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Nevill signs with Indiana Pacers

Updated September 20, 2012 12:35:08

Former Perth Wildcats centre Luke Nevill has secured a contract with American NBA team the Indiana Pacers.

The 26-year-old 2.18 metre (7 ft, 2 inches) Australian centre has played for the Wildcats and the Melbourne Tigers in the National Basketball League

Nevill had a strong college career in the United States with the University of Utah and was named the Mountain West Conference player of the year in 2008-09.

He joined the Clevelend Cavaliers as a sparring partner for Shaquille O'Neal. He was released by the Cavaliers and played in the D-League with the Utah Flash.

He joined the Melbourne Tigers in 2010 but after limited court time left the Tigers in early 2011 for a stint in Russia before joining the Wildcats for the 2011-12 season.

In 34 games for the Wildcats, Nevill averaged 9.5 points.

He will need to impress the Pacers coaching staff in training camp to secure a permanent place on the roster.

Tags: basketball, sport, perth-6000, wa, australia

First posted September 20, 2012 12:30:11


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Tuesday, September 4, 2012

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Opals get home against Brazil

Updated July 22, 2012 09:13:24

The Australian women's basketball team survived a scare against Brazil before running out 78-75 winners in their pre-Olympics tournament in France.

The Opals had led by nine points at half-time, however the Brazilians fought back to carry a 57-56 advantage into the final term.

But the three-time Olympic silver medallists found enough to secure the victory with Belinda Snell again impressing with a 28-point haul.

The Opals remain undefeated in their pre-Olympic fixtures in Europe, having also beaten France, Great Britain, Angola and China.

They next meet France on Monday (AEST).

Tags: olympics-summer, sport, basketball, france

First posted July 22, 2012 09:10:22


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Boomers lose to Brazil

Updated July 23, 2012 13:32:35

The Boomers were beaten 87-71 by Olympic opponents Brazil in a warm-up tournament in Strasbourg this morning.

Brazil's NBA stars Nene (12 points, 11 rebounds) and Tiago Splitter (15 points) were the standouts in the 16-point win.

For Australia David Andersen top-scored with 16 points while Patty Mills contributed with 14 points.

Boomers coach Brett Brown was left wondering how to beat the Brazilians who will be Australia's first opponents in the Olympic tournament next Sunday.

Australia (ninth) are ranked ahead of Brazil (13th) on world rankings but Brown concedes the Brazilians will be hard to beat in London.

"I think you leave (tonight) with the realisation that they're (Brazil) an excellent team," Brown said.

"Their four NBA players were very good. I thought they were very physical and it was a good indication of what to expect in our opening game with them in London.

"You leave learning a lot more about what it's going to take to beat them."

The Boomers continue their preparation with a match against France on Tuesday morning.

Tags: sport, basketball, olympics-summer, france

First posted July 23, 2012 13:32:35


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Boomers sweep series against Greece

Updated June 27, 2012 22:25:13

Australia wrapped up its farewell series against Greece with a 79-58 victory in the third and final game in Geelong.

The Boomers, who won the opening two games of the series 87-60 and 91-51, looked set for a comfortable victory when they held a 17-point advantage at half-time.

But that was reduced to just five points when the Greeks fought back in the third quarter to trail 44-39.

The hosts found enough in the tank to re-focus in the final term and ice the win, which gave them a 3-0 series triumph in their last hit-out on Australian soil before the London Olympics.

Matthew Dellavedova led the scoring for the Boomers with 12 points, while Joe Ingles and Brad Newley added 11-point hauls.

Georgios Bogris and Nikolaos Pappas both posted 16 points for Greece.

Their first game at the London Olympics is against Brazil on July 29.

Tags: sport, basketball, olympics-summer, geelong-3220

First posted June 27, 2012 22:23:49


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Russians take basketball bronze in thriller

Updated August 13, 2012 00:18:09

Russia has won the men's basketball bronze medal, beating Argentina 81-77 in a thrilling finish in London.

It was a close encounter for most of the match, and there was never more than a few points difference between the sides in the final quarter.

Young star Alexey Shved caught fire to lead the Russians to victory in a game that had 17 lead changes and was tied a dozen times.

Russia used a third-quarter hot streak to take an 11-point lead but Argentina closed the quarter with seven straight points to make it 61-57.

Shved, 23, scored seven points in a row for Russia to snap a 64-64 deadlock and lift them to a 71-66 fourth-quarter lead.

A pair of three-pointers for Argentina by Andres Nocioni and Manu Ginobili tied the game 72-72 and a twisting, left-handed reverse lay-up by Ginobili gave the Argentines a 77-76 lead and the inside track for the medal with 44 seconds left.

Shved then stepped up and drilled a three-pointer to put Russia ahead 79-77 and after a three-point try from the corner by Nocioni rattled around the rim and out, a fast-break lay-up by Vitaliy Fridzon completed the scoring.

"I played two games bad but the third game is my game," said Shved, a long-haired guard who struggled with his consistency in the tournament.

