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FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE FOR basketball enthusiasts everywhere may / june 2008

assist32

al westover
THE shuffle offense aito garcia reneses
FIBA Historic
rule changes sito alonso
mario hernando
acb: the spanish
professional league
Mike brungardt
avoid relaxing
the conditioning program
of the san antonio spurs
on the court
tables of contents

2008 FIBA CALENDAR COACHES


JUNE 2008 FUNDAMENTALS AND YOUTH BASKETBALL
09 - 15.06 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Fatigue Shooting Drills
Tournament for Women by Kevin Sutton 4
in Madrid, Spain
03.06 - 06.07 South American
Playing Near the Basket 8
Championship for Men in
Puerto Mont, Chile by Carlo Recalcati

Avoid Relaxing on the Court 14


JULY 2008 by Aíto García Reneses and Sito Alonso
14 - 20.07 FIBA Olympic Qualifying
Tournament for Men in
FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE Athens, Greece OFFENSE
IS A PUBLICATION OF FIBA 17 -21.07 Centrobasket
International Basketball Federation The Shuffle Offense 20
51 – 53, Avenue Louis Casaï Championship for by Al Westover
CH-1216 Cointrin/Geneva Switzerland Women in Morovis,
Tel. +41-22-545.0000, Fax +41-22-545.0099
www.fiba.com / e-mail: info@fiba.com Puerto Rico
29.07 - 01.08 FIBA Diamond Ball for HOOP MARKET
IN COLLABORATION WITH Giganti del Basket, Men in Nanjing, P.R. of Basketball and Philosophy 24
Cantelli Editore, Italy
China by Raffaele Imbrogno
PARTNER
WABC (World Association of Basketball
Coaches), Dusan Ivkovic President
AUGUST 2008 REFEREES AND GAME
Editor-in-Chief
02 - 05.08 FIBA Diamond Ball for
Women in Haining, P.R.
ADMINISTRATION
Giorgio Gandolfi
of China FIBA 33 Basketball Game 26
09 - 24.08 Olympic Basketball
Editorial Office: Cantelli Editore, Tournaments for Men FIBA Historic Rule Changes 28
V. Saliceto 22/E, 40013 Castel Maggiore (BO), and Women in Beijing,
Italy, Tel. +39-051-6328811,
Fax +39-051 6328815 P.R. of China
E-mail: fibaassist@cantelli.net 27 - 31.08 Centrobasket
Right or Wrong? 32
Printed in Italy.
Copyright 2008 by FIBA. Championship for Men in
The magazine is published 6 times per year.
FIBA, Cantelli Editore and the Editor-in-Chief are
Cancun, Mexico SPORT MARKETING AND MANAGEMENT
not responsible for the opinions expressed in EXECUTIVES AND MARKETING
the articles. All rights reserved.
The National Federation and their affiliates can SEPTEMBER 2008 ACB: The Spanish Professional League 34
reproduce any part or all the magazine for their
internal use, but not sell any part or all of the 06 - 17.09 Paralympic Games, by Mario Hernando
magazine to an external publisher without the Wheelchair Basketball
written permission of FIBA.
Tournaments in Beijing, FIBA RESEARCH AND STUDY CENTRE
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS P.R. of China
Gastone Marchesi, Donato Viglione, Filippo Arduino, 2008 FIBA Research and Study
Mirco Melloni, Corrado de Belvis, Gerald Couzens,
Raffaele Imbrogno and Lisa Cavallini; Bob Crago Centre Meeting 38
(photos of Montverde Academy); Miguel Angel
Forniés; Valerio Velino; Anna Pinotti; Cristiana Caval-
lari (Giorgio Armani Media Office).
DOCTORS, CONDITIONING
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Fiba Assist Magazine | 32 2008 | Page 3


COACHES - FUNDAMENTALS AND YOUTH BASKETBALL

Fatigue shooting
drills

by Kevin Sutton

Kevin Sutton is the Head Coach of Mont-


verde Academy in Florida and he is con-
sidered one of the best high school
coaches in the USA. During the summer
he also coaches at some of the best bas-
ketball camps, such as the Nike Skillz
Academy, the Five Star Camp and the
basketball camps of Lebron James, Kobe
Bryant and Steve Nash. Moreover, he's
also author of several technical publica-
tions on DVD.

I. INTRODUCTION
Shooting the ball! The one fundamental in
the game that everyone loves, however,
not many people shoot the ball well. The
shooting percentages continue to be on
the decline due by in large to: POOR
SHOOT SELECTION and THE INABLILITY
TO SHOOT THE BALL UNDER FATIGUE.
In this article I am going to show you
some of the "Fatigue Shooting Drills" that I
have designed and used to develop my
players over my 20 year coaching career.
Guys like:
▼ Randolph Childress – 2nd all time
leading scorer in ACC tournament his-
tory.
▼ Curtis Staples – 2nd all time 3 pt.
shooter in NCAA history.
▼ Jason Conley – lead the nation in
scoring in 2001.
▼ Marvin Lewis – top 10 all-time 3 pt.
shooter in Georgia Tech history.
▼ Luc Richard Mbaha Moute – Pacific
10 Rookie of the Year at UCLA.
I want you to remember this as you read
this article:
"The opportunity for greatness is given to
all of us. It comes in the form of hardwork.
What are you will to do to be great?"
page 4 | 32 2008 | Fiba Assist Magazine
D.1 D.2 D.3

II. TEAM STRETCHING WITH BASKETBALL


& FOOTWORK DRILLS
I am a big believer in not wasting time. I
believe that time is valuable. So I have
combined our stretching with ball handling
and footwork drills. During the 10 minute
routine we will have:
1. Completed a full stretching of our mus-
cles.
2. Handling of the ball.
3. Worked on hand/eye coordination.
4. Worked on footwork drills (pivoting, jab
series, etc.).
5. Worked on our communication by
“echoing” commands given by the
leader.

Our stretching routine consists of the fol-


lowing drills:
Standing drills: 1. two feet together toe
touches; 2. one foot over the other toe
touches; 3. feet apart middle stretching; 4.
feet apart groaning; 5. feet apart lean to
the right side toe touches; 6. feet apart
lean to the left side toe touches. All while
dribbling the ball.
Sitting drills: 1. two feet together toe
touches; 2. feet apart toe touches; 3. feet
together groaning; 4. hurdler stretching; 5.
sit ups; and 6. ball push-ups. All while drib-
bling the ball.
Footwork & hand/eye coordination drills:
1. Ball slaps/carioca.
2. Heels.
3. Butt kicks.
4. High knees.
5. Punter.
6. Back peddle.
7. Side to Side.
8. Opposites forward.
9. Opposites backward.
10. Dribble Walk – touching body parts
(head, chin, chest, toes).
11. Lay-ups.
12. Footwork drills – triple threat, pivoting.

III. COURT FATIGUE SHOOTING


DRILLS WORKOUT:
a. Power jumper 45 series
Now we are ready to workout. We begin
Fiba Assist Magazine | 32 2008 | Page 5
COACHES - FUNDAMENTALS AND YOUTH BASKETBALL
the workout close to the basket with our the ball with feet, hands and eyes.
"Power Jumper 45" series of shots. This is a ▼ Must use inside foot to pivot on (10 toes
three part shooting drill designed to work pointed to the basket).
on the three aspects of the shot: 1. shot ▼ Must run to the next shot.
preparation, 2. foot work, and 3. proper re- ▼ Call for the ball with voice and open
lease of the shot. In the first part of the drill hands with thumbs up.
the player takes 5 shots at the block in a We do 2 sets of the drill with the first set
“shot ready/catch & shoot position.” (diagr. moving from right to left and the second set
1) moving from left to right. The total number
In the second part of the drill the player runs of shots taken in this drill is 12 shots.
out to the three point line and back to the
block for 5 shots working on the proper foot d. “M” Shooting drill D.4
work “1-2 step into their shot”(diagr. 2). The In the “M” shooting drill I set the chairs up
third part of the drill the player bounce up & in an “M” shape (2 chairs at ½ court and
down in the same spot for 5 jumps keeping the 3rd chair at the top of the key). The drill
the ball in a proper shooting position. On the starts with the shooter taking his first shot
5th jump the shooter elevates and shoots in the corner. Then running around the
the ball at the top of their jump. 5 shots are chair at the ball side ½ court to the elbow
taken. Upon completion, the shooter will where they take their second shot. After
have taken 15 shots at one spot. This is re- completing that shot, the shooter then runs
peated at the middle spot and the opposite around the chair at the top of the key to the
block from which they started. The total opposite elbow for his third shot. After
number of shot equaling 45 (diagr. 3). completing that shot, the shooter must run
around the chair at half court to the oppo-
b. Transition drills site corner for their final shot (diagr. 7).
D.5
These are drills that I use between the The teaching points are:
main drills. They are quick. They have a ▼ Shot ready.
purpose. And they require little explana- ▼ Run the floor.
tion. The drills I use are: 1. Free-throw’s, 2. ▼ Concentration on the drill pattern.
Speed dribble sprints, 3. Speed rope, 4. ▼ Concentration on fundamentals of their
Heavy Rope, 5. Spot Shooting (catch & shot.
shoot). We do 2 sets of 6 shots for a total of 12
shots.
c. Around the world shooting drill
Around the World Shooting Drill is a very e. “X” Shooting drill
good drill to teach proper footwork. I teach It is an excellent shooting drill that has 3
my players to use their inside pivot foot. different variations allows for game like
I have found that it enables the shooter to simulation to be a big part of the drill. The 3
pivot easier and get their shot off quicker. variations are: D.6
The drill starts with the shooter on the 1. Sprinting (getting back on defense).
baseline. 2. Backpedaling (getting to press posi- the first chair at half court near the jump
They shoot the ball and run around the tions). circle (diagr. 8).
chairs shooting shots until they reach the 3. Defend (man to man defense). After touching the chair with their hand
opposite baseline (diagr. 4, 5, 6). The drill starts with the shooter taking a they run to the opposite elbow for second
shot at the elbow and then executing one shot. This pattern is repeated for 3 sets x 6
The teaching points are: of the variations that is called for by the shots for a total of 18 shots.
▼ Must be shot ready before you receive coach (sprinting, back pedal, defend) to The teaching points are:

page 6 | 32 2008 | Fiba Assist Magazine


OUTLINE OF SAMPLE WORKOUT:
I. Team stretching with basketballs 10 mins

II. Workouts:

a. Power Jumper 45 series 10 mins


b. ½ ct shooting drills 55 mins
1. Around the World (2 sets x 6 shots = 12 shots)
2. TRANSITION DRILL – FT’S 5 SHOTS
D.7 3. “M” with variations (2 sets = 12 shots)
4. TRANSITION DRILL – SPEED ROPE – 30 SECS.
5. “X” with variations (3 sets x 6 shots = 18 shots)
6. TRANSITION DRILL – HEAVY ROPE – 15 SECS.
7. Side line to Side line (2 sets x 6 shots = 12 shots)
8. TRANSITION DRILL – SPOT SHOOTING/CATCH
& SHOOT JUMPER 50 SHOTS.
c. Cool down/chair shooting drills 10 mins
1. 3 spots x 10 shots = 30 shots

Total number of shots = 129 Total minutes of workout = 1hr & 25 mins

D.8
shooting drill. consist of the player sitting down in a chair.
It is a tough drill design to fatigue the shoot- They must sit to the front of the chair with a
er. I teach two variations: 1. run and 2. de- ball between their back and the chair. This
fending. Both are designed to simulate forces the shooter to set with their back
game actions. The drill starts with the straight. The shooter shoots 5 shots from
shooter taking a shot at the elbow and then the three power jumpers spots for a total of
touching the near sideline. After touching 15 shots. The shots must be total swishes.
the sideline the shooter must run around The teaching points are:
the trash can/chair at the top of the key (di- ▼ Keep the ball high.
agr. 9). There are 2 sets of 6 shots taken for ▼ Full extension on your shot.
a total of 12 shots. ▼ Total concentration.
The teaching points are:
▼ Shot ready. V. CONCLUSION
▼ React to situations. It is said that fatigue makes cowards of us
D.9 ▼ Proper footwork. all. So never give into fatigue! Attack these
▼ Concentration. drills with the sole purpose of making your-
▼ Shot ready. self a better basketball player.
▼ React to situations. IV. “COOL DOWN” SEATING DRILLS EMBRACE GREATNESS by accepting the
▼ Proper footwork and concentration. Equally as important as the “warm up” is challenge to:
the “cool down”. After I have fatigue my 1. Learn something new everyday.
f. “Side line to side line" shooting drill players throughout the work out, I then like 2. Give more than you receive.
The last shooting drill in my "Fatigue Shoot- to do the all important “cool down” shoot- 3. Share what you know.
ing Drills" is the "Side line to Side Line" ing drills. The “cool down” seating drills 4. Impact the lives of others.

