerland. ing the meeting in Manila.
CONTRIBUTORS: Eduardo Airaldi Rivarola The Unity Congress was held on 5th February
(PER), Abdel Azim Ashry (EGY), Turgut Atakol cities, and has also been expanded from 12 2007, in the presence of FIBA Secretary
(TUR), Robert Busnel (FRA), Dionisio Calvo teams to 16. Meanwhile, it has been con- General Patrick Baumann and delegates
(PHI), Antonio Dos Reis Carneiro (BRA), José firmed that the four additional stadia desig- from the Philippine Olympic Committee. With
Claudio Dos Reis (BRA), Yoon Duk-Joo (KOR), nated to host the games will be completed in the successful staging of the Unity Congress
Willard N. Greim (USA), Ferenc Hepp (HUN), time. Fernanda Pereira, architect for the the role of the Three-Men Panel had suc-
Marian Kozlowski (POL), Anselmo Lopez Finance Ministry, explained that work, carried cessfully completed in accordance with the
(ESP), August Pitzl (AUT), Nebojsa Popovic out by a Chinese construction firm, would Tokyo Communiqué and the merger between
(SRB), Raimundo Saporta (ESP), Decio Scuri start in April, and that the completed grounds BAP and PB consummated, resulting into a
(ITA), Nikolai Semashko (RUS), Radomir would be handed over on July 31. The courts new national federation for basketball with
Shaper (SRB), Edward S. Steitz (USA), are being built in the provinces of Huila, new structures, by-laws and leaders.
Yoshimi Ueda (JPN), Abdel Moneim Wahby Cabinda, Benguela and Huambo and will cost That paved the way for the official Philippines
(EGY). around $ 45.5million (£ 23.3million) in total. Olympic Committee and FIBA accreditations
In the summer of 2007, in a date yet to be and for the lifting of the suspension of the
determined, the intake of the 2007 Class of FIBA LIFTS BAN ON THE PHILIPPINES Philippines from international competitions.
Inductees (composed by a maximum num- FIBA has lifted the suspension of the national
ber of 20 persons) will take place in order to basketball Federation of the Philippines. This
mark the 75th Anniversary of FIBA. After will allow the national teams from the
that date, enshrinement ceremonies into the Philippines to compete again in FIBA compe-
FIBA Hall of Fame will take place every two titions. In a letter faxed to President Manuel
years and will be limited to a maximum of six V. Pangilinan of the newly founded BAP-
inductees per year. Samahang Basketball ng Pilipina Inc, FIBA’s
Secretary General Patrick Baumann has stat-
ANGOLA PREPARATIONS ON TRACK FOR ed: “Thank you for your correspondence
FIBA AFRICA CHAMPIONSHIP dated 16th February 2007 attesting the
The draw for the FIBA Africa Championship is obtained accreditation from the Philippine
to take place at the start of April. Olympic Committee. It is therefore my
Gustavo da Conceiçao, Chairman of host pleasure to confirm to you that the Tokyo
nation Angola’s Federation of Basketball Agreement has now been complied with
(FAB), made the announcement at a press and, as a consequence, the suspension on
conference in Luanda, adding that he was the Philippines is lifted. At the same time,
counting on the presence of some as yet the BAP-Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas
unnamed “stars” of the basketball world. Inc. replaces the Basketball Association of
He also confirmed that the inaugural match the Philippines (BAP) as a duly affiliated
for August’s tournament would be played in member of FIBA taking over all of its rights
Luanda’s Cidadela stadium before taking the and obligations.” The lift of the suspension
competition to the provinces. concluded a two and a half years long strug-
Angola, who are also the reigning champions, gle over the control of the national basketball
will begin their preparations in Huila before federation in the Philippines, where basket-
departing for Europe to train. It is the first time ball is the most popular sport. In the summer
Find more stories on www.fiba.com
that Afrobasket will be played across five of 2006 the controversy reached a turning
FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 25 2007 | PAGE 49
22_050 24-03-2007 11:27 Pagina 50
NEWS
THE ODD -
THE FUNNY -
Off-the-court
THE UNUSUAL
LUGO HELPS BASKETBALL
DEVELOPMENT IN VENEZUELA
Venezuelan veteran Richard Lugo nor-
mally makes a big impact for the nation-
al side in the low post as a powerful cen-
ter.
He is now making waves off the court
with the Richard Lugo Foundation to help
with the development of basketball
INCREDIBLE schools in the Carabobo region.
HULK GOES ORANGE “I come from a family that wasn’t well
Bruce Pearl is one of off, and I also lived the stage in my life in
the most colourful char- which I used to practice sports without
acters in college bas- proper resources,” he said.
ketball. And you can “I want to contribute in this new project,
take that literally, after in which I can collect resources with my
the Tennessee coach image and give it to others.”
daubed himself in Lugo is offering a helping hand, and not
orange body paint to just to improve basketball skills. NO HORSING AROUND AT CSKA
cheer on the Lady Vols. “We will bring also mobile clinics to do FOR MESSINA
The antics of Pearl, who revitalised the men’s dental tests and checks, and provide It took just one year for Ettore Messina to lead
basketball program in Knoxville since taking educational stuff and hold discussions CSKA Moscow to an impressive Russian Cup,
charge last season, became famous when a about drugs, responsible sex and what- Superleague and Euroleague treble. And the
locker room video of his “incredible Hulk” ever helps them to grow up as responsi- club is so grateful that it can’t seem to do
impersonation surfaced last season. The video ble sportsmen and people,” Lugo said. enough for the Italian coach. Messina was
showed Pearl celebrating a win over Kentucky lost for words recently when he was handed
by ripping off his jacket and shirt and flexing his a replica Kalashnikov by CSKA president
muscles before being swamped by his players. Sergey Kushchenko as a present for having
Then, he was at it in public, painted orange with achieved so much with CSKA. “It’s not a
a huge blue V on his chest together with sever- weapon but an award,” said Messina. “It’s
al of his players: Pearl helped spell out "Go Vols" like if you go to (Ferrari’s headquarters)
in the crowd. Lady Vols coach Pat Summitt, who Maranello and they give me the latest small
has an NCAA record 930 wins to her name, model of a Ferrari. “Certainly, it’s something
enthusiastically acknowledged Pearl's efforts, that I hold dearly. The only problem is, how
although ultimately they did not help her team in will I take it home, what will I say in customs?
a 74-70 loss to top-ranked Duke. Tennessee ral- Will they let me take it with me?” Messina is
lied from 21 points down to make a fight of it in such a big name that the Russian club has
the closing stages, but the Blue Devils hung on commmissioned two paintings feature him
to remain unbeaten. Despite the loss, the Lady and players inside the CSKA palasport. In one
Vols appreciated the efforts of Pearl and his painting, Messina and all of his players are on
players. “Ever since Bruce Pearl got here, we horseback and the only horse with its front
have been friends with the guys,” forward legs up and guiding the group is the one car-
Sidney Spencer told ESPN.com. “They have rying Messina. “I found it already done when
supported us, and we have supported them”. we returned to Moscow after our pre-season
The Duke players were equally impressed. “I’m in Italy,” said Messina. “It’s embarrasing, I
going to go suggest it to [Duke men’s coach cannot deny it, but I would never consider
Mike Krzyzewski],” Duke’s Abby Waner said, disputing any decisions made by the club.”
leaving us to imagine a bizarre vision of the man
who doubles as the Team USA coach. Find more stories on www.fiba.com