"It is one of the best moments in my life. When you come to an Olympic Games and win a medal - not every athlete can do this."

Andrei Kirilenko, the veteran forward and leader of the team, was excited about Russia's return to the podium for the first time since taking bronze at the Sydney Games in 2000.

"I feel like it's a gold medal," he said. "I think we did a very good job today. In the second half when we fell down we stayed together to get that win."

At the buzzer, the Russians collapsed one after another into a heap at the top of the key to celebrate.

Shved led all scorers with 25 points, 13 of them coming in the pressure-packed fourth quarter, with former NBA All-Star Kirilenko adding 20 and Fridzon contributing 19 points.

Ginobili, with 21 points, was top scorer for Argentina, whose medals streak was snapped after claiming gold in 2004 and bronze in 2008.

"It was a very tough game. It could've gone for either one," said Ginobili. "In the last seconds anything can happen. At the end their shots went in and ours went in and out."

ABC/Reuters

Tags: sport, basketball, olympics-summer, united-kingdom, russian-federation

First posted August 12, 2012 22:25:54


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Opals complete clean sweep

Updated June 29, 2012 14:57:49

The Australian women's basketball team posted a series sweep against Brazil, following a comfortable 102-58 victory in the third and final game in Melbourne.

The Opals used the series to fine tune their preparations for the London Olympics and they did not disappoint the vocal crowd at the State Basketball Centre.

The hosts built their win on a dominant second quarter, when they outscored Brazil 22-9 to take a 43-27 lead into half-time.

They continued to apply the pressure in the third term when they set up a 72-46 advantage at the final break, before icing the win in the final quarter.

Liz Cambage was prominent on the scoreboard with a game-high 23 points, in addition to seven rebounds.

Lauren Jackson, playing her second game back from a hamstring injury, provided able assistance with 18 points, as did Jenna O'Hea, who added a 16-point tally.

Opals coach Carrie Graf was satisfied with the hit-out from her troops.

"Defensively we're getting much better, we have a great understanding of this opponent," she said.

"We got Lauren Jackson back on for major minutes. Things are on the up, we got better each game and it was nice to close out the series."

The Opals won 85-64 and 80-73 in the opening two games of the series.

Tags: basketball, sport, olympics-summer, melbourne-3000

First posted June 28, 2012 22:29:50


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Monday, September 3, 2012

Pregnant teen jailed for attack on Opals player

By court reporter Sarah Farnsworth

Updated August 03, 2012 14:31:39

A pregnant teenager who attacked Opals basketball player Rachel Jarry has been sentenced to three years in youth detention.

Jessica Croucher, 18, from Brunswick, pleaded guilty to seven charges resulting from a series of attacks against six people in January.

Her baby is due in November.

Rachel Jarry was punched and kicked to the ground during a bashing that lasted 90 seconds in Melbourne's CBD.

Her friend, Megan Hustwaite, suffered a fractured nose and black eye in the attack.

Outside court, Ms Hustwaite said her friend was lucky not to be seriously hurt.

"I'm really glad that she didn't have anything to her knees or her legs," she said.

"I was thinking that at the time, because it would just be horrific when you're trying to make an Olympic campaign to be sidelined because of something so awful as this."

Jarry, 20, is currently in London with the Opals basketball team.

Tags: law-crime-and-justice, courts-and-trials, basketball, assault, melbourne-3000

First posted August 03, 2012 11:05:45


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Blaze future yet to be decided

Updated July 16, 2012 14:32:31

Basketball Australia is still assessing the financial viability of National Basketball League (NBL) club the Gold Coast Blaze.

The Blaze has no players and no staff but remains on the NBL competition schedule that is due to start in October.

The Gold Coast club has emerged from the voluntary administration it entered in May but is still seeking a major investor.

The Gold Coast Basketball Association (GCBA) is willing to share resources and staff.

GCBA chief executive Allan Hilzinger was on a telephone hook-up with the Blaze owners and Basketball Australia representatives this morning.

"They need to provide the evidence that the cash is available and then they do also have to provide a budget - a detailed budget - showing that is available as well," he said.

Basketball Australia says it expects the Blaze to provide more details about its plans today.

Tags: sport, basketball, nbl, southport-4215, qld

First posted July 16, 2012 14:23:29


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Opals hammer China

Updated July 21, 2012 13:28:05

The Australian women's basketball team scored a convincing 84-53 win over China in their opening game of the pre-Olympics tournament in France.

Lauren Jackson was on song with a 17-point haul, while Belinda Snell was a handy contributor with 16 points.

The victory was set up through a dominant opening two quarters with the Boomers having taken a 45-18 lead into half-time.

Tags: basketball, sport, olympics-summer, france

First posted July 21, 2012 13:28:05


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Opals cruise to comfortable win over Brazil

Updated June 27, 2012 08:38:58

Lauren Jackson returned from a hamstring injury to help fire the Opals to a comfortable 80-73 Farewell Series win over Brazil at a sold-out Bendigo Stadium on Tuesday night.