Fiba Assist Magazine | 32 2008 | Page 7


coaches - fundamentals and youth basketball

Playing near
by Carlo Recalcati

the basket After a prestigious career as a player, to effectively play the low-post position
Carlo Recalcati began coaching at just in case they are ever in a tactical
Bergamo, Italy, bringing the team from situation where they end up on the low
the B to the A1 Serie. He then coached post.
in Reggio Calabria, Ambrosiana Milan,
Bergamo again, Varese (winning an I find that, in general, when compared to
Italian Serie A title in 1999), and Forti- working with the perimeter players,
tudo Bologna, the following year, again practicing and trying to improve big man
winning the national title. Moving to skills requires more patience and com-
Montepaschi Siena, he won his third mitment on the part of the coach. With
title and the SuperCup in 2004. Since that said, let’s see how you can develop
2002, he has been the head coach of a practice plan for your post players.
the Men’s Italian national team, win-
ning the bronze medal at 2003 FIBA Eu- FOOTWORK
ropean Championship, and the silver On the court, we set stripes of parallel
medal at the 2004 Olympic Games. tapes 50 cm (two feet) distant from each
other, from one sideline to the other
Post play today is mainly focused on the sideline. The player, facing the stripes,
pick-and-roll and on setting different must make quick steps, moving from one
types of screens to get shooters open stripe to the next one, from the left side-
on the perimeter. While these are effec- line to the right one and vice versa (dia-
tive strategies, it has greatly reduced gr. 1).
the effectiveness of the post player and Now, with the same set of parallel
taken away a very powerful offensive stripes, place one perpendicular stripe
weapon. In the past, the post player every three parallel stripes. The begin-
D.1
played with his back to the basket, and ning of the exercise is the same, but
possessed two basic moves and two when the player reaches this perpen-
countermoves, based on the reaction of dicular stripe, he jumps back and forth
the defenders. the perpendicular line and then contin-
Since post play has been lost, it is time ues quick stepping in between the par-
to restore this role for the big man. I am allel stripes (diagr. 2).
totally convinced that extra attention For the third exercise, set one stripe at a
has to be devoted in each practice ses- 45-degree angle after every three paral-
sion for post play, not only for the player, lel stripes. Once the player reaches this
who has his back to the basket, but for line, he makes a 180-degree turn and
the guards and forwards, who must quick steps between the parallel stripes
learn to pass, cut and drive with their (diagr. 3).
big man. In addition, by knowing what
D.2 the big man is supposed to do, the for- WORKING WITH THE MEDICINE BALL
wards and guards should also learn how Two players face the backboard, one on

D.3 D.4 D.5

page 8 | 32 2008 | Fiba Assist Magazine


D.6

D.7

D.8

D.9

the left, and one the right side of the rim,


each one holding a medicine ball. With
arms extended, they jump and touch the
backboard five times with the medicine
ball. That finished, they catch a basket-
ball and do the same drill five more
times. They repeat the same sequence
on the other side of the backboard (dia-
gr. 4).
Fiba Assist Magazine | 32 2008 | Page 9
coaches - fundamentals and youth basketball
TURN AND SHOOT WITH THE MEDICINE BALL
One passer on the wing spot has three
medicine balls, one of 5 kg (11 pounds),
one of 4 kg (9 pounds), and one of 3 kg (6
pounds) or lighter for the younger play-
ers, and one basketball. The player fac-
es the passer on the low post with his
back to the basket. The passer passes
the first 5 kg medicine ball to the player,
who turns to the basket and shoots. The
same move is done with the other two
medicine balls and, at the end, with the D.10 D.12
basketball. The same sequence of
moves is repeated on the other side of
the court (diagr. 5).

DIFFERENT SOLUTIONS WITH A SELF-PASS


A line of players on the baseline, each
one with a basketball, on the left side of
the rim. The first player on the line
makes a self-pass at the elbow, follows
the pass, makes a stop, and a front turn.
He stays low, with the ball kept exter-
nally, between the hip and the chest, in
the triple-threat position. Starting from
this position, the players execute the D.11 D.13
following moves, with the right foot as
the pivot foot:

WA jump shot as soon as they reverse


to the basket.
WA straight drive with the left foot (di-
rectly from the turn).
WA jab step and a crossover drive.
WA crossover dribble and a reverse
dribble.

The same moves are made with the left


foot as the pivot foot and then made after D.14
a reverse turn. The same routine is done
on the right side of the court (diagr. 6).

MIKAN DRILL
Named for George Mikan, the great
American pivot player from the 1950s,
this drill reinforces the basics of the
quick hook shot. The player sets himself
under the basket, bent slightly at the
knees, with the basketball kept tight un-
der the chin. From this position, the
player, without lowering the ball, makes
10 hooks, alternatively one to the right
D.15
and one to the left, using the backboard
and without lowering the ball below the
shoulders. The player lifts his right leg outside on the perimeter. The coach
high on the right side, and his left leg throws the ball against the backboard,
high when he goes up on the left side and the player who gets the rebound,
for helping the move (diagr. 7). plays against the other two, who be-
come defenders, double-teaming the
THREE REBOUNDERS player with the ball, keeping the arms
Three players are set under the basket, straight and trying to prevent him from
facing the backboard, one to the left, scoring, hopefully without fouling. If the
one under the basket, and one to the player with the ball scores, or if the de-
right, with a coach with a basketball fenders grab the ball, the ball is passed
page 10 | 32 2008 | Fiba Assist Magazine
D.16 D.18 D.22

D.17 D.19 D.23

back to the coach and the drill starts


again for a certain amount of time or a
number of shots (diagr. 8).

ONE SHOOTER, TWO BALLS


One player is under the rim, with his
back to the backboard, with two balls
on the floor, one to his left and one to
his right. Two players are in charge of
recovering the balls and placing them
back on the floor. The player picks the
first ball on the left, turns, and quickly D.20 D.24
makes a power shot, then makes the
same move with the ball on his right.
This continues for five shots on the left
and five on the right side (diagr. 9).

THREE PLAYERS WAVE


Three players are under the basket, fac-
ing the backboard, with one player hold-
ing a ball. The player with the ball
throws it on the other side of the back-
board, follows, touching the lane line
with his outside foot (that one nearest
to the sideline), catching it and again D.25
D.21
throwing it against the backboard. The
other two players make the same move,
practically making a wave under the ket. The drill is repeated with the left shot, for a total of five times. Then the
basket. The drill can be done for a cer- hand (diagr. 11). passer goes under the basket and the
tain amount of time or touches of the shooter becomes the passer (diagr. 12).
backboard (diagr. 10). REBOUND AND SHOOT
This is a two-player drill, with one passer PICK UP AND SHOOT
TAP-IN CONTINUITY outside the lane and one player with his A line of players stand on the baseline
Two players, facing the basket, each back to the backboard inside the lane. and one player in the lane under the
holds a basketball. They make four con- The passer throws the ball against the basket, with his back to the backboard.
secutive tap-ins with the right hand. On backboard, the player turns himself, gets The first player of the line rolls the bas-
the fifth one, they put the ball in the bas- the rebound, and scores with a power ketball towards the player in the lane,
Fiba Assist Magazine | 32 2008 | Page 11
coaches - fundamentals and youth basketball

D.26

D.27

D.28

D.29

to his left or his right, and he picks the receiver for the post player and pass to the left and another to the right side of
ball up, spins to the basket, and makes the ball back. The low post player the lane, facing the passer. The passer
a power shot. The shooter goes to the makes a dribble to the lane and then passes the ball to one of the two players,
end of the line, and the passer becomes passes the ball to player in the middle who quickly try to score, “stealing the
the shooter (diagr. 13). of the court. He tries to get open, re- time” from the defender by scoring before
ceive the ball, and then play one-on- he can play defense. (diagr. 15).
ONE-ON-ONE WITH A RECEIVER one near the basket (diagr. 14).
A low post player holds the ball, with a GETTING OPEN BASED ON THE POSITION
defender behind him and a player in the STEALING THE TIME TO THE DEFENDER OF THE BALL AND THE DEFENDER
middle of the floor who can work as a There are two players in the low post, one The post must be able to read the posi-
page 12 | 32 2008 | Fiba Assist Magazine
his left leg toward the basket to get
open. He will receive the ball and then
play one-on-one (diagr. 18).
Defender three/quarter low overplaying:
If, instead, the ball is in a lower position
than the post, the post will bring his de-
fender lower and he will take a step with
his right leg to get open, receive the ball,
and play one-on-one (diagr. 19).

RECEIVING IN THE HIGH POST


D.30 We work again on the concept that the D.33
post must have a contact with the de-
fender and move accordingly, this time
while on the high post. We have a pas-
ser outside of the lane, a player at the
free-throw area, and a defender behind
him. As soon as the post receives the
ball, he will turn on the side that the de-
fender will give him (on the same side
from where he has received the bal),
and then he will attack the basket, start-
ing the move with the same hand and
foot (diagr. 20). The passer will then be-
come the player on offense and the D.34
D.31
shooter becomes the defender.

