Andrew Bogut was head and shoulders above anyone else today.
Tonight CJ Bruton hit a three point shot with 0.2 seconds remaining to give the Australian Boomers a 81-78 win over African champions Angola.
Bruton was the hero but NBA star Andrew Bogut was the difference maker in this game. Bogut finished with a game high 32 points and 11 rebounds.
Although it was good to see Bogut heavily involved tonight, the Aussies cannot expect this to become the norm. we need more contributors if we are to advance in Beijing.
This was a close game from start to finish. The Boomers went into half time with a seven point lead thanks to a controversial three, but the Africans had it all squared away by three quarter time.
All tied up with 12 seconds to go, Bruton used a high on ball screen from Bogut with about 6 seconds remaining. Cool as the other side of your pillow Bruton launched the three and "bingo". The Boomers sneak out the victory.
The Angolans were a good hit out for the Boomers because of their quickness and ability to shoot the ball. Although one of the smaller teams going to the Olympics, they possess a few players that are multi talented.
A small centre Eduardo Mingas, power forward Joaquim Gomes and small forward Olimpia Cipriano will keep all teams honest in Beijing let alone the Aussies.
These three guys combined for 60 of the 78 points their team scored.
Another solid win by the Boomers who will now play Argentina for the championship of the Diamond Ball. This game is on the 1st of August (Friday) at 9.30pm EST. Check out www.justin.tv/antileech to catch the action live on the net.
Interesting note, that in tonight's game and against China, Goorjian has gone with Bruton, Bogut, Matt Nielsen, Brad Newley and Mark Worthington down the stretch.
Also, as the Boomers work closer to the opening game of the Olympic Games, Goorijan will look to tighten his rotations. I will keep an eye on this to see who will be the guys that fill the bench role of Tony Ronaldson, Martin Cattalini, Paul Rogers and myself at the last Olympics.
Other International Results
Argentina beats Serbia 75-60.
USA beats Turkey 114-82.
Chris Anstey interview from China
NBL News
Jason Castro will remain with Slingers.
Slingers controlled their own destiny.
Melbourne Tigers chasing Julius Hodge.
Blaze boss prepared to roll with the good and bad times.
"A lesser known player involved in this trade is Nathan Jawai, whose draft rights the Raptors acquired. The Raptors do not have a true center and the addition of this 6-10, 280 pound big man will help their inside presence. He has been working out with O'Neal at Joe Abunassar's Impact Basketball and posted 10.5 points and 5.5 rebounds during summer league play. After winning two NBL titles back home, Jawai is eager to help the Raptors in their title quest." - Courtesy of Hoopsworld.com
A positive write up for the former Cairns Taipan, Nathan Jawai. Considering it was his rookie year last year, it is interesting that he has won two NBL titles though.
Chris Anstey extends contract for another two years with the Melbourne Tigers.
Aleks Maric set to play in Spain for the next two years.
Steve Nash/Baron Davis Movie - funny stuff (I'm stealing DJ Leon Smith's material, sorry!)
Showing posts with label Jason Castro. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jason Castro. Show all posts
Thursday, July 31, 2008
CJ's The Hero But Bogut Plays Big
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Spirit Debate Continues & Other Stuff
This is what the Great Debate is over!
Who Has The Spirit
The debate over which team or teams will be able to use Spirit as their nickname continued today in Sydney.
The Bendigo Spirit who play in the Women's National Basketball League have always operated with this nickname.
Bendigo is fighting for their name as the (kind of) new franchise in the Men's National Basketball League, Sydney Spirit, is trying to swoop in on the nickname.
I like the passion that the people of Bendigo are approaching this matter with. I hope they get what they are fighting for.
Bendigo's GM Wendy James had this to say.
"We were given a good hearing and we stood up for our name and the reasons why we want it exclusively", she told the Bendigo Advertiser.
For the full article click here.
Anyone for Steak
"Jason was met at the airport by team owner Bob Turner and driven to his quarters before they proceeded to a downtown restaurant for a steak dinner. Danny said Jason was very impressed with his quarters and might ask a cousin based in Singapore to stay with him in his flat." - INQUIRER.Net
Good to see that all is going well for new Singapore Slinger Jason Castro. If all it takes to impress him is a steak dinner, look for more NBL clubs to recruit players from the Philippines.
RESPECT
"Probably not the NBL, though: people there couldn't organise the proverbial in a brewery without losing their shirts. And pants. And then blaming it on a biased media and a dodgy bloke from Perth with miracle tablets." - Sydney Morning Herald
This is a great article by the SMH's Bernard Zuel. I'm sure when many front office big wigs read this article, they had their lackey put out a press release about something they had just done.
Athens
With the first round of games nearly complete at the FIBA Athens 2008 tournament, finally we are a step closer to finding out which three countries will get the remaining three Olympics spots.
The Kiwis lost to Germany today for the fifth consecutive time, while Greece continues to dominate in front of their home fans.
For all the latest news and results click here.
Vegas in Summer
Check out the latest and greatest scores from the Vegas Summer League.
South Dragons new import signing Ebi Ere has been putting up some solid numbers over the past two games for the Memphis Grizzles.
If he keeps playing well, he may have to take a pay cut to play in the NBA next season.