Jackson missed game one of the series but returned as equal top scorer with 15 points alongside Belinda Snell, despite spending just 17 minutes on court.

The 1.96-metre star also pulled down six rebounds as the Opals physically dominated their outmatched opponents before relaxing in the final period.

Australia led by as many as 24 points before being pegged back by a dogged fourth-quarter performance from Brazil, with the two sides paired in the same group at the London Olympics.

Damiris do Amaral top scored with 16 points for the visitors, while Karla Costa chimed in with 14 points.

The match marked a successful hometown farewell for Bendigo-born veteran Kristi Harrower, who celebrated her 200th game in Australian colours.

A teary-eyed Harrower paid tribute to the capacity crowd after the match.

"It was great to come home ... I'm lost for words," Harrower said.

The Opals downed Brazil 85-64 in game one of the three-game series.

The final game will take place at the State Basketball Centre in Knox on Thursday night.

The final game of the Farewell Series will be streamed live on the ABC Grandstand website from 7pm.

Tags: sport, olympics-summer, basketball, bendigo-3550, vic, australia

First posted June 26, 2012 21:12:35


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Durant leads fired-up US to victory

Updated August 07, 2012 11:43:26

A nasty, bad-tempered joust with Argentina's basketball team woke up the sleeping giants from the US on Monday, spurring them to a 126-97 victory that earned a top-seeded berth in the quarter-finals.

Players from both sides were knocked down in a closely-fought first half and they often glowered at each other as the contest turned into a rout for the Americans who had narrowly beaten Lithuania in their previous game.

"Tonight's game was so much fun," US point guard Chris Paul told reporters. "I give Argentina a lot of credit.

"Those guys pushed us, they made us compete. I loved it. When it gets a little chippy here and there, it gets you excited," he said after the players frequently collided going for rebounds.

The muscular LeBron James threw an arm out at one point to sweep experienced Argentine Manu Ginobili off his feet.

After going to intermission locked in a 60-59 struggle, Argentina were buried under a flurry of three-pointers from Kevin Durant.

Durant, who made 8-of-10 three-pointers in the game, nailed four from beyond the arc in a third-quarter stretch that took the US lead from 12 points to 24.

The quarter ended with more physical combat as Carmelo Anthony hit the floor doubled up in pain after making a three-pointer to send the Americans into the fourth session with a 102-76 advantage.

"He got hit in the groin. That's why he buckled. He wasn't celebrating his shot," said coach Mike Krzyzewski.

It seemed a fight might break out at that point as several players from both teams approached each other near mid-court before being separated.

Argentina won the gold medal in 2004 and are the only nation apart from the US to win the Olympic title since the triumphant American 'Dream Team' was launched at the Barcelona Games in 1992.

"It went very well for the first half and then it got physical in the second," said Argentina coach Julio Lamas who was without starting point guard Pablo Prigioni.

"(To beat) the US we really needed to play a very good game, a perfect game really."

Early in the fourth quarter, Russell Westbrook was given a technical foul for taunting an Argentine player after slamming a dunk through a basket.

After that the game carried on to a peaceful finish.

Durant led the Americans with 28 points. James added 18 while Ginobili scored 16 points as Argentina's high scorer.

"Chippiness is chippiness," said Krzyzewski. "Guys want to win and they play hard.

"That's part of competition. I didn't think our guys or theirs did anything that would be below Olympic standards.

"In fact I thought it was a heck of a game."

The win helped the Americans complete a 5-0 record in Group A and they now face Australia (3-2) in Wednesday's quarter-finals.

Argentina (3-2) next meet arch-rivals Brazil (4-1) while Group B winners Russia (4-1) play Lithuania (2-3) and France (4-1) take on Spain (3-2).

Reuters

Tags: sport, basketball, olympics-summer, united-kingdom, united-states

First posted August 07, 2012 09:47:12


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Blaze to put community plan to NBL

Updated July 12, 2012 09:34:18

The future of NBL club the Gold Coast Blaze should soon be clearer.

Owner Owen Tomlinson is travelling to Sydney to meet with NBL officials today as the club tries to come up with financial guarantees to continue in the competition.

He is being accompanied by Gold Coast Basketball chief executive Allan Hilzinger who will present plans for a community-based operation.

Mr Hilzinger says he is hoping the club can secure the necessary funds to survive.

"There's still plenty of steps that have to be moved forward before we can reach that point," he said.

"But if the money is found - and the community model we're discussing is implemented - I really believe that the NBL team on the Gold Coast could be around for many years," he said.

Tags: nbl, basketball, sport, southport-4215, qld

First posted July 12, 2012 09:33:00


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Heat duo pull out of Olympics

Updated June 30, 2012 09:59:28

The US Olympic basketball team will be without two of Miami Heat's 'big three' after Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh pulled out of the squad for London.

Wade, with a knee injury, and Bosh, with an abdominal complaint, played through injuries in the Heat's run to finals victory and both need time for their problems to heal.