POST UNDER THE BASKET


A line of players is in the middle of the
court, over the three-point line, with the
first player on the line without the ball,
while the second one with the ball, and
a defender waiting under the basket.
The first player of the line runs in the
lane and tries to get open, keep the po-
sition, receive the ball, and make a
power move (diagr. 21). The passer be-
comes the offensive player, the offen-
D.32 sive player becomes the defender, and D.35
the defender goes at the end of the line.
tion of the ball and the defender, and re- COLLABORATION ON BOTH SIDES If the drive is on the baseline, the low
act properly. Two passers stand on the wing posi- post goes high to the same side of the
Ideally, he should always try to be in a tions, one with the ball and other with- drive (diagr. 30).
straight line between the ball and the out the ball. A low post player is on the If the drive is to the middle of the lane,
basket, but this is not always possible. weak side of the court and must read the post slides in the short corner on
Let’s now see the different situations and the defense, get open, keep the posi- the same side of the drive (diagr. 31).
how the post player must react. tion, receive the ball, and go hard to the
Defender behind: basket (diagr. 22 and 23). Drive of the wing with the low post on the
If the post player is in a low post near weak side:
the basket (for example, on the right side CHANGE SIDES WIf the drive is on the baseline, the post
of the half court, with the ball higher than This time, when the post player receives goes high, and rotates in the opposite di-
him and his defender), the post will make the ball, he must change side to the ball rection of the drive (diagr. 32).
a step with his left leg toward the ball to and then cut to the ball to get open. He WIf the drive is to the middle of the lane,
get open, receive the pass, and play one- must move from the high to the low post the post rotates to the baseline, in the op-
on-one (diagr. 16). and vice versa, receiving the pass, and posite direction of the drive (diagr. 33).
If, instead, the ball is in a lower position going to the basket (diagr. 24, 25, 26, 27
than the post and his defender, the post and 28). Drive to the middle of the lane:
player will make a step with his right leg W If the drive is on the opposite side of
towards the ball to get open, receive the SPACING the low post, the post rotates high to the
pass, and play one-on-one (diagr. 17). It is very important that the post be able opposite direction of the drive (diagr. 34).
Defender three/quarter high overplaying: to adapt his position based on the drive W If the drive is on the same side of the
If the ball is in a position higher than the of the perimeter players. low post, the post rotates to the baseline,
post, the post will bring his defender Drive of the wing with the low post on on the opposite direction of the drive (dia-
higher and then he will make a step with the strong side: gr. 35).
Fiba Assist Magazine | 32 2008 | Page 13
coaches - fundamentals and youth basketball

Avoid relaxing
by Aíto García Reneses

on the court
by Sito Alonso
Aíto García Reneses was head coach
(and also general manager) of Barcelona
(Spain) for many years, where his teams
won three Division I championships, three
Spanish Cups, one King's Cup, two FIBA
Europe, and two Korac Cups. He has been
head coach of Badalona (Spain) since
2003, where he won one FIBA Europe
(2006), one King's Cup (2008) and ULEB
Cup (2008). He also was awarded Coach
of the Year of the ULEB Cup 2007-08.

Sito Alonso started his coaching career in


1987 with the youth teams of Zaragoza
(Spain); then he was responsible for youth
teams at Monzòn, where he also was
head coach of the first team (EBA league)
from 1999 to 2004. He has been assistant
coach of Badalona since 2006, where his
teams won FIBA Europe (2006), King's Cup
(2008), and the ULEB Cup (2008).

Twenty years ago, many people criticized


player rotations. The possible explanation
was that people were not used to seeing
rotations on the court and they thought
that many advantages were lost, such as
the possibility of giving the most minutes
to the five best players on the team.
Currently, however, all good (and even the
not-so-good) teams use rotations. The
most important advantage of this is that
teams can play at the highest athletic lev-
els. When a player is fatigued, he can re-
couperate and recover his energy on the
bench and not on the court.

That said, players still relax on the court.


We’re going to describe some typical ex-
amples of situations players use that, if
avoided, can clearly raise a player’s effi-
ciency and a team’s productivity.

OFFENSE
1. Two-on-one: When the defensive team
double teams and plays two-on-one, there
are two very common "stops" that offen-
sive players use. If, in the spot shown in
page 14 | 32 2008 | Fiba Assist Magazine
D.1 D.2 D.3

D.4

D.5

diagram 1, the player with the ball is dou-


ble teamed by two defenders, his team-
mates run without worrying about the
problems that this defensive situation may
cause. Normally, the teammate should
help the player with the ball. The reaction
has to be immediate and they need to
change the rhythm by looking for a new
passing line. Players, as shown in diagram
2, stay in their spots, energically calling
for the ball, but they are asking for a pass
that is susceptible to being intercepted.

In such a play, the player typically stays in


the same postion after the pass, resting.
Instead, he and his teammates should
change their positions, trying to defeat the
defenders, and set themselves up for an-
other pass from the player with the ball
(diagr. 3, 4, and 5).
Fiba Assist Magazine | 32 2008 | Page 15
coaches - fundamentals and youth basketball
2. Free-throws: In many games, players
don’t struggle for the offensive re-
bound after a missed free-throw.This
situation, simple and repetitive during
a game, is one of the moments in
which players rest. In doing so, they
give up on possible offensive re-
bounds, conceding the rebound to the
defense. Habit turns it into a mistake,
and teams pay for mistakes like these
during a game. Lack of practice dur-
ing training sessions causes players D.6 D.8
not to go for the offensive rebound af-
ter a missed free-throw. To break them
of this habit, it’s good to stimulate the
struggle for the rebound with practice
drills and games (diagr. 6 and 7).

3. Playing inside (penetrations, high post,


low post): This occurs using an offense
against a zone defense. Many times
coaches insist on the importance of at-
tacking these kind of defenses with
passing the ball inside. This solution is
correct, but incomplete, because it’s
D.7 D.9
very important looking for a new pass-
ing line (diagr. 8), move, react in the
moment when a player drives to the 4. Do not stop after the defensive help: recovers or even switches. The player
basket or receives the ball in the high Great shooters dominate this type of with the ball, after the pass stops him-
post, or in the low post. Saying that is play. Many of them pop into mind, for self, a very important thing in order to
not enough; beside being severe in our instance, Bullock and Rakocevic, in avoid an offensive foul, but to avoid the
game five-on-five, get an habit like this the Spanish league. After a penetra- foul, the player has not to stop for five
needs some specific drills, that we can tion with an advantage, I’m restrained seconds. He needs thus to look for a
apply easily during the shooting ses- in my zone because of a player, who new passing line that may offer the
sions of our team (diagr. 9). does a defensive help, who fakes or possibility to receive alone, with an ad-

page 16 | 32 2008 | Fiba Assist Magazine


D.10

D.11

vantage, or playing against a defender


with whom there’s a mismatch due to a
defensive switch (diagr. 10).

DEFENSE
5. Two-on-one: Without stopping to de-
scribe the technical details of the two-
on-one, one of the more frequent and
dangerous “stops” in our defensive
system occurs when the offensive
player passes the ball after a double
team. Normally, the player involved in
the two-on-one reacts well after the
pass and tries to recover his man, or
else looks for a free opponent in the
rotation. However, the player, who
guards the man with the ball, usually
just turns his head and maintains his
position; he prefers to rest, instead of
thinking of the other responsibilities
he has after the pass has been made.
This player must get into the habit of
getting back to his proper position as
shown in diagram 11. In diagram 12,
on the other hand, we can see how
the player, after having run to his spot,
helps stop an easy penetration to the
basket.

6. Do not stop if the offensive player


does: This is one of the hardest actions
to practice in our sport. Here is a very
common situation in a basketball game,
with the offensive team that plays a di-
Fiba Assist Magazine | 32 2008 | Page 17
coaches - fundamentals and youth basketball
rect screen on the ball. The defender their opponent so he won’t be able to
of the player with the ball come into score. Defensive positioning entails
contact with the screen and the of- the responsonsibility of the defender
fensive player takes an advantage. towards his opponent, but of equal im-
The defender runs, in the best case, portance, it also means guarding a
to recover his position, but the offen- particular zone of the court, which has
sive player stops. In the 90% of the to be protected. Too many times, we
cases, the defender stops, too. How- see a defender watch an offensive
ever, he does this before getting to the opponent drive by and the defender
correct spot on the court. This is a big does not take the initiative of faking,
mistake. stepping out, or trying to stop him. In-
Another very common example oc- stead, he thinks, “This is not my man,”
curs with the defender who presses and lets the offensive player go right
full court. Once the offensive player by (diagr. 15).
beats the press and gets an advan- Defensive players have to be respon
tage, the defender will typically run sible not only for their man but for a
beside the player with the ball and zone that they occupy. They cannot let
when he stops, the defender often players drive easily to the basket, or
stops, too, instead of putting himself make uncontested cuts or passes.
in front of the player with the ball (dia-
gr. 13 and 14). CONCLUSIONS
Basketball, like most popular sports, has
7. My space: The name of this indicates undergone an evolution as the game glo-
exactly what we’re talking about. One balized and has been tweaked and im-
defender has to guard his opponent, proved through the input of tens of
but this is not enough. Many times we thousands of coaches. These improve-
see defenders in perfect defensive ments are noted today in the technical,
stance: they deny the pass, they’re tactical, and physical level of the game
legs are bent, and intently watching that’s played at the highest level. For this

page 18 | 32 2008 | Fiba Assist Magazine


D.12

D.13

D.14

D.15

reason alone, coaches have to be pre-


pared to change and innovate in all as-
pects of game preparation. Paying
attention to the smallest detail and insti-
tuting change whenever possible can
make the difference in the final outcome
of a game, a game that your team might
win.
Fiba Assist Magazine | 32 2008 | Page 19
COACHES - offense

The Shuffle
by Al Westover

Offense
Al Westover is the head coach of the fense which is specific to zone defenses,
Melbourne Tigers, winner of the differing slightly from the traditional form.
2007/2008 Australian National Basket- One of the appealing factors of the shuf-
ball League. He started his coaching ca- fle offense is that it can be run by teams
reer as assistant coach at the University which do not have significant height ad-
of Pacific in United States, then he was vantages, with all five offensive players
player-coach in Australia at Dandenong needing to be adequate in each posi-
Rangers, and head coach of the Ballarat tion.
Miners. In 1992 he became assistant
coach of the Melbourne Tigers and head This is most likely the reason for the
coach of the junior teams. In 2005 he was shuffle’s success at the USA Air Force
appointed as the head coach, and in his Academy under Coach Bob Spear, as
first year he won his first ABL champion- the Air Force has a specific height re-
ship and was voted “Coach of the Year.” striction. Although a mobile big man
would be the ultimate candidate for the
The shuffle offense was a revolutionary post position.
offensive strategy which involves the
rotation of all five players between all The basic shape of the high post shuffle
major positions in the half court. It was offense includes the two forwards on
originally developed in the 1950s at the the two wings, foul-line extended, the
University of Oklahoma, but has been center in the high post on the ball side,
manipulated and re-shaped meticulously the point guard in line with the basket,
by various coaches across the globe. and the center and the shooting guard in
One perceived downfall of the well- the middle of the floor - all positions with
known shuffle offense is its ability to a focus on ball movement, player move-
break down an effective zone defense. ment, and getting the ball inside.
However, we at the Melbourne Tigers
have developed a high-post shuffle of- Another name for the shuffle offense,

page 20 | 32 2008 | Fiba Assist Magazine


which has emerged, is that of “First” corner. The shooting guard 2 spots up
and “Thirds”, a nickname for structures on the opposite wing, stretching the
“First Option” and “Third Option” (don’t zone as they need to respect his shoot-
ask me what happened to the “Second ing ability.
Option”).
If the ball is passed to the point guard 1
D.1 THE “FIRST OPTION” in the corner, the center 5 will go directly
The point guard 1 will pass the ball to 3, into the ball side post, looking to seal his
the small forward at ball-side wing, and defender, if the ball is reversed through
cut to the basket and out to the strong- the top of the three-out-two-in shape,
side corner, attempting to drag the low during which the point guard 1 would cut
man in the zone out with him (diagr. 1). baseline to the opposite corner.
The small forward 3 now has the option of
passing it back to the point guard 1 in the This would result in the weak-side post
corner, or on to the center 5, who steps 5 flash to the ball and look for a high-low
off the high post to the three-point line, or with the power forward 4, who is post-
penetrating a gap in the zone - an option ing up in the strong side low-block.
at any point in the offense.
Irrespective of the direction he passes, If the ball was passed from the small
D.2 the small forward 3 will then cut hard forward 3 to the post 5, who is set out-
into the gap and through to the opposite side of the three-point line, the power
Fiba Assist Magazine | 32 2008 | Page 21
COACHES - offense
forward 4 will flash in the middle of the
three-second lane looking to get a seal
at the basket, as the small forward 3,
cuts through to the opposite corner, as
indicated earlier (diagr. 2).
From here, whichever way the center 5
passes the ball, he then goes into the
vacant low post, resulting in the afore-
mentioned three-two motion (diagr. 3).
An emphasis is on passing the ball
through to the opposite of the floor as
there is now an established triangle with
the power forward 4 in the post and the
center 5 ready to cut to the basket
should the ball go inside.

