Greece and Croatia Off To Beijing, Who Will Join Them?

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When you wake up from your weekend's adventures and head in to work Monday morning, the 12 teams competing at the Beijing Olympic Games will be finalized.

Yesterday, Greece defeated Puerto Rico 88-63 to advance to the final of the qualifying tournament, but more importantly the Greeks have punched their ticket to the Games.

Greece started the tournament as favourites so it is no surprise they coasted into the final of the FIBA tournament on home soil.

In the other semi final Croatia got the better of Germany despite Dallas Maverick Dirk Nowitzki having a monster game. Nowitzki's 30 points and 13 rebounds was not enough to combat Croatia's team effort.

The final score was 76-70.

Croatia makes their return to the Olympics after missing out in Athens in 2004, while Greece will try and secure a medal after missing out four years ago.

With Greece and Croatia on their way to Beijing, I would love to be in Athens to see the Germans and the Puerto Ricians go at it for that final spot.

To me, this is actually the championship game of the tournament. There is so much on this one game.

I'm sure Dirk will be looking to have a big game and help his country get to the Olympics. This might help erase some of his recent NBA playoff disappointments.

I cannot wait to wake up in the morning and find out the result of this game. One team will leave Athens very, very disappointed, the other over the moon.

Onto the final. There has been a little speculation around this game, especially the result.

You win this game and you join the bracket of Lithuania, Argentina, Australia, Iran and Russia.

You lose, you play host China, the USA, Angola, Spain and the winner of the third place game of the FIBA tournament in your pool games at the Olympics.

A lot of the philosophies centre around when do you want to match up against the USA. Some countries want to play them in pool action so you do not have to cross over against them to reach the medal games.

Others will take their chances and hope they do not have to meet them until a medal game. Then they roll the dice and hope they have a good one against them.

Personally I believe you have to play to win every game and let the chips fall where they do. If you start trying to map your path, you will stuff up somewhere along the way. Whether it is you dropping a game you thought you would win, or some other team causing and upset you did not see coming.

At the Olympics, if you are playing good enough to win a medal, you will beat whoever is in your way.

Argentina was a great example of this in Athens. I watched nearly all the basketball games played (yes enter your own joke at my expense) and I could see that Argentina had an edge about their game.

It did not matter if it was the USA or New Zealand, they played the same way.

In the end you can say that this attitude paid off, they won the gold.

Lets get back on track, Germany or Puerto Rico? I will say the combination of NBA stars Nowitzki and Los Angles Clippers centre Chris Kaman will be too much for the guys from the Americas.

And the final. I'll stick with the home team, Greece. I feel they could be a medal contender next month in Beijing.

Let the Games begin!

Other News

"He’s the kind of thin that makes you think of pipe cleaners, Calista Flockhart and M.C. Hammer’s wallet. He’s as long as Lawrence of Arabia and as wide as a crack in the sidewalk. He’s as skinny as Pete Wentz’s jeans and as lean as Stouffer’s diet cuisine." - NBA.com's Dave McMenamin describing Golden State Warriors rookie Anthony Randolph.

Click here and read how Randolph is making people look past his build. You got a love a guy like this. Well, Leroy Loggins and I can.

Click here for all your Vegas Summer League news and scores.

Nathan Jawai finally got his Summer League and NBA career underway over the weekend. Big Nate opened his account against the Los Angles Lakers. Starting and playing 24 minutes Nate produced 8 points and 6 rebounds. Today Jawai backed up that performance with a 13 point, 5 rebounds game. (click on the above link to see boxscores and highlights)

Click here to get the latest scores and news from the Rocky Mountain Revue (Utah Jazz Summer League). Anyone who is interested, the Olympic bound Iranian team is playing in the Revue.

From the Torres News - Mills in, Jawai out

"And "Nude Nights" should be scheduled without warning. This Festival of Flesh would get everyone talking hoops. You know what they say about men with big feet. Once the public tried a night courtside, with everything hanging out, they would be hooked." - The Courier Mail and HG Nelson's take on what needs to happen for basketball to grab the headlines.

Nate Tomlinson (former King's assistant coach Bill Tomlinson's son) getting the wraps from Colorado coach Jeff Bzdelik and other Aussies having an impact in college.

Stick a fork in the Tall Blacks. Their Olympic dream is over, thanks to the Greeks. The question now must be, when will they get their next Olympic berth? I cannot see them hosting the world's largest Games any time soon.

Matt Smith returns to the Snakes.

Ever Wonder What Happened To Brett Wheeler?

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

Articles From Anywhere To Everywhere

Reggie still ranked third despite only having one year with the three point line.

Let's kick it off with an article that debates who is the best All Time College 3 Ball Shooter. The winner according to ESPN's Jay Bilas is Dennis Scott. "3D" was smooth as silk and had ridiculous range. Check out the list and take a walk down memory lane.

Which city in the USA has produced the best high school players? Scroll over New York and you will see Adelaide 36ers import Julius Hodge on the list.

Tracy McGrady remembers the dunk that put him on the map. Read what happened to the guy that got dunked on.

Announcer Billy Packer and CBS part ways after 34 years.