Other candidates who have withdrawn due to injury include Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls and Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic.

"We've taken four bullets with the injuries to Rose, Howard, Wade and Bosh and it will now be a testimony to the infrastructure we put in with the national team roster. I feel very confident about our roster going forward," USA basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo said.

Wade, who won a bronze medal in Athens and a gold four years ago in Beijing, said his body would not allow him to play in a third games.

"As many people may know, throughout the season, I struggled with a recurring knee issue," Wade said.

"After the championship game, I visited with my doctors for a round of comprehensive medical tests, and the recent results dictate the need for surgery.

Bosh missed nine games during the playoffs but returned to help Miami defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder in five games to win his first title since moving to South Beach.

"I am extremely disappointed to say that due to injury I cannot represent my country in the 2012 Olympics in London," Bosh said.

"The abdominal injury I suffered in Game One of the Eastern Conference semi-finals is not fully healed."

With Wade and Bosh out of consideration, there are 16 players left for 12 spots on the US team, down from an initial pool of 20.

One member of the NBA champion Heat remains on the roster that will begin training next week in Las Vegas, three-times league Most Valuable Player and NBA Finals MVP LeBron James.

Finalists for the US team: Lebron James (Heat), Carmelo Anthony (Knicks), Kobe Bryant (Lakers), Tyson Chandler (Knicks), Anthony Davis (University of Kentucky), Kevin Durant (Thunder), Rudy Gay (Grizzlies), Eric Gordon (Hornets), Blake Griffin (Clippers), James Harden (Thunder), Andre Iguodala (76ers), Kevin Love (Timberwolves), Lamar Odom (Mavericks), Chris Paul (Clippers), Russell Westbrook (Thunder) and Deron Williams (Nets).

Reuters/ABC

Tags: sport, basketball, olympics-summer, united-states

First posted June 30, 2012 09:58:18


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Boomers easily clinch Greece series

Updated June 25, 2012 22:10:26

Australia's warm-up for the London Olympic basketball tournament continued in strong fashion with a 91-51 win over Greece in front of a sell-out crowd in Knox on Monday night.

The Boomers exploded out of the blocks with a 25-9 first quarter before the visitors regrouped and stayed closer in the second and third periods.

But the damage was done by three-quarter time and Australia put the nail in the coffin with a 29-11 final period to seal the three-game Farewell Series after winning the opener on Sunday night in Melbourne.

Boomers forward Joe Ingles led all scorers with 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting, adding four rebounds and three assists, while veteran big Mark Worthington (15 points) and Brad Newley (13) chipped in as well.

Rising star Aleks Maric posted nine points and eight boards while spearhead point guard Patty Mills had just five points and three assists in 18 minutes on the floor.

Nikolaos Pappas was the lone Greek player to reach double figures on the scoreboard.

The final match of the series is a sold-out encounter in Geelong on Wednesday night.

Tags: basketball, sport, knox-city-centre-3152, vic, australia, greece

First posted June 25, 2012 21:54:01


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Keneally named BA boss

Updated June 23, 2012 21:05:23

Former New South Wales premier Kristina Keneally has been appointed as the new boss of Basketball Australia (BA).

Keneally last December became the chair of the board of BA and remained a Labor Party backbencher, but will now quit politics altogether to focus on her new role as chief executive, which is effective as of August 3.

Keneally, who established the WNBL Commission, brought back the NBL All Stars game and negotiated a better NBL television deal as chair, will now be charged with seeing the men's and women's national teams through next month's London Olympics.

AAP

Tags: basketball, sport, australia

First posted June 23, 2012 21:05:23


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Opals cruise to comfortable opening win

Updated July 29, 2012 10:47:19

Australia has recorded an easy 74-58 win over host nation Great Britain in its opening Olympics women's basketball game.

Opals star Lauren Jackson led the way with 18 points, while veteran Suzy Batkovic chimed in with 12 as Australia dominated from start to finish against an outmatched British side.

Australia led at every quarter as Jackson and fellow star Liz Cambage dominated a host side roared on by a partisan crowd.

The Opals face a tougher test next time out against Group B opponent France, which downed Brazil 73-58 in its opener.

Meanwhile, the US its Olympics winning streak to 34 games spanning 20 years with an 81-56 win against Croatia, but it is not a streak that matters to coach Geno Auriemma.

"Right now, the only winning streak that we're talking about is try to win one in a row, eight times. If we can get that streak, then we'll be really happy," Auriemma said about a stretch of victories that would clinch London gold.

"We're not going to think about what the other teams did in the Olympics.

"That's not who we are, that was somebody else."

Winners of the last four Olympic titles since their last Games loss in 1992, the US survived a scare on the opening day of competition from Croatia, which is competing in the Olympic women's tournament for the first time.

The Americans led by just three points at intermission and by 53-47 going into the final quarter before pulling away as they wore down the game Croats with their depth of talent.