If the initial pass cannot be made to the


small forward 3 on the wing, the point
guard 1 can dribble-push him to the cor-
ner and the offense goes on in the same
manner from then on. We call this “first
push.”

THE “THIRD OPTION”


This time the ball is reversed through
the shooting guard 2, in the middle of the
floor, to the power forward 4 on the op-
posite wing, as the point guard 1 cuts
straight down to the opposite side of the
basket and behind the defense, and then
through to the ball-side corner, again
trying to drag a second-line defender
with him (diagr. 4).

The small forward 3 then cuts across


the key, trying to find a gap in the zone,
as the post 5 moves to the top of the
three-point line, and the shooting guard
2 flairs to the weak side wing, again

page 22 | 32 2008 | Fiba Assist Magazine


D.7

D.3 D.6

looking to spot up and spread the zone The main focus of the reversal is the
(diagr. 5). post 5 cutting straight through the key
The main focus of the “Third Option” is after he reverses it to the shooting guard
to get the ball into the second cutter (the 2. If the defender at the top of the zone
small forward 3), which triggers the re- goes with him, there will be a mismatch
action of the post 5, diving through the and the point guard 1 at the top will be
middle of the three-second lane and the open for the shot. If he is left unattended,
shooting guard 2 spotting up on the op- the shooting guard 2 will have a good
posite wing. angle for getting him the ball in the mid-
dle of the three- second lane (diagr. 7).
If the ball goes to the point guard 1 in
D.4
the corner, the emphasis is on getting it If the initial pass to the shooting 2 guard
into the small forward 3 in the low-post, cannot be made, the point guard 1 can
to which the post 5 will cut straight circle out the shooting guard with the
down the middle of the three-second dribble.
lane zone.
The “First Option” and the “Third Op-
If the ball goes to the post 5 at the top of tion” are merely two options out of many
the key, he may reverse it to the weak- which the shuffle zone offense provides.
side shooting guard 2, to the which the And the beauty of the shuffle is that for
power forward 4 will cut through, much every action, there is a reaction by each
like the original cut by the point guard 1, other offensive player on the floor.
into the ball-side post as he takes the While this may sound physics-minded,
defense with him, and the point guard 1 the underlying focus is simple ball move-
D.5 and power forward 4 will re-locate into ment, player movement, and getting the
the gaps (diagr. 6). ball inside.
Fiba Assist Magazine | 32 2008 | Page 23
COACHES - hoop market

Basketball
by Raffaele Imbrogno
and Philosophy

page 24 | 32 2008 | Fiba Assist Magazine


Raffaele Imbrogno has been coaching
since 1980. He is an Instructor for the In this section, we introduce the latest books, videos, CDs, and other tools that are
Italian National Coaches Committee of primarily aimed at coaches, but certainly useful for all of our readers. Please send
the Federation and has been Director of your suggestions and comments about our basketball-related media for review in
the Italian Basketball Federation Study this section.
Center. Imbrogno is also the author of
several technical basketball publica- “Do we know or not, every single man ert Pirsig, and many other books, allow
tions. has a personal philosophy. Sure, likely Jackson to see the links between bas-
any of our philosophies hasn’t a value, ketball and its spiritual and philosophical
but their influence in our thoughts, in our beginnings.
actions is big and often incalculable” Even so, we have not had specific books
(Karl Popper) about philosophic thought and basket-
ball game since the publication, years
Many basketball coaches lecturing at later, of two intriguing text-books: “The
clinics often use this phrase: “My game Tao of the Jump Shop: An Eastern Ap-
philosophy...” while others will say, “I just proach to Life and Basketball” written
coach and I don’t waste time talking of by John Fitzsimmons Mahoney (Ulysses
basketball philosophy.” But are these two Press) and “Basketball and Philosophy:
worlds, philosophy and basketball, close Thinking Outside the Paint” (University
or far from each other? Have they some Press of Kentucky), written by Jerry L.
correlations or not? Walls and Gregory Bassham.
The inventor of the basketball, the Cana- Mahoney’s book is about the analogies
dian James Naismith, son of Scottish im- between the jump shot and the Taoist
migrants, graduated in 1887 from McGill thought. The book has
University in Canada, tw macro-chapters and
two
where he studied phi- 23 smaller sections. A
losophy. However, he b importance is given
big
never spoke of the phi- to “actions that do not
losophy of basketball, g
generate actions,” which
as far as we know. In m
means feelings, like
1998, “Sacred Hoops,” th
those described and
a little book written by u
used by many NBA play-
Phil Jackson and Hugh e “To be in the zone”,
ers:
Delehanty, opened a lit- “
“Feeling the game,”
tle door showing the “
“Feeling part of the big
reader the links be- p
picture.” Chapter 22 is
tween philosophy, bas- c
charming. In “The Coach
ketball, and life. In that a True Man,” the great
as
book, the former head U
UCLA coach John Wood-
coach of the Chicago e is compared to Tao Te
en
Bulls (and then the Los C
Ching masters.
Angeles Lakers, and "B
"Basketball and Philoso-
one of the winningest p
phy" refers to texts of
coaches in NBA history m
many contemporary
with his nine champi- p
philosophers and char-
onship rings) wrote a
acters of the basketball
about one vision. He w
world. The book, divid-
wrote about a dream, e
ed in four quarters like
going through Buddhist a basketball game, talks
doctrine and finding in a
about topics such as
it many connections b
basketball birth, basket-
with the game of bas- b
ball Puritanism, Machi-
ketball. Quotations a
avelli and basketball,
from the Holy Bible, th
the Zen masters, Aristo-
from the poet Ghalib, tl
tle and the low-post
from books like “Prac- p
play, the visible and the
ticing the Presence” by in
invisible world in the
Joel Goldsmith, “The g
great shooter. In short,
Tao of leadership” by th
they present three hun-
John Heider, “Black Elk d
dred pages of rare
Speaks” by John G. b
beauty that all basket-
Neihardt, “Zen and the b
ball coaches should
Art of Motorcycle re
read to expand both
Maintenance” by Rob- th
their vision and mind.
Fiba Assist Magazine | 32 2008 | Page 25
referees and game administration

fiba 33
basketball game
regarding scoring and fouling are valid. The the same time, it is the easiest and one of
team scoring first 33 points or leading the the most effective ways to bring youngsters
game after the regular game time is the to basketball, keep them and promote our
winner. game. Finally, FIBA 33 can and will promote
3-on-3 basketball, better known as street key educational and social values to the
basketball, is not a new game. What’s "FIBA 33 offers us and our member federa- next generations."
new is that FIBA will create a new ver- tions an exciting new tool to promote the
sion with worldwide unified rules and sport especially amongst youngsters, both There are many more arguments for FIBA to
played by National Teams of youngsters of within our own countries and international- start this initiative. It seems that the game
less than 18 years of age. ‘FIBA33’, the ly," said FIBA Secretary General and IOC format will allow small basketball countries
name of this new game, will be launched member Patrick Baumann. "The test event to be very competitive on the highest level.
at the first Summer Youth Olympic Games in Macau showed us how much fun the FIBA 33 will enable emerging basketball na-
in 2010 in Singapore. 20 boys' teams and young players had, but also how spectacu- tions from all continents to be involved in
20 girls' squads from as many as 35 coun- lar and competitive the new game can be. top international competition and develop
tries could compete for the medals in the The 3-on-3 concept is certainly not new, but successful youth programs. In addition, the
beautiful Asian island nation. what is new is that it will be played on a na- simple format will also allow the practice of
tional team level, with worldwide valid rules, the game in international competition, but
The rules of FIBA 33 are quite simple. A in top-class international competition, and also on grassroots level.
team consists of four players (three players the whole FIBA structure and family can
are on the court and one is a substitute) participate in it. The 3-on-3 concept has all The FIBA 33 Basketball Game will be played
and one coach. The game is played on a the elements and skills required for basket- in accordance with the Rules underlined
half court, on one basket, in three periods ball, it has inspired and will continue to in- below. The Official FIBA Basketball Rules
of five minutes each. Most of the FIBA rules spire many great players in the future. At are valid for all game situations not specifi-

page 26 | 32 2008 | Fiba Assist Magazine


cally mentioned in FIBA 33 Rules. It goes
without saying that the spirit of fair play and
sportsmanship are an integral part of FIBA
33 Rules.

ART. 1 - COURT
The game will be played on a half court of a
regular FIBA basketball playing court.

ART. 2 - TEAMS
Each team shall consist of a maximum of
four (4) players (3 players on the court and 1
substitute) and one (1) coach.

ART.3 - GAME OFFICIALS


The game officials shall be one (1) referee
assisted by three (3) table officials, namely
a scorer, a timer and a fourteen (14) second
operator.