Day 4 TrueHoop blog from the Vegas Summer League.

Awards time from the Orlando Summer League.

Yao might be ready for Pre Olympic Tourney, the Stankovic Cup.

Charity game in Miami - DWade stars.

All the latest from the Vegas Summer League.

WNBL team the Bendigo Spirit is thinking of taking legal action against new NBL franchise the Sydney Spirit.

Andrew Bogut believes more Aussies will be in the NBA in the near future.

Proud Olympian Brad Newley believes this last camp will have them prepared for the Beijing Games.

Check out the results from Day 1 of the qualifying Olympic tournament in Greece.

Rosell Ellis - shows he is over his peck injury

Weekly ABA Wrap and Homicide Siting

Homicide vs Artest during the summer. Read below to find out how this ended.


Breaking News: New Zealand get off to a good start as they try to secure one of the remaining three Olympic Games spots up for grabs.

They defeated Cape Verde 77-50 with Kirk Penney dropping in 25pts. Next up for the Kiwi's Dirk Nowitski and Germany.

If you want to follow all the action live from this Pre Olympic Qualifying tournament click here.

Now back to our usual schedule.

It's that time of the week again to go around the nation and see what's doing in the various ABA leagues. Whether it is the free flowing QABL (Queensland) or the self proclaimed "Australia's Premier Winter Basketball League", SEABL, you can find all the boxscores right here with the click of a button or two. (click on the League to get boxscores)

Queensland: Cam Tragardh needs to hang out with me more often. Last week I coached him in a few games in China. He took the knowledge I passed on and gave Toowoomba 67 points (30/40fgs), 26 rebounds and 11 fumbles (assists). Pretty good Tragargamel, was Jimmy Wong in the building?

Waratah: Bruce Bolden dusted off his shoes, licked his fingers in preparation for a high post jumper and player/coached the Hornsby Spiders to a loss. I cannot wait for him and Butch Hays to match up against each other. Maybe those two should just go one on one for the game.

Big V: Sandringham's Simon Conn keeps putting up impressive numbers (another solid double double this week). Why can't he get a look at the NBL level?

Western Australia: I read on Geraldton's Micheal Lay's blog where he is torn about going to Germany to play and giving up the opportunity to stay with Geraldton. I will keep you posted as to his movements.

South Australia: Last week I gave Rupert Sapwell a wrap, this week his team Norwood gets dominated by Pero Vasilijevic in a top of the table clash. Talk about going from the penthouse to the outhouse for "Monkey Boy".

SEABL: I've been storing this one up all year. Best name in the league? Ballarat Miners Brett Goodgame. I will let you insert your own joke here.

During the NBL offseason Crocs import Corey "Homicide" Williams goes home to New York to work on his playground legend status. Recently he matched up against NBA wildman Ron Artest. Check out what happened when they matched up.

"We’re going to have to play very, very well together and we’re going to have to have great team camaraderie and do something special. But I think we have the ability to do that." Words from the great Spin Doctor Brian Goorjian while moonlighting as the Boomers coach. Article courtesy of The Western Australian.

"By evolving into the Sydney Spirit, we believe we are offering all basketball fans in this city a team to call their own." Sydney Spirit chief Steve Aquilina speaking. Article courtesy of the Sydney Morning Herald.

As predicted here a month ago, Ebi Ere signs with Dragons. I wonder if Smith being released had anything to do with this?

Check out the Vegas Summer League action. It is free to sign up (only takes a minute), then you will be able to watch Aussie Nathan Jawai live in action. He makes his Toronro Raptors debut Tuesday morning (Aussie time) at 8.00am.

Self Proclaimed Australian League Superstar, Corey "Homicide" Williams!

Is strength and conditioning guru Billy Johnston the guy to turn the Cowboys around next season?

I love weeks like this where I get to talk about a couple of guys that I know well making news for all the right reasons.

The first is fitness guru, Billy Johnston. The big news is Johnston has signed on for three years with the North Queensland Cowboys as strength and conditioning coach.

Johnston has been with the new kids on the block, Gold Coast Titans, for the past two years, but all signs point to him heading back to the far north.

My mail has the official announcement of Johnston’s return as the Cowboys’ strength and conditioning coach happening as early as Monday.

As some of you may know, I trained under Johnston when he was with the Bulldogs and I played for the West Sydney Razorbacks. I can tell you from experience that he is worth the hype he receives. He runs a tight ship and there is never a doubt that his strict regime has the players physically prepared for whatever the opposition throws at them.

I personally believe one of his most underestimated skills is his ability to keep players off the injury list from those little niggles that cost a game or two here and there.

Under Billy, it is sometimes in a player’s best interest to stay off that list simply because they know they are going to work as hard, if not harder than when they are healthy.

Whether it is an early morning bike ride to Woodstock or swimming laps at Long Tan pool, there will be no cheating the system because Johnston will literally be right beside you counting every kilometer or lap you’ve done.

A word of warning to the Cowboys; last time I had spoken to Billy he had developed a passion for surf skiing. I can see it now, the Cowboys annual paddle over to Maggie Island.