"It's the 12 best players in the world," Croatian coach Stipe Bralic said.

"Maybe the best women's team in the world ever.

"We played very well for 30, 32 minutes. But it's a 40-minute game."

In other results, EuroBasket champion Russia closed with an 18-3 run to overtake Canada 58-53, Turkey beat Angola 72-50 and China claimed a 66-57 win over the Czech Republic, silver medallists at the last world championships.

ABC/Reuters

Tags: olympics-summer, sport, basketball, england, united-kingdom, australia

First posted July 29, 2012 09:24:44


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Cambage dunk helps Opals slam Russia

Updated August 04, 2012 11:34:42

Liz Cambage has inspired the Opals to another win at the London Olympics, edging Russia in a hard-fought game 70-66.

The 203cm star top-scored with 17 points, including a rare dunk, as Australia improved its record to three wins from four games in Group B.

Cambage was ably supported by Suzy Batkovic who bagged 15 points as the Opals held onto a narrow lead for most of the game.

Australia threatened to pull clear in the final quarter, however Russia clawed their way back and at one stage got within two points.

But Cambage's dunk was all the talk after the game. She described it as an "out-of-body experience".

"It's good to finally just do it and get everyone off my back," she said.

"It was kind of like I had an out-of-body experience. I never do it in practice, I'm a bit shy about doing it, and it's the first time I've ever done it in a game.

"After I did it I tried to stay focused because everyone was joking on me."

Opals skipper Lauren Jackson was in awe of Cambage's effort.

"I have never seen one dunk in a game before," Jackson said.

"I was on the bench and I just couldn't believe it. It was different to Lisa Leslie (American who dunked the ball in a WNBA game), because that one was almost a lay-up.

"This one was much more a dunk."

Jackson was particularly happy with the Opals' victory as pressure builds for places heading into the play-offs.

"We won a tough game, which became more important because we did it after losing a tough game," Jackson said.

Meanwhile, the Czech Republic made a perfect start but the US enjoyed the happier ending as it extended its Olympic winning streak to 37 games with a 88-61 victory in Group A action.

The Czechs scored the first 10 points of the game and continued to rain down three-pointers for the rest of the first quarter before the US ratcheted up their defensive pressure to take control of the contest.

Diana Taurasi led the US with 18 points and Tina Charles scored 16.

Maya Moore added 14 and was a catalyst in the team's defensive turnaround.

"That's my job. When I get into the game, I want to create chaos for the other team as well as I can," Taurasi said.

The US will finish preliminary round action against China before lining up for a quarter-final next week in the pursuit of a fifth straight Olympic title.

ABC/Reuters

Tags: sport, basketball, olympics-summer, australia

First posted August 03, 2012 22:21:26


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Bryant dismisses Olympic age cap idea as 'stupid'

Updated July 18, 2012 11:08:31

Kobe Bryant has slammed the NBA for considering an age limit that would prevent many of the world's top basketball players taking part in future Olympics.

National Basketball Association (NBA) commissioner David Stern has spoken about the possibility of limiting participation in the Olympic basketball tournament to players aged 23 and under following the London Games.

"It's a stupid idea, stupid," Bryant, 33, said ahead of Team USA's Olympic friendly against Britain on Thursday.

"It should be a (player's) choice.

NBA team owners are understood to be concerned about the greater potential for injuries and fatigue suffered by the top players while they represent their national teams during the league's off season.

But Bryant, a five-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers and a member of the US team that won gold at the 2008 Olympics, feels anything but the world's best players is not acceptable when it comes to international competition.

"The Olympics is really about putting the best athletes out there to compete against the best," he said.

"That's what it's about, put the best out there.

"From a basketball standpoint, (an age limit) would lessen the Olympics, absolutely."

The prospect of having no NBA participation in the Olympics, just 20 years after they were first allowed into the competition at Barcelona, gained momentum after Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin was hurt during a US Olympic team practise.

Griffin's injury, which occurred last week and required arthroscopic surgery to repair torn cartilage in his left knee, came shortly after the NBA All-Star agreed to a $95 million contract with the Clippers.

But Bryant smiled when asked if he could understand owners looking out to protect players from injury while participating in competition outside of the NBA.

"No, it's to protect their investments," Bryant said.

"When you look at guys who are injured here, they have treatment around the clock. We have the best training staff, we have the professional coaches who are here monitoring us.

"If our owners or NBA coaches want to contact us and see how we're doing, they can easily come to practice, they can easily talk to the training staff - as opposed to guys disappearing for the summer and coming back overweight."

Bryant's Olympic team-mate and fellow NBA All-Star Chris Paul says he also feels the decision to take part in international competition should be left to the individual.

Paul, 27, won a gold medal with Team USA in 2008 and followed that experience with one of his best NBA campaigns, setting career highs in points per game, steals and rebounds during the 2008/09 season.

"You see guys, when they come back from playing on a team like this, they go into the new (NBA) season with the ultimate confidence," said Paul, a starting point guard for the NBA's Clippers.