ART.4 - BEGINNING OF THE GAME


4.1. Both teams shall warm-up (3 minutes) (3) players ready to play. 8.3. Following the steal, turnover etc.:
simultaneously. If it happens within the two-point area,
4.2. The game shall begin with a jump ball ART. 6 - FOULS BY PLAYER/FOULS BY TEAM the ball must be passed/dribbled to a
at the free-throw line, team A facing A player who has committed four (4) fouls place behind the three-point line. Once
the basket. The team that gains con- must leave the game. A team is in a penalty the ball is behind the three-point line,
trol of a ball shall be entitled to shoot foul situation when it has committed three a minimum of two (2) players of the of-
for the goal immediately, without ne- (3) fouls in a period. fensive team (ball receiver/dribbler
cessity of returning the ball to behind and his teammate) must touch the ball
the three-point line. The opponents ART. 7 - FOURTEEN SECOND DEVICE before the attempt to score.
will be entitled to the ball at the next The team must attempt a shot for a field 8.4. Should the first offensive player who
jump ball situation in accordance with goal within 14 seconds. has dribbled/received the ball at a
the alternating possession arrow rule. place behind the three-point line at-
The arrow will be directed to the ART. 8 - HOW THE BALL IS PLAYED tempt to score, it is a violation. If he is
bench of the team which is entitled to 8.1. Following each successful field goal fouled on his attempt, it is a foul but
the ball at the next alternating posses- or last free throw: not on the shooter.
sion opportunity. W A player of a non-scoring team will 8.5. All throw-ins following the fouls (with-
resume the game by passing the ball out free throws), violations, out-of
ART.5 - PLAYING TIME/WINNER OF A GAME from the place behind the end line to bounds, at the beginning of a second
5.1. The regular playing time shall consist his teammate to any place on the and third period and of the extra period
of three (3) periods of five (5) minutes court. However, if that place is not be- shall be taken from the out-of-bounds
each. hind the three-point line, the ball re- level with the top of all three-point line,
5.2. However the first team which scores ceiver must dribble/pass the ball to a closest to the infraction. The places
33 or more points will be the winner of place on the court behind the three- shall be marked in out-of-bounds by 5
a game if it happens before the end of point line. cm line. The referee shall hand the ball
a regular playing time. W Once the ball is behind the three-point to the out-of-bound player. The throw-
5.3. If the score is tied at the end of the last line, a minimum of two (2) players of er-in must pass the ball to his team-
period, the game shall continue with the offensive team (ball receiver/drib- mate to any place on the court behind
as many extra periods of two (2) min- bler and his teammate) must touch the the three-point line. However, it that
utes as is necessary to break the tie. ball before an attempt to score. place is not behind the three-point, the
5.4. There shall be an interval of one (1) 8.2. Following each unsuccessful field ball receiver must dribble/pass the ball
minute before each period and each goal or last free throw: to a place on the court behind the
extra period. W If the offensive team rebound the ball, three-point line.
5.5. The game clock shall be stopped after it may continue to attempt the score 8.6. Dunking of the ball is not permitted un-
the successful field goal only in last without returning the ball to behind less pressure-released rings are used.
one (1) minute of the last period and of the three-point line.
the extra period. The game clock shall W If the defensive team rebound the ball, ART. 9 - SUBSTITUTION
be restarted once the offensive player it must return the ball (by passing or The substitution shall be permitted when
receives the ball at any place on the dribbling) behind the three-point line. the ball becomes dead and the game clock
court. W Once the ball is behind the three-point is stopped.
5.6. A team shall lose the game by forfeit line a minimum of two (2) players of
(33:0) if three (3) minutes after the the offensive team (ball receiver/drib- ART. 10 - TIME-OUTS
scheduled starting time the team is not bler and his teammate) must touch the There are no time-outs granted to any team
present on the playing court with three ball before an attempt to score. at any time.
Fiba Assist Magazine | 32 2008 | Page 27
referees and game administration
The FIBA Central Board, the highest ex-

FIBA Historic
ecutive body of the International Basket-
ball Federation, the last 26th of April, in
Beijing, China, took some major and his-
toric decisions as with regards to the

Rule Changes
game rules. Upon recommendation of the
FIBA Technical Commission (a group of
experts that deal with the game rules),
several amendments to the Official Bas-

page 28 | 32 2008 | Fiba Assist Magazine


ketball Rules have been approved. 3-point line (in place since 1984), and the ART. 4.3 UNIFORMS
The recommendations were strived by the change of the trapezoid restricted area The provision that T-shirts may be worn by
attempt to further unify all existing game (in place since the 1950s) to a rectangular players under their game uniforms is not
rules and to have, in the future, only one one: valid anymore.
set of rules for the game of basketball
worldwide. OFFICIAL BASKETBALL RULES 2008: ART. 25.2.3 PLAYER FALLING ON THE FLOOR
Below there is a summary of all approved All below-mentioned rules will come into It is legal when a player falls and slides on
rule changes, which include historic effect as of 1st October 2008, i.e. after the the floor while holding the ball.
amendments like the extension of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.
ART. 28.1.3 BALL GOES INTO
TEAM’S FRONTCOURT
The ball goes to the teams’ frontcourt
when, during the dribble from backcourt to
frontcourt, both feet of the dribbler and the
ball are in contact with the frontcourt.

ART. 30.1.2 BALL RETURNED


TO THE BACKCOURT
It will not be a violation anymore if a player,
who jumps from his frontcourt, establishes
a new team control while still airborne and
then lands in his team’s backcourt.

ART. 31 GOALTENDING AND INTERFERENCE


If a player reaches through the basket from
below and touches the ball, it is an interfer-
ence (and not a simple violation) with all
the relevant rule consequences.
ART. 36.1.4 UNSPORTSMANLIKE FOUL
If a defensive player causes contact with
an opponent from behind or laterally in an
attempt to stop a fast break and there is no
opponent between the offensive player
and the opponents’ basket, then the con-
tact shall be judged to be unsportsmanlike.

ART. 38.3.1 TECHNICAL FOUL


A technical foul can be called on a player
for excessive swinging of elbows (without
contact).

OFFICIAL BASKETBALL RULES 2010:


The below mentioned rule amendments
will come into effect as follows:
WFor high level competitions/Level 1
(main FIBA official competitions: i.e. Ol-
ympic Tournaments, World Champion-
ships for Men and Women, U19 and
U17 World Championships for Men and
Women and Zone/Continental Champi-
onships for Men and Women): as of 1st
October 2010, i.e. after the 2010 FIBA
World Championship.
WFor medium level competitions/Level
2 (i.e. all other FIBA official competi-
tions and the high level competitions
of the national federations): as of 1st
October 2012, i.e. after the London
2012 Olympic Games.

ART. 2.2.3 FREE-THROW LINES


AND RESTRICTED AREAS
The restricted areas shall be the floor rec-
tangle areas marked on the playing court.
Fiba Assist Magazine | 32 2008 | Page 29
referees and game administration

marked on the playing court, under the


baskets. The distance of the inner edge
of the semicircles shall be 1,25 m from
the centre of the basket (on the floor).
A charging (offensive) foul should never
be called if the contact by the offensive
player is with the defensive player stand-
ing within the no-charge semicircle.

ART. 29 TWENTY-FOUR SECONDS


If the throw-in is to be administered in
the backcourt, if required by the respec-
tive rules, the 24 second device shall be
reset to 24 seconds.
If the throw-in is to be administered in
the frontcourt, if required by the respec-
tive rules, the 24-second device shall be
The restricted (three-second) area shall the end lines; in other words, level to the reset as follows:
be a rectangle (not anymore a trapezoid) top of the three-point line. During the last
as per Diagram above. two (2) minutes of the game and of the W If 14 seconds or more are displayed
extra period, following the time-out on the 24-second device at the time
ART. 2.2.4 THREE-POINT FIELD GOAL AREA granted to the team that has been enti- the game was stopped, the 24-sec-
The distance of the three-point line shall tled to the possession of the ball from its ond device shall not be reset and
be 6,75 m (and not 6,25 m as present). backcourt, the subsequent throw-in will shall remain the same.
be taken on the opposite side of the WIf 13 seconds or less are displayed on
ART. 2.2.6 THROW-IN SIDE LINES scorer’s table from the “throw-in side the 24-second device at the time the
The two (2) small lines shall be marked line” and not as presently from the cen- game was stopped, the 24-second
outside the court, on the opposite side of tre line extended. device shall be reset to 14 seconds.
the scorer’s table and the team bench For a clearer visualization of the first four
areas, with the outer edge at the dis- ART. 2.2.7 NO-CHARGE SEMICIRCLES changes above, please refer to Diagram
tance of 8,325 m from the inside edge of The no-charge semicircles shall be above.
page 30 | 32 2008 | Fiba Assist Magazine
referees and game administration

RIGHT OR WRONG?

The following questions focus on the 4. Immediately following a 3-second vio- when a double foul occurs. Play re-
document, “FIBA Official Basketball lation committed by A2, a fighting situ- sumes with a team A throw-in. Shall
Rules: Official Interpretations”. A free ation occurs. The players involved in team A now have a new 8-second pe-
download is provided on the FIBA web- the fighting situation are disqualified. riod to cause the ball to go to the team
site (www.fiba.com). For additional clari- Shall play now resume with a throw-in A frontcourt?
fications, explanations or examples, by team B? 9. On a last free-throw, the ball touches
please consult this document. 5. During an interval of play, a technical the basket ring but the does not enter
foul is charged to a team A player. the basket. Shall the timer start the
1. On a throw-in by A3 from the endline in Team B is entitled to the next alternat- game clock when the ball touches the
team A’s frontcourt, the ball fails to ing possession throw-in. The following ring?
touch or be touched by any player be- period begins with a team B throw-in. 10. A3 ends a dribble while airborne and
fore going out-of-bounds at the oppo- Shall team A now be entitled to the returns to the floor landing on both
site endline. Is is a back court next alternating possession throw-in? feet simultaneously. Is A3 now entitled
violation? 6. A final free-throw by A2 does not to a pivot step?
2. Team A is in control of the ball with ten touch the ring or enter the basket.
seconds remaining in the 24-second Shall the resulting team B throw-in
period when play is interrupted be- take place at the free throw line ex- ANSWERS
cause of an injury to a team B player. tended?
When play resumes, shall team A be 7. Near the end of a 2nd period, B8 re- 1. No. (No, 30.1.1) 7. No. (Art. 19.2.2)
given a new 24-second period? quests to enter the game as a substi- 2. Yes. (29.2.1) 8. No. (28.2.2)
3. A5 is awarded one free throw which is tute, after which a field goal is scored 3. No. (35.2.2) 9. No. (49.2)
successful. While the ball is in the air by team A. Shall B8 now be permitted 4. Yes. (39.3.2) 10. Yes. (25.2.1)
on that free-throw, A2 and B2 commit to enter the game? 5. No (12.4.8)
a double foul. Shall play resume with 8. Team A has been in control of the ball 6. Yes. (Art. 43.3.1)
an alternating possession throw-in? in the team A backcourt for 5 seconds
page 32 | 32 2008 | Fiba Assist Magazine
SPORT MARKETING and MANAGEMENT

ACB: the Spanish


professional league

by Mario Hernando

Mario Hernando began his professional


career as journalist in 1986, working for
different basketball magazines and Span-
ish newspapers. In 1998 he entered the
ACB as Director of Operations, and four
years later he also was named Director of
Communications. Along his career, he fol-
lowed the main basketball events, both
national and international, such as the
Olympic games, World Championships,
European Championships, Mc Donald's
Open, European Leagues, European Club's
Finals. He is also author of several books
about basketball.

The first basketball competition in Spain


had its beginning with the Spanish Cup,
which was first played in 1933. The Nation-
al League started 24 years later, with the
competition today known as ACB, Asocia-
ción de Clubes de Baloncesto (Association
of Clubs of Basketball). Since their begin-
ning, these tournaments were organized
by the Spanish Basketball Federation.
Starting in the 1970, the National League
took on a semi-professional character
amongst most of the clubs and, as it grew
in importance and economic strength, it
became evident that a body should be cre-
ated to manage the league.