Johnston’s interest in his guys does not stop when the last of them walks out the doors of training either. He has an uncanny ability to locate any one of his players at all hours of the day or night and I have a feeling this will go a long way toward curbing some of the team’s after dark, off-field activities.

If the Cowboys reclaim a position in the top four next season, he could prove to be their best off season signing.

My other mate, former Crocodile Brad Newley, has officially made his first Olympic Games team.

As many of you remember, Newley enjoyed three productive seasons with the Crocs and has spent the last eight months proving himself in Europe. Newley was drafted by the Houston Rockets in the NBA who are watching him build himself and his game on the international stage. He has done well so far and his success this year should equate to a lucrative multi year deal for the upcoming years. Now the Beijing Games are the icing on the cake.

When I lasted ‘chewed the fat’ with Brad he was a little nervous about making the team, which is understandable at this stage of the selection process.

Although you would like to be confident in your selection, as the numbers start to thin out you wonder whether you are the next name on the list of guys to go home. Playing in an Olympic Games is such an honour, you just don’t want to assume anything until you get the official nod.

A huge congratulation to Newls (and on a side note, congrats to Townsville Fire’s Rahanni Cox as well) on an Olympic selection. It is an experience of a lifetime.

You can find my article in the Townsville Bulletin every Saturday.

Hoops Articles

Jason Smith is officially released from the South Dragons.

He's a big, strong, raw player right now, but he'll surprise you with his athleticism," Bryan Colangelo said of Nathan Jawai. "He has tremendous upside. He's a 22-year-old who has shown the ability to score in a variety of ways and he has great quickness and good footwork around the basket." Raptors GM Colangelo on Jawai. Courtesy of the Toronto Sun.

"Training up there (Dragons) and the experience of playing in the NBL last year prepares you more for playing with the Supercats as well, which is great," Nathan Herbert said. Dragons Herbert talks about his love for the game. Courtesy of the Geelong Advertiser.

Tasmania is now claiming newly crowned Olympian Shawn Redhage as one of theirs.

"I think there's no question now that the Boomers are genuine medal contenders". Words from Aussie basketball legend Andrew Gaze. Courtesy of The Daily Telegraph.

"We really have a talented group of guys going over and if we can push through the first round we have the ability to surprise everyone with our results," Anstey, NBL's reigning MVP and member of the national team who finished fourth in the 2000 Sydney Games, he told The Herald Sun.

Kiwi guard Kirk Penney believes they have a chance to qualify for the Olympics.

Last day results from the Orlando Summer League. Aaron Bruce has 7 assists.

Boxscores from Day 1 of the Vegas Summer League. (You have to sign up but the process is quite simple.)

Road To Redemption: Episode 1 - USA Olympic Team

Jawai Gets NBA Deal and ABA Weekly Wrap

Jawai's new home. A little bigger than the Cairns "Hiss House".

I'm a little behind this week due to my excursion to China but better late than never. Here is a look at all of last week's boxscores from the ABA ranks. (Click on your favourite League to get the scores.)

Queensland: Ex-NBLer Thalo Green drops 47 points and grabs 18 boards on my hometown Toowoomba Mountaineers. Oh how times have changed on top of the mountain.

Waratah: Troy Pilon had a double double (18 & 13) for the Illawarra Hawks. Can anyone let me know if they have seen the "Truck" dribble with his left hand? It will be his first time.

Big V: Ex Tiger Luke McMillan still gets it done. He led Ringwood with 40 points and 16 rebounds.

Western Australia: Carmie Olowoyo has a double double (28 & 13) in a losing effort for Stirling.

South Australia: Rupert Sapwell has his Norwood Flame charges travelling along nicely right now. He has been unable to get an NBL assistants job in the off season, but teams will not be able to keep saying "no" if he keeps on winning.

SEABL: AIS gets the better of the Canberra Gunners in the local derby.

Nathan Jawai was rewarded with a two year deal by the Toronto Raptors today. This is quite and achievement for a second round draft pick.

With Jawai securing a two year deal this shows just how high the Raptors are on the young Aussie. There are no guarantees being a second round pick so for Jawai to secure a deal like this means the Raptors see a future for Jawai in the NBA.

My sources told me it took a little time for the Raptors to warm to the Bamaga local. Their scout Jim Kelly was not overly impressed with his first look but over time Jawai changed their mind.

They must have been keen pre draft because they had him workout twice for them.

All this is history now and I'm lining up for my Jawai jersey. Go Raptors!

The Men's Olympic Basketball team was named today. As I mentioned yesterday, former Sydney King Luke Kendall became the odd man out from the thirteen man squad.

The team: David Andersen, Chris Anstey, Ddavid Barlow, Andrew Bogut, CJ Bruton, Joe Ingles, Patrick Mills, Brad Newley, Matt Nielsen, Shawn Redhage, Glen Saville, Mark Worthington

Over the next few weeks I will give you a breakdown of each player.

Other News
Tall Blacks defeat Iran.
Another article on the Jawai deal.
Men's Olympic team.
Radford signs with Wildcats.
Goorjian to rely on "BIGS".
Day 4 of the Orlando Summer League.
For all the latest happenings at the Vegas Summer League, click here.

Beasley and Rose at the Orlando Summer League