"It's better than being at home just working out and playing ball. You get to play against the best players in the world."

Reuters

Tags: sport, olympics-summer, basketball, united-states

First posted July 18, 2012 11:04:41


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Spain edge out Boomers again

Updated July 19, 2012 12:11:40

The Boomers lost a second successive Olympic warm-up game to Spain in Malaga.

Australia went down 81-75 to the number two-ranked men's Olympic basketball team with Patty Mills top-scoring for the Boomers with 15 points.

David Andersen (12 points), Joe Ingles and David Barlow (11 points) also scored in the double figures.

The result follows the Boomers' 75-69 to Spain a day earlier.

Boomers coach Brett Brown was encouraged by the latest effort, which saw his troops trail by just four points with six minutes remaining.

"There were a lot of positives we got out of tonight's game and the series in general," Brown said.

"We realise we're not that far off it. The turnovers ended up hurting us more than anything.

"That's the area that's most important to our preparation and lead-up to London."

The Boomers have two more warm-up games next week against Brazil and France.

Tags: basketball, sport, olympics-summer, spain

First posted July 19, 2012 11:48:17


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US unveils 2012 basketball 'dream team'

Updated July 08, 2012 13:38:29

Five members of the gold medal winning line-up from the 2008 Bejing Games have been included in the 12-man US Olympic basketball team.

LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul and Deron Williams return for another bid for Olympic glory and will spearhead a potent roster in London where the US are favourites.

USA basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo announced the selections after two team training sessions in Las Vegas, though final approval is still required by the US Olympic Committee.

"We projected we would have difficulty getting down to a roster of 12, regardless of the number of injuries that have taken place, because they are such an outstanding group of people and athletes," Colangelo said in a statement.

"The final selections keep us in concert with our game plan to have athleticism, versatility and strong depth on our roster. I think our final roster epitomises all of that."

The US team had been hit by a recent rash of injuries to several leading candidates, including Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls, Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat players Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.

"We have benefited so much from having a pool of outstanding players who are committed, and as a result the selection is difficult," US coach Mike Krzyzewski said.

"But it's the best challenge that you could have because everyone has been so committed."

US Olympic team: Carmelo Anthony (Knicks), Kobe Bryant (Lakers), Tyson Chandler (Knicks), Kevin Durant (Thunder), Blake Griffin (Clippers), James Harden (Thunder), Andre Iguodala (76ers), LeBron James (Heat), Kevin Love (Timberwolves), Chris Paul (Clippers), Russell Westbrook (Thunder) and Deron Williams (Nets).

Reuters

Tags: sport, basketball, olympics-summer, united-kingdom

First posted July 08, 2012 11:26:11


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Boomers draw tough London pool

Updated July 10, 2012 17:29:33

The ninth-seeded Australian Boomers have been handed a tough draw for the men's basketball competition at the London Olympics.

Already drawn against number two seeds Spain, 10th-seed China and the 13th-ranked Brazil, the last spot in the Boomers' Group B was allocated to world number 11 Russia following the final qualification tournament in Venezuela.

Also in Group is host nation Great Britain, ranked 43rd in the world.

Boomers coach Brett Brown says the inclusion of Russia highlights the strength of the Olympic competition, which has room for just 12 nations.

"Competition for those spots is intense so we we're not surprised to see Russia join us in Group B," Brown said.

"When you have 213 countries battling it out for just 12 spots, it means that only the best of the best will be in London."

The Boomers qualified for London after defeating arch rivals New Zealand in the 2011 FIBA Oceania Championship. All the Boomers' group games will be played at the London Basketball Arena.

The Boomers' Olympic draw (AEST):

July 29: v Brazil, 8:15pm

July 31: v Spain, 8:15pm

August 2: v China, 8:15pm

August 5: v Great Britain, 5:00am

August 6: v Russia, 6:00pm

Tags: olympics-summer, sport, basketball, australia

First posted July 10, 2012 17:29:33


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Opals continue good form

Updated July 16, 2012 09:58:08

The Australian Opals defeated Angola 70-46 to claim a clean sweep of the Sheffield International Invitational Tournament in the lead-up to the London Olympics.

Liz Cambage top-scored for the game with 21 points and 10 rebounds, while Abby Bishop chipped in with 15 points.

Coach Carrie Graf was satisfied with her team's performance as they now move on to France for their final pre-Olympic tournament.

"It was a great way to end the Sheffield leg, we made some good improvements here," Graf said.

"We now head to France for the final phase of our Olympic preparation. There are strong teams in the France tournament so we are looking forward to the match-ups there," she said.

Cambage said the players are thriving on the pre-Games competition.

"This has been a beneficial tournament for us, it was good to get these practice matches in before the Olympics," Cambage said.

"There is a great feeling on court, and I feel like we have done well to step up in the absence of our other bigs," she said.

The Opals' next games will be on July 20, 21 and 22.