1982: BIRTH OF THE ACB


In 1982 professional basketball was finally
born. The Spanish Federation passed the
responsibility of the competition to the
clubs. This move made the Spanish league
more like the American sports structure
(exactly, closer to the NBA, whose organi-
zation always served as a reference mod-
el) than the typical European sports
competition.
page 34 | 32 2008 | Fiba Assist Magazine
organizations, and, most importantly, con- tracts, the introduction of playoffs, two
On March 3, 1982, the ACB was created. vince the Spanish sport authorities of the foreign players per team, an annual All
Since the 1983-84 season, the ACB has need to change the structure of Spanish Star Game, a third referee, exclusive model
governed the top level of basketball in basketball and create an independent of representation and the creation of the
Spain. league that would help modernize the King’s Cup.
sport. These new changes, together with the in-
The first games of the new league orga- fluence of the silver medal won by the Na-
nized by the ACB were played September The ACB was born as a professional orga- tional team at the Olympic Games of Los
11, 1983. To reach this historical moment, a nization whose supreme body is the Gen- Angeles in 1984, raised the role of basket-
small group of people were able to side- eral Assembly, formed by the clubs joining ball in Spain, creating the social phenome-
step a mountain of problems, overcome the league. From this moment on, every- non that was given the name of “basketball
the majority thinking process about sports thing began to change: there were TV con- boom.”

Fiba Assist Magazine | 32 2008 | Page 35


SPORT MARKETING and MANAGEMENT
W Financial Office: Runs the economical
and financial operation of the ACB.
W Events Department: Organizes the offi-
cial sports actions and events of the
ACB.
W Public Relations and Protocol: Runs the
Secretary’s Office of the ACB and the
takes care of international relation-
ships.
W Officiating: Directs and controls the op-
erations of the refereeing body.
W Communications: Takes care of and
strengthens the public perception of
the ACB competitions.
W Informatics: Develops all technological
projects, maintains the infrastructures
of the ACB, and advises the different
departments.
W Scouting: Offers support and advice
about scouting and signing up players.
Follows players from other leagues and
publishes a scouting report as a ser-
vice to the ACB clubs.

One of the most significant examples of


the evolution of professional basketball as
a business in Spain is with the TV con-
tracts. In September 1983, the ACB signed
the first contract with Televisión Española
(TVE), which included the broadcast of 16
games for 1983-84 season. This contract
guaranteed, for the first time, regular
broadcasts of league games, which had
always been the goal of the ACB. For the
first five years, the league developed a
national exposure on television, but in
1988, TVA began paying the league 1,8
million euros (300 million pesetas) per
season. This amount rose to 7,2 million
(1200 million) per season, including the
first transmission through Canal Satélite.
As the popularity of the TV broadcasts
grew, Canal Plus signed on to show
league games, with a yearly contract of
16,9 million euros (2800 million pesetas).

After four years with Canal Plus, the popu-


larity of the league games has spread na-
From 1982, the ACB didn’t stop working to and coordinates the general running of tionwide. Nowadays, professional Spanish
consolidate a governing body that, step by all the departments of the ACB. basketball is seen throughout Spain
step, has assumed newer functions. W General Secretary Office: Manages all through TVE, and throughout Europe via a
the administrative and legal aspects variety of European broadcasters.
A TOP LEVEL SPORT CONCERN involved in running the ACB.
The ACB works like any major business. W Business: Takes care of the generation ACB TURNS 25
Directed and led by Eduardo Portela, the of extra resources in addition to those ACB celebrated its 25th anniversary this
creator and ideologist of this great busi- coming from television and advertis- year, and what an enviable milestone it
ness project, the organization chart covers ing. was. Thanks to the excellent work of the
all aspects of sports, divided into 10 differ- W Marketing and Sponsorship: Develops clubs, the ACB is a league with powerful
ent departments: projects that strengthen the image of sports, economic, and social muscle. Over-
basketball and the ACB and initiates all all attendance has increased at all league
W Presidency: Plans, supervises and licensing and merchandising actions. games, with an average of almost 7,000
controls the different activities of the W Competition: Organizes and directs the people per game, which represents close
ACB. activities derived from ACB competi- to 85% attendance at its arenas. The ACB
W General and Legal Direction: Directs tions. has created its annual Copa del Rey tour-
page 36 | 32 2008 | Fiba Assist Magazine
nament that attracts an audience of three achieved that goal, which was not an easy cast on the Internet.
million spectators and requests from 700 thing to do considering the hurdles it had The web address, abc.com has played a
media from all over the world. Due to the to get over. The change from the traditional leading role, but recently its role has been
overwhelming popularity of the tourna- European sports structures was a major increased. There are 50,000 daily users and
ment, the economic impact for the host challenge that the ACB faced up to. But it over 500 million pages viewed. More than
city is approximately 25 million euros. eventually led to the creation of the ULEB, 500,000 also play SuperManager, the Inter-
Each year, the ACB increases its global the union of European basketball leagues. net game, making one of the most visited
business volume, pulling in approximately This eventually led to the creation of the websites in Spain.
140 million euros. Socially, it’s spent the Euroleague and the ULEB Cup, two well-
past decade encouraging social respon- established tournaments. Along the way, it Basketball is a tremendous sport for devel-
sibility to help Spanish children. Cam- brought about the use of the third referee oping overall fitness. Understanding that,
paigns such as “Encesta su Juguete” in Europe, a measure adopted by the ACB the ACB has recently left the world of bas-
(“Score its toy”) or “Un Juguete, una in 1996. Eight years later, a third referee ketball and expanded into the fitness realm,
Sonrisa” (“One toy, one smile”) is direct- was used in all continental competitions. with the aim of creating a chain of branded
ed to struggling with childhood obesity ACB fitness centers. The first two will be
and homelessness. From the business standpoint, the ACB de- built in Malaga and Zaragoza, with a global
veloped marketing and communications investment that goes over 16 millions euros.
ACB has not forgotten that one of its main programs for its own events. Top sponsors The centers are expected to open in 2009.
obligations which is to increase its value. now include San Miguel, Fiat, Carrefour,
Its future depends on talented young play- Orange, Iberia, Nike, and Racer. This all goes to show that after 25 years of
ers. Currently, 20,000 young players partic- hard work, the ACB brand is not only rec-
ipate in youth leagues under the watchful One of the most significant examples of ognizable but powerful, not only in Spain
eyes of almost 1,000 coaches. Moreover, the evolution of professional basketball but outside its borders, whether on TV, In-
the ACB created an enterprise directed at as a business has been the Business di- ternet, or in the arenas throughout Europe.
schools called the Collegial Series, which vision of ACB. This was recently created More than 25 free channels now bring the
involves 5,000 young players around Spain, and is totally dedicated to the generation ACB show to its fans throughout Spain, Eu-
and the Under-20 tournament, which is one of resources. The ACB has developed a rope, and Asia. Yes, the ACB has globalized
step below the ACB. new video unit that permits transmission and done well. A quarter century of dedi-
of game highlights through cell phones. cation to bringing a well-loved sport to the
Twentyfive years ago, the ACB assumed However, this past season, it has been masses has produced a well-respected
the responsibility of bringing basketball to possible to watch one game a week on brand that will only get better in the near
the highest levels in Spain, and they cell phone, while live games are broad- future.
Fiba Assist Magazine | 32 2008 | Page 37
fiba research and study centre

2008 FIBA Research


and Study Centre
Meeting
After the last Partners’ Meeting that Partners and 13 Associate Members. All improvement of sports facilities and
took place in Munich in February 2006, are involved in different categories, equipment standards.
the FIBA Research and Study Centre such as basketballs, flooring, seating,
agreed to hold its annual meeting every backstop units, scoreboards, graphic The 12th FIBA Study Centre Partners’
two years in order to raise the quality designs, and electric systems. Each Meeting, held on March 13-14, 2008 in
of the meetings and ease the timetables strives to make the world of basketball Geneva, Switzerland brought together
of our increasing number of Partners. better through their dedication to the more than 30 Partners, as well as many
The FIBA Research and Study Centre
department was founded in 1993 in Mu-
nich, and initially started their work with
three partners in the spring of 1994. The
goal of the Study Centre was to equip
and increase the number of sports fa-
cilities throughout the world, encourage
the construction of basic facilities and
the refurbishment of older ones, coordi-
nate research initiatives, and offer con-
sulting services for materials,
equipment, design and construction.
Important building construction, such
as the Belgrade Arena (EuroBasket
2005) and the Wukesong Arena in Bei-
jing (Olympic Games 2008) were under-
taken with the guidance of the Study
Centre. The primary objective of the
Study Centre is to attain the highest
standard of quality, safety, and technol-
ogy for athletes, spectators, and media.
The Study Centre has grown tremen-
dously over the years and now unites 50

page 38 | 32 2008 | Fiba Assist Magazine


FIBA staff members, including the Sec- division, provided all attendees with a they take part in FIBA-sponsored cham-
retary General, Patrick Baumann. At a complete description of the FIBA TV de- pionships and tournaments. The website
special award ceremony, the partners partment. TV rights were first brought in also broadcasts FIBA games, has infor-
and companies that have been part of house in 2003. He described how each mation about the FIBA Hall of Fame, and
the FIBA Study Centre since its inception FIBA Zone (Africa, Americas, Asia, Eu- mobile telephone projects.
in 1994 were honored. Mr. Baumann sin- rope, Oceania) negotiated TV rights and
gled out backstop manufacturers GES set up partnerships with broadcasters On the last day, Zoran Radovic, FIBA De-
(France), Porter (USA), Senoh (Japan), such as with RAI in Italy, CCTV in China, velopment Director, provided an interest-
and Schelde International (Belgium) for J Sports in Japan, Canal Plus in France, ing overview of global basketball across
their efforts. Special recognition was ERT in Greece, NTV in Turkey, La Sexta the different continents. He broke down
given to Walter De Jonghe, for remem- in Spain, and NTV + in Russia. These each country and described where it
bering Derk Dekker (1929-2001), the are a small sampling of the broadcast stood in relation to equipment, players,
grandson of the founder of Schelde In- rights that have been granted. and basketball management. Emphasis
ternational, A. S. J. Dekker (see the pho- was placed on countries in Africa, Asia,
to in the previous page). In addition, The FIBA TV Department, explained Oceania, and the Americas where oppor-
Haro Sports (Germany), Mondo S.p.A. Mr.Stimpson, manages the entire pro- tunities for equipment implementation
(Italy), Fox 40 (Canada), and Connor cess linked to television programming. are important.
Sport Court (USA), which joined the FIBA Manuals are provided with all produc-
Study Centre in the fall of 1994, were al- tion described A to Z, including FIBA Following the different presentations, our
so honored for their long-time involve- Television Graphics in line with the FIBA Partners separated into different groups
ment with FIBA. corporate identity. Mr. Stimpson also representing the FIBA Study Centre
detailed the number of viewers in each equipment categories. The aim was to
FIBA Event Manager, Predrag Bogosav- country, describing the increase or de- discuss the many topics they wished to
ljev, officially opened the meeting with a crease of spectators, the country in- submit to the FIBA Study Centre. Differ-
presentation of basketball equipment volved, and the qualifying round a ent interesting proposals were made, es-
during FIBA Events. He explained the country has reached in a specific com- pecially in terms of equipment approval
bidding procedures and how a host city petition. In order to increase basketball for different levels of competitions and
has to follow all FIBA rules and regula- awareness and TV viewership, the TV equipment needed for future competi-
tions in all basketball fields. Safety and Department has also begun a weekly TV tions. These competitions include the up-
security are crucial aspects for the ath- show and created a series of FIBA- coming 3-on-3 basketball competitions
letes, he noted, and the best equipment themed DVDs. that will officially be launched at the
has to be used. The main equipment Youth Olympic Games in 2010.
such as flooring, backstop units, score- FIBA was among the first sports Feder-
boards, and balls have to be the latest ations to launch a website in the late The FIBA Study Centre would like to
models and all equipment must be FIBA 1990’s and our website manager, Nico- thank all the present Partners for their
Approved. las Chapart, described www.fiba.com. active participation and hopes to reunite
This popular Web address attracts bas- the entire FIBA Study Centre Partners for
Following Mr. Bogosavljev’s presenta- ketball fans from around the world that the next Decisional Board and Partners’
tion, Paul Stimpson, from the television want to follow their favorite teams as Meeting in 2010.
Fiba Assist Magazine | 32 2008 | Page 39
Doctors, trainers and conditioning coaches

The conditioning
program
of the
San Antonio
by Mike Brungardt

spurs

page 40 | 32 2008 | Fiba Assist Magazine


Mike Brungardt joined the Spurs in 1994
and he is the first and only strength and
conditioning coach in Spurs history. He
has built the team’s strenght and condi-
tioning program from the ground up. He
has co-authored five books in the con-
ditioning field, and his latest books are
“The Complete Book of Core Training”
and the “Complete Conditioning for Bas-
ketball”.