A Pocket Full of Posey
"You knew this was coming -- the inevitable overreaction to a role player on a championship team in free agency. Every year there's one guy whom teams can't stop fawning over, and this year it was James Posey. Sure, he was an integral part of championship teams for both Miami and Boston, but as with a lot of players who win rings it can be hard for us to look at him rationally." - ESPN's John Hollinger.
A good article explaining how timing is everything for a solid role player in the NBA. I'm a James Posey fan, but the New Orleans Hornets have just shelled out $25 million for the best role player in the recent NBA Finals series. Is he worth it? You decide.
Yao Rusty
"Entering to huge applause from the crowd in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou, Yao appeared rusty in scoring six points over seven minutes in the first half. Four of those came from free throws, helping China race to a 51-39 lead after the second quarter." - Associated Press
China's great basketballing Olympic hope Yao Ming returned to action today against Serbia.
Although it was reported he looked rusty, the confidence he brings out in the other players will see China become a much tougher opponent with him in the line up.
During my recent trip to China I was told that the other Chinese players on the squad respond positively to the presences of the big Houston Rocket centre.
Youngsters to Scrimmage Team USA
"We're looking for this select group to really compete and help prepare our senior team for Beijing," USA Basketball managing director Jerry Colangelo said in a statement. "I'll also repeat something I said last year. Some of these players have represented USA Basketball in the past and there are others who will. This is an opportunity for them to get into the USA Basketball pipeline." - Associated Press.
To check out the full squad click here.
Marbury Gone?
The future of Stephon Marbury with his hometown New York Knicks looks bleak. The Knicks signed Anthony Roberson to a two year deal. This signing seems like it could be the death of Marbury in New York.
A Little Ol Skool NBL - 1982 All Star Game
The debate over which team or teams will be able to use Spirit as their nickname continued today in Sydney.
The Bendigo Spirit who play in the Women's National Basketball League have always operated with this nickname.
Bendigo is fighting for their name as the (kind of) new franchise in the Men's National Basketball League, Sydney Spirit, is trying to swoop in on the nickname.
I like the passion that the people of Bendigo are approaching this matter with. I hope they get what they are fighting for.
Bendigo's GM Wendy James had this to say.
"We were given a good hearing and we stood up for our name and the reasons why we want it exclusively", she told the Bendigo Advertiser.
For the full article click here.
Anyone for Steak
"Jason was met at the airport by team owner Bob Turner and driven to his quarters before they proceeded to a downtown restaurant for a steak dinner. Danny said Jason was very impressed with his quarters and might ask a cousin based in Singapore to stay with him in his flat." - INQUIRER.Net
Good to see that all is going well for new Singapore Slinger Jason Castro. If all it takes to impress him is a steak dinner, look for more NBL clubs to recruit players from the Philippines.
RESPECT
"Probably not the NBL, though: people there couldn't organise the proverbial in a brewery without losing their shirts. And pants. And then blaming it on a biased media and a dodgy bloke from Perth with miracle tablets." - Sydney Morning Herald
This is a great article by the SMH's Bernard Zuel. I'm sure when many front office big wigs read this article, they had their lackey put out a press release about something they had just done.
Athens
With the first round of games nearly complete at the FIBA Athens 2008 tournament, finally we are a step closer to finding out which three countries will get the remaining three Olympics spots.
The Kiwis lost to Germany today for the fifth consecutive time, while Greece continues to dominate in front of their home fans.
For all the latest news and results click here.
Vegas in Summer
Check out the latest and greatest scores from the Vegas Summer League.
South Dragons new import signing Ebi Ere has been putting up some solid numbers over the past two games for the Memphis Grizzles.
If he keeps playing well, he may have to take a pay cut to play in the NBA next season.
A Pocket Full of Posey
"You knew this was coming -- the inevitable overreaction to a role player on a championship team in free agency. Every year there's one guy whom teams can't stop fawning over, and this year it was James Posey. Sure, he was an integral part of championship teams for both Miami and Boston, but as with a lot of players who win rings it can be hard for us to look at him rationally." - ESPN's John Hollinger.
A good article explaining how timing is everything for a solid role player in the NBA. I'm a James Posey fan, but the New Orleans Hornets have just shelled out $25 million for the best role player in the recent NBA Finals series. Is he worth it? You decide.
Yao Rusty
"Entering to huge applause from the crowd in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou, Yao appeared rusty in scoring six points over seven minutes in the first half. Four of those came from free throws, helping China race to a 51-39 lead after the second quarter." - Associated Press
China's great basketballing Olympic hope Yao Ming returned to action today against Serbia.
Although it was reported he looked rusty, the confidence he brings out in the other players will see China become a much tougher opponent with him in the line up.
During my recent trip to China I was told that the other Chinese players on the squad respond positively to the presences of the big Houston Rocket centre.
Youngsters to Scrimmage Team USA
"We're looking for this select group to really compete and help prepare our senior team for Beijing," USA Basketball managing director Jerry Colangelo said in a statement. "I'll also repeat something I said last year. Some of these players have represented USA Basketball in the past and there are others who will. This is an opportunity for them to get into the USA Basketball pipeline." - Associated Press.
To check out the full squad click here.
Marbury Gone?
The future of Stephon Marbury with his hometown New York Knicks looks bleak. The Knicks signed Anthony Roberson to a two year deal. This signing seems like it could be the death of Marbury in New York.
A Little Ol Skool NBL - 1982 All Star Game
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