Tags: sport, olympics-summer, basketball, england, united-kingdom

First posted July 16, 2012 09:58:08


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Aussies U-17 win world basketball silver

Updated July 09, 2012 08:50:29

Australia's junior side won silver medal at the Under-17 basketball world championship in Kaunas, Lithuania losing the final 95-62 to the United States.

Dante Exum was the Australian star man hitting 21 points to cap off a fine competition which earned him a place in the All-Tournament team.

Tournament MVP Jahlil Okafor finished with 17 points for the winners.

Elsewhere, an under-23 Australian side was beaten 62-60 by Tunisia in the Stankovic Continental Cup in China.

Cairns Taipans rookie Clint Steindl and Tasmanian Hugh Greenwood both hit 11 points for the Australian side which was comprised of players who are considered future Olympians.

Tunisia's Macram Romdhane was the best player on court scoring 24 points and grabbing 12 rebounds.

Australia can still reach the final if China beats Russia in the final preliminary game.

Tags: sport, basketball, australia

First posted July 09, 2012 08:50:29


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LeBron lifts US over Lithuania

Updated August 05, 2012 03:45:46

LeBron James helped the United States past its toughest Olympic opponent yet, sparking a late rally to give the Americans a quarter-final berth courtesy of a 99-94 victory over Lithuania.

James scored nine of his 20 points in a crucial 12-2 US run late in the fourth quarter, taking the unbeaten squad on his shoulders just as he did in the NBA Finals with the Miami Heat last June.

"He took the game over. He was terrific," US coach Mike Krzyzewski said.

"He really made the plays that needed to be made in that last three minutes. To see him respond like that in this setting is one of the real positives from this game.

"For LeBron to just say, 'Look, I got it. I'm doing this' - people talk with their bodies and actions and he did that. Basically he wouldn't give the ball up. I think he was saying that."

Only two nights after unleashing an Olympic record 156-point performance in a shooting practice of a victory over Nigeria, the Americans received a scare from a 1-3 Lithuanian side still fighting to secure a medal play-off berth.

"We had to defend after a historical game and then shoot the ball," James said.

"We want to have a test game. We feel like any team can be beaten in this tournament and if you don't prepare and play the right way you can be beaten.

"Lithuania gave us a great game."

Carmelo Anthony also scored 20 points while Kevin Durant added 16.

"Winning like we did was terrific for us," Krzyzewski said.

"To be put in a position where every possession counted, we're usually not in those games. We had a lot of pressure on us and our guys came through."

Linas Kleiza, an NBA playmaker for Toronto, had 25 points to lead Lithuania.

"We tried to minimize turnovers and stop fast breaks and make them shoot contested shots over our hands. At the end they made some steals and got some fast breaks and some dunks," said Lithuanian starter Martynas Pocius.

"A loss is a loss but we played a really solid game against a really good team. I hope for our team that's a step forward."

Darius Songaila sank a jumper to pull Lithuania within 87-86 before James took charge, hitting a three-pointer to start the spurt and a layup to end it in the dying seconds.

"He got into a good rhythm so we kept throwing to him," US guard Kobe Bryant said.

"He had a complete mismatch on him and he kept attacking, getting to the basket and knocking down shots.

"Everybody pretty much kept a calm disposition and a level head. They obviously took advantage of some things that we needed to adjust."

That improvement would be mainly on defence.

"We've got to do a better job of communicating defensively, talk more, we know that," US starting guard Chris Paul said.

"You are always worried. We knew this was going to be a dogfight. Those guys played unbelievably hard. We will probably see them again."

AFP

Tags: olympics-summer, basketball, united-kingdom, united-states

First posted August 05, 2012 03:43:33


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Clock ticks down on Blaze survival bid

Updated July 13, 2012 08:59:17

The Gold Coast Blaze may be out of the National Basketball League (NBL) by the end of the day.

Blaze owner Owen Tomlinson is in Sydney desperate to secure the future of the club.

It went into voluntary administration in May with debts of more than $12 million but has since been returned to the control of its owners.

Mr Tomlinson says he has to find $500,000 and a bank guarantee by 5:00pm (AEST) to satisfy the NBL that the club can continue.

He worries about the alternative.

"It would be almost catastrophic to me because it would [end] everything we've tried to achieve over the last five or six years," Mr Tomlinson said.

Mr Tomlinson says there are two potential Blaze investors and he will meet with one later this morning.

"If it comes down to five o'clock and no one's that interested to try and help the Blaze that's it - in a nutshell," he said.

If Mr Tomlinson is successful the club is likely to restructure and share resources with a community group.

Tags: basketball, nbl, southport-4215, qld

First posted July 13, 2012 08:57:55


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Blaze hopes of NBL future extinguished

Updated July 18, 2012 12:09:16

The Gold Coast has lost another national sporting club with National Basketball League (NBL) team the Blaze folding overnight.

The owners of the financially-troubled Gold Coast team have abandoned hopes of remaining in the NBL.

Basketball Australia yesterday gave it until the end of the month to provide a $1 million bank guarantee.