INTRODUCTION
This paper will examine the strength and
conditioning program of the four-time
National Basketball Champions San An-
tonio Spurs. The long duration and high
intensity of the NBA season places in-
credible competitive demands on play-
ers, and it is the goal of the strength and
conditioning staff to help them avoid in-
jury and maintain peak performance, es-
pecially during the playoffs.
The principles of periodization and a
comprehensive analysis of basketball-
specific skills and their physiological
and bio-mechanical demands guide the
general program. Player-specific pro-
grams are developed to take dynamic
variables, e.g., injuries, playing time,
season duration, and tempo and style of
play, into account to maximize adapta-
tion and minimize over-training.

PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BIO-MECHANICAL


DEMANDS OF BASKETBALL
Basketball is an anaerobic-glycolytic
event characterized by repeated bouts
of intense, explosive movements. A high
percentage of Type IIa, (fast-twitch)
muscle fibers are needed to generate a
high amount of force in a shorter amount
of time.
Recurring and frequent stops during play
require a rapid recovery. Proper physio-
logical function of the Phosphagen (ATP-
PC) and Glycolytic Energy Systems is
critical when fatigue becomes more
prevalent during the 4th quarter.

CORE STRENGTH
Particular emphasis is given to the
strengthening of the “core” region-ab-
dominals, lower back, “glutes” and
quadriceps-due to its fundamental sport
specific role in stabilization, injury pre-
vention, strength, power, and maintain-
ing the center of gravity.
The core has priority both in volume and
exercise order. Core training accounts
for at least half of all strength training.
During the off-season this region (core)
is trained on all 4 days. A vital part and
component of our annual dynamic warm
up also contain exercises that engage
Fiba Assist Magazine | 32 2008 | Page 41
Doctors,
coaches -trainers
offense and conditioning coaches

the core. For example, we use ballistic strength and power gains during a rela- are relative, ranging from three minutes
“open chain” exercises like medicine tively short period. A basic pyramid sys- to thirty seconds. This can have a sig-
ball wall throws and the hang clean. This tem is applied that gradually increases nificant effect on the buffering capacity
provides a means to strengthen the re- the load. Generally with each succes- of hydrogen ions which result from lac-
gion basketball players utilize most while sive set, more weight is added for fewer tate acid. Low impact, high foot contact
also providing additional power/explo- repetitions. (reps), plyometric, agility, and training
sive work. are also integrated at this time.
PHASE 1 HYPERTROPHY
OFF-SEASON PROGRAM Phase one, the hypertrophy phase, fo- PHASE 2 STRENGTH
The strength staff follows periodization cuses on the development of lean mus- The volume begins to decrease by doing
principles to cycle and integrate all as- cle mass (cross section) necessary for more intense, sport specific exercises
pects of our physical training: strength the later conversion to strength and with fewer repetitions. Sprint intensity
work (lifting), conditioning, plyometric, power. The duration of basketball scrim- increases on the track as a result of de-
and agility/speed. Three specific phas- maging and skill work is usually low creases in rest time and distance. Extra
es, consisting of four-week cycles, are during this phase. Muscle imbalances, “Hill” conditioning is incorporated on
the basis for the programs during the which create high risk for injury, are al- the same muscle group lifted that day.
off-season and in-season. so addressed. This period is relatively
The goal is to manipulate intensity and low in intensity but higher in repetitions PHASE 3 POWER
volume to create a synergistic effect in and duration. The short rests between As the preseason approaches, training
recruit patterns, fiber type, rate of fire, sets help keep heart rate elevated. This volume is further decreased with a rela-
and overall ability to create force. Ath- is the best time to re-establish a base tive increase in intensity. Weight train-
letes who do not report until the pre- for anaerobic work capacity. ing intensity is around 80% to 90% of a
season follow a different training re- A progression of moderate to longer player’s one rep maximal strength (1
gime. The design is catered to amplify distance sprints is used. The rest times RM). Converting strength gains to speed
page 42 | 32 2008 | Fiba Assist Magazine
and functional sport- specific Power is for rotation players; the head coach will and is a recovery based supplement
the goal. Benefits of explosive training, do this at the end of practice if it is nec- that accelerates and repairs muscle tis-
in elite athletes, have been shown to be essary. When a player is recovering from sue and joint health. Glutamine’s 2 nitro-
directly linked to quality of technique. an injury, or is not in the rotation on a gen ions cause it to be the most anabol-
This might be a result of the small “win- regular basis, an opportunity is created ic of all the amino acids. To increase
dow’ or potential available for neuro- to spend more time working on improv- muscle hypertrophy and power we use
muscular adaptation. ing strength, power, agility, and plyomet- a supplement called Opti-blend. This is
The generation of more force at a quick- ric training. Regular rotation athletes a patented creatine amino acid chelate
er rate, and the ability to apply the force, may only get a chance to lift once or blend, a patented stabilized glutamine,
can often determine if a player is able to twice in the whole week. When the and the branched chain amino acids
get a rebound at a critical moment. A schedule permits, two full body lifts are leucine, isoleucine, and valine.
physiological explanation for the explo- done. Studies have shown both supplements
sive power enhancement is a result of can make a significant difference in
the transformation of muscle fiber Type NUTRITION AND SUPPLEMENTS athletic performance and dramatically
IIa to Type IIb. Conditioning becomes Our nutrition and supplementation pro- reduce muscle recovery time.
specific to the basketball court, by in- grams goals are to promote recupera-
corporating sprints as well as lateral tion and fast energy production. We hire WARM-UPS AND FLEXIBILITY
side shuffles; although once training a consultant that advises in-season nu- During the season, three different sta-
camp starts the nature of the practices trition and meal planning. We provide tions for a circuit training warm-up are
should provide enough anaerobic con- good food choices at critical times, like often used. These stations are divided
ditioning. post-exercise, pre-game, and post- up into proprioception, dynamic flexibil-
game. This is important because if gly- ity, and core strength. The majority of
IN-SEASON PROGRAM cogen stores become depleted, the ca- static stretching is done after practice.
The time constraints of an 80 game regu- pacity of an athlete to perform at full
lar season practices and travel can be potential (maximum intensity) is lost or POST-SEASON MAINTENANCE PHASE
quite consuming. The general goal for severely limited. Sports like basketball, The objective is rest and recuperation.
in-season training is to at least maintain which have a highly intense component, These three- to four-weeks provide just
strength, conditioning, speed and flexi- can have approximately 75% of energy enough training for maintenance. Dur-
bility. come from carbohydrates. ing this period, low intensity, full-body
The intensity is high and the focus of the Consequently a 3:1 Ratio of CHO has lifting is prescribed.
lifting and strength work centers around been recommended. We use several
the Olympic lifts core. When a player supplements throughout the yearly plan CONCLUSION
does not play at least 15 minutes during to promote recovery and recuperation. An effective method of organizing train-
the game, then he must perform at least Perhaps the most important and fre- ing is to utilize periodization principles
15 minutes of extra interval conditioning. quently used supplement among play- that manipulate intensity and volume.
The strength and conditioning staff does ers is called Nutri-Build. Nutri-Build This can assist with the sometimes dif-
not handle regular season conditioning contains glutamine and glucosamine, ficult task of cycling and integrating
weight- lifting, conditioning, plyometric
drills, and agility/speed.
Particular emphasis is given to the
strengthening of the Core region - ab-
dominals, lower back, glutes, and quad-
riceps due to its fundamental role in sta-
bilization and force production. The ver-
tical jump and passing the basketball are
good examples of basketball skills that
can become more explosive through the
use of progressive jumps, rim jumps, and
depth jumps, and (Upper Body) Med ball
work. However, the athlete must have a
good strength base to benefit from such
training as the joints and musculature
will be able to translate force optimally.
There are many factors which can influ-
ence the force, power, and endurance
characteristics of skeletal muscle.
Concurrent recruitment of specific fiber
types plays a vital role in maximizing en-
ergy system efficiency and perfor-
mance. Incorporating nutrition and sup-
plementation programs are excellent
ways to promote recovery and recuper-
ation while at the same time improving
performance.
Fiba Assist Magazine | 32 2008 | Page 43
news