The Gold Coast Basketball Association (GCBA) had offered to share staff and resources with the Blaze.

GCBA chief executive Allan Hilzinger says it is a big loss to the sport.

"The Blaze have been fantastic for the NBL," Hilzinger said.

"They have been one of the big drivers and part of the reason for the NBL's growth.

"I mean the south east corridor is enormous - particularly at the grass roots."

Chris Golding was among players who had clung to hopes that the Blaze would survive.

He says he is disappointed with the way the situation has been handled.

"There's been some mixed messages come across from Basketball Australia to the Blaze and to the players and back and forth," Goulding said.

"Miscommunication I think has been a big part in this when people's livelihoods and careers are on the line.

"I don't think that can really be afforded to happen."

Hilzinger says the $1 million guarantee was too steep for team owners, Owen and Katie Tomlinson.

"I think they also felt that they didn't get the response that the NBL or the support from the NBL from their point of view that they wanted," he said.

"I think they felt they had put in so much time, energy and money that a little bit of trust had to be there as well."

The Blaze had also been asked to confirm major funding sources and working capital for next season, and to show that it can pay what it owes BA by the end of next month.

BA says the departure of the Blaze is disappointing.

BA spokesman Scott Derwin says the Blaze had advised they had a $500,000 capital investment from a mystery supporter but were unable to provide any further detail.

Mr Derwin says a mystery funding source is not adequate.

He says given the club's recent financial uncertainty, solid and detailed financial modelling was required.

Tags: sport, basketball, nbl, southport-4215, qld

First posted July 18, 2012 08:03:36


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Opals shine in win over Brazil

Updated June 25, 2012 13:47:36

The Opals continued their build-up for the London Olympics with a 85-64 victory over Brazil in the opening game of the Farewell Series at Melbourne Park on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the Boomers made it two from two for the host nation with an 87-60 victory over Greece, who they meet again in Knox on Monday.

The Opals, who were missing Lauren Jackson because of a hamstring injury, trailed the Brazilians by six points at half-time, but a strong third quarter from the hosts saw them lead by 14 points at the final change.

They iced the victory in the final term with Liz Cambage finishing with 18 points and Abby Bishop contributing a 17-point haul.

Iziane Marques was a shining light for Brazil, posting a game-high 26 points.

The Opals and Brazil meet again in Bendigo on Tuesday.

Patty Mills led the scoring for the Boomers with 21 points, ably supported by giant duo Aleks Maric and Aron Baynes who combined for 33 points.

The next match between the Opals and Brazil tips off at 7pm, Tuesday.

Watch the live ABC stream

Tags: basketball, sport, melbourne-3000

First posted June 24, 2012 21:31:24


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Gasol replaces Nadal as Spanish flag bearer

Updated July 21, 2012 13:21:59

Spanish basketballer Pau Gasol has been chosen to replace Rafael Nadal as the country's flag bearer at the opening ceremony for the London Games.

Nadal, the gold medal winner in the men's singles from Beijing, was forced to pull out of the Games on Thursday after failing to recover from a knee problem.

Los Angeles Lakers centre Gasol is one of the country's most recognised sportsmen and helped Spain win silver in Beijing four years ago, when it lost in the final to the United States.

Reuters

Tags: olympics-summer, sport, basketball, spain

First posted July 21, 2012 13:21:59


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Boomers enjoy pre-Games win

Updated July 24, 2012 11:02:01

Boomers coach Brett Brown hailed his team's morale-boosting 69-67 victory over France in their final Olympic warm-up match in Strasbourg.

Australia had lost its three previous warm-up games to Spain (twice) and Brazil so victory against the medal contender was particularly pleasing for Brown.

"It was a rewarding win. It was special being able to end all of the preparation with a win against a medal calibre team," Brown said.

"We didn't feel we brought that area of our style (defensive pressure) to the Brazil game and as a group we took a lot of pride trying to play the type of defence that we've predicated the program on.

"To the boys credit they came out and did a great job defensively."

San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker had the opportunity to win the game for France but missed a three-pointer on the buzzer.

Defeat would have been tough on the Australian side who were 16 points up in the third quarter.\

France drew level with a minute left on the clock before Matthew Dellavedova set up Aron Baynes who gave the visitors the lead.

France regained possession with 15 seconds on the clock, but Parker's shot hit the rim and bounced out.

Brown singled out Olympic debutant Matthew Dellavedova for his defending job on Parker, who was restricted to just six points.

"Matty was very good. We started him alongside Patty (Mills) and he played big, important minutes," Brown said.

"His contribution is part of the result, he was just very good on Tony Parker defensively and I thought he did a good job of controlling the tempo of the game during the crucial end of game moments."

Joe Ingles led the team with 16 points and five assists, while Mills (13 points), Baynes (11 points and 10 rebounds) and Andersen (10 points) also contributed to victory.

Tags: sport, basketball, olympics-summer, united-kingdom

First posted July 24, 2012 11:02:01


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