Giorgio armani
and
one-on-one
basketball

Giorgio Armani is a worldwide icon, a


world ambassador of the Made in Italy
style. Armani, President and CEO of his
own company, Giorgio Armani S.p.A., over-
sees an empire that includes not only fash-
ion, the core business of his firm, but
furniture and a string of luxury hotels. Four
years ago, Armani became the main spon-
sor of the most successful basketball team
in Italy, Olimpia Milan. The Armani Jeans
logo is now on all of the team uniforms.
Whenever he is in Milan, Armani can be
found seated in the front row of the Datch
Forum, the home court of his club, cheer-
ing for his favorite team. Armani rarely
agrees to be interviewed, but in this one,
conducted recently by Giorgio Gandolfi,
the Editor-in-Chief of this magazine, he
talks candidly about basketball from the
standpoint of a long-time fan, and now, as
a businessman who owns a popular sports
franchise.
The sister Rosanna played basketball in
the past. But, his brother, Giorgio Armani
did not have any particular interest bas-
ketball. “I saw my first game ever in Lau-
sanne, in Switzerland in 1987 when the
Olimpia Milan team, with Bob McAdoo,
now the assistant coach of the Miami
page 44 | 32 2008 | Fiba Assist Magazine
Heat, and Mike D’Antoni, now the head the people could think and basketball make helps to get famous the name of Giorgio
coach of the Phoenix Suns, as a players, to come to the surface all my feelings.” Af- Armani also among the teens. But aside
beat Tel Aviv for the European Champion- ter he started to attend every possible from the commercial standpoint, I feel
ship for clubs. That was a great game. But, game, in between his several engage- proud and it is exciting when they stop me
aside from that exciting game, I did not ments, now also with the luxury hotels, on streets, and, also if they wear a D&G
have another special occasion to follow Giorgio Armani when travels in the United [Dolce & Gabbana, Italian stylists] shirt,
basketball, aside from once in a while in States, goes to watch also NBA games. “I they tell me: “Please, continue to support
United States, where I watched Michael had the chances to watch great NBA stars the Olimpia Milan team.” After three years
Jordan, an unbelievable player and a great such as Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Steve of being sponsor of the team he renewed
personality. ” Then, four years ago, the glo- Nash, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker, all again the sponsorship and his logo AJ will
rious Milan team, where also Senator Bill fantastic players. But, I am lucky to have appear on the shirts of the Milan team for
Bradley played at the end of the Sixties, on Milan team and the chance to watch a the next two seasons. Basketball so be-
was near to be moved to another city, so a great player such as Danilo Gallinari, the came important for him and he reveals why
pool of VIPs, among them also top execu- 19 years old, 6-10 sensational forward, who he decided to tie his name again with the
tives of the two big soccer teams of the will play in the NBA and one of the best tal- team. “The great enthusiasm of the fans at
city, Milan and Inter, formed a group of in- ent in Europe”. When you ask him what did the Forum, and the awareness of the work
vestors, and suddenly Giorgio Armani de- attract him more of basketball, he says: ”I done until now. For these reasons, I decid-
cided to help the team to avoid that the am intrigued and I love of this sport the ed to renew the sponsorship. Then, I want
winningest basketball club in Italy club great elegance of the moves, the graceful to add the personal satisfaction to have
could move to another city. “When they vitality, and watching the players scoring kept the team in Milan. Finally, where do
asked if I would like to be part of the peo- some baskets, come to my mind a modern you want to put some of the banners, ex-
ple, who were trying to save the team, I ballet, where the rules keep under control posed during the game, that ask me to be-
decided to give my contribution, being the the energy. Then, there is the rare sense of come the president of the team?” But,
sponsor, with my younger logo, Armani the team play. A player, independently by what a business man like him, a worldwide
Jeans. This should have been my gift to the how is great, by his unique technical and acclaimed fashion tycoon, could suggest
city of Milan, which host me: it means to physical great skills, such as, for example to a businessman, who would like to enter
keep the club in the city.” From then, he in the past Michael Jordan, cannot win a in basketball?
rarely misses a game seating in the front game by himself. He needs the help of the “The first advice is very simple. First of all,
row, rooting for the team always with is in- team, and with a definite role inside the to fall in love with this sport. Then, on the
nate class. “Basketball is a sport, which team. So the team play and the teamwork, second instance, to be patient and not only
generates flows of adrenaline. If I watch a maybe more than any other team sport are think about the money and business. You
great game, I feel the enthusiasm and I am at the base of basketball.” Armani really need also to have fantasy and availability.
full of energy. But, if the game is poor, if the helped the resurgence of the Olimpia Mi- And naturally… a good dose of persisten-
teams do not run, I am disappointed, I am lan team, but did he had something back cy, and not to be depressed at the first
irritated. I am a man less controlled of what from basketball? “For sure, “he says,” it losses or problems.”

Fiba Assist Magazine | 32 2008 | Page 45


news
news

the world
in brief
Planet
basketball

250 current and former FIBA/NBA play-


ers, coaches and team personnel who
have served as camp coaches and
mentors for over 1200 young athletes
from more than 100 countries and terri-
tories on five continents. Last year, Bas-
ketball without Borders took place in
Shanghai (China), São Paulo (Brazil),
Paris (France) and Johannesburg
(South Africa).

SCHEDULE FOR FIBA OLYMPIC QUALIFYING


TOURNAMENT FOR MEN AND WOMEN
FIBA and the Local Organising Commit-
tees, the Hellenic Basketball Federation
and the Spanish Basketball Federation,
have announced beginning of April the
competition schedule for the FIBA Olym-
pic Qualifying Tournaments for Men and
Women.
In the Men’s tournament host Greece
BWB 2008 FEATURES FIRST-EVER there is a growing interest in our sport opens the tournament on 14 July against
EVENT IN INDIA and where we are sure that Basketball Asian powerhouse Lebanon. In the
Basketball without Borders 2008 will without Borders will be able to further Women’s event Spain will meet on 9
take place for the first time in New Delhi this growth." Basketball without Bor- June the tournament
(India) and will return to Istanbul (Tur- ders Europe will be staged in Istanbul underdog Fiji. The
key) and Johannesburg (South Africa). at the Darüssafaka Tesisleri, Ayhan Sa- detailed scheduled
The NBA and FIBA's global basketball henk Spor Salonu, from 4th to 7th June for both events can
development and community outreach 2008. Basketball without Borders Asia be found on fiba.
program unites elite young basketball will take place at the American Embas- com. The FIBA Olym-
players to promote the sport and en- sy School of New Delhi, from 3rd to 6th pic Qualifying Tour-
courages positive social change in the July 2008. Johannesburg will host Bas- nament for Men will
areas of education, health and wellness ketball without Borders Africa at the be played in Athens
in local communities. American International School, from in the 18.000 OAKA
"FIBA is very satisfied with its long-term 3rd to 7th September 2008. Selected by Sports Arena, locat-
collaboration with the NBA in the stag- FIBA, the NBA and participating federa- ed in Maroussi, from
ing of Basketball without Borders. This tions, players (ages 19 and under) will 14th to 20th July 2008
program, now in its eighth edition, not unite on each continent to take part in and will feature Cam-
only provides young basketball talents basketball instruction and competition. eroon and Cape
with the opportunity to showcase their To promote friendship and diversity, the Verde (Africa), Puer-
skills and learn from some of the best campers will train as teams without re- to Rico, Brazil and
coaches and players on the planet, but gard to race, religion or nationality. Cur- Canada (Americas),
it has also become an invaluable edu- rent and former FIBA/NBA players and Lebanon and Korea
cational, social and health-awareness team personnel, working as camp (Asia), Greece, Ger-
tool for the youth of the world," said FI- coaches and mentors, will lead life- many, Croatia and
BA Secretary General and IOC member skills seminars that promote education, Slovenia (Europe)
Patrick Baumann. "In addition, this year leadership, character development, and New Zealand
we are very pleased to be going to India health and wellness. To date, Basket- (Oceania). The top
for the very first time; a country where ball without Borders has featured over three finishers will
page 46 | 32 2008 | Fiba Assist Magazine
qualify for Beijing. The FIBA Olympic EIGHT COUNTRIES WANT 2014 "I will call Nene, but it's his decision,”
Qualifying Tournament for Women that At the end of April, the Chinese Basket- said Moncho, a Spaniard who was ap-
will take place in Madrid, in the 10.500- ball Association has become the last and pointed coach earlier this year. “If he
seat Telefónica Arena, from 9th to 15th eighth candidate to express an interest in comes in good physical form, he is very
June 2008. The event will feature the bidding for the organization the FIBA important to the national team. He told
following participants: Senegal and An- World Championship, FIBA’s premier com- me by e-mail that he is really motivated
gola (Africa), Cuba, Brazil and Argentina petition. China joins Spain, France, Den- to play for the national team. "I will make
(Americas), Japan and Chinese Taipei mark, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Italy and a pre-selection, but everyone knows that
(Asia), Spain, Belarus, Latvia and Czech Greece in the group of candidates. Anderson Varejao, Leandrinho, Nene,
Republic (Europe) and Fiji (Oceania). On Wednesday 30thApril 2008 Tiago Splitter, Marcelinho Huertas, Mar-
The top five-placed teams will book was the closing date for the celinho Machado, Guilherme, Alex and
their ticket to the Olympics. sending of Letters of Intent Rafael Araujo will be in the group," said
confirming an interest in host- Moncho, who met with Maccabi Tel
SPAIN PLAYERS DISAPPOINTED OVER PEPU’S ing the event. Aviv’s Alex and Tau Ceramica’s Splitter
DECISION TO QUIT The complete bidding process at the Euroleague Final Four. "Paulo Pre-
Spain’s Jorge Garbajosa and Felipe will end in April 2009, when the stes and Duda Machado, without a
Reyes have expressed their sadness FIBA Central Board de- doubt, will be in the group," he added.
cides on the host of the
2014 FIBA World Champi- FIBA CENTRAL BOARD DECISIONS
onship for Men. In addition to the historic rule changes,
below are some some of the main deci-
MONCHO: "I WILL CALL NENE,
BUT IT’S HIS DECISION"
Brazil coach Moncho Monsalve has
confirmed he will name Denver Nuggets
center Nene in his preliminary group for
the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament
in Athens. Nene, a 2.11m center, is com-
ing off a very difficult season in the NBA
after being diagnosed with testicular
cancer. The 25-year-old underwent sur-
gery earlier this year before returning to
the Nuggets and giving them an emo-
tional lift as they edged out Golden State
over Pepu Hernandez’s decision to step to the eighth and final place in the West-
down as national team coach of Spain ern Conference play-offs. It is unknown,
after the Olympics. though, if he will be available for the na-
Hernandez, who led Spain to gold at the tional team with the Brazilians taking on
2006 FIBA World Championship – his first Greece and Lebanon in Group A of the
tournament in charge – led them to sil- qualifying tournament.
ver last year at the EuroBasket in Spain.
"As the rest of my team-mates, I have
been surprised that Pepu Hernandez has sions taken by the FIBA Central Board
announced that he will not remain in during its April meeting in Beijing. The
charge after the Olympics,” Garbajosa Board has awarded the organization of
said. “It's a pity because he has been the FIBA 2009 U19 World Championship
two years in a team that has been one of for Women to the city of Bangkok (Thai-
the most successful in the history of land), from 23rd July to 2nd August
Spanish basketball and probably in any 2009.
other sport. But his decision has to be The Board approved the creation of the
respected and especially considering his FIBA World Club Championship in 2009,
value as coach. I hope that in Beijing he a new competition that will feature eight
will be able to say farewell to the nation- of the very best clubs in the world, sub-
al team with the success he deserves.” ject to finding an appropriate host city.
Reyes has thrived under Hernandez and The participating clubs will be the or-
like Garbajosa was a key member of the ganiser, one representative from Africa,
last two Spain national teams. "I am sur- two from the Americas, one from Asia,
prised but he must have his reasons for two from Europe and one from Oceania.
doing this,” Reyes said. "It has been a The Zone club champions and/or run-
pleasure to have been coached by him. ners-up in each of the continental
We will try to achieve the maximum at championships will be invited to partici-
the Olympics and be able to give him the pate. The 1st FIBA World Club Champi-
best possible present on his departure. onship will be played over a five-day
He is a great coach and a great person." period in the third week of October 2009

Fiba Assist Magazine | 32 2008 | Page 47


news
and bidding for host cities will be issued semi-final win over Tau Ceramica with a
in June 2008. 91-77 triumph to capture a second Euro-
The 2010 FIBA World Championship, to league crown in three years.
take place in Turkey, will follow the same Ettore Messina’s men also beat Maccabi
system of competition as the 2006 edi- in the final two years ago in Prague,
tion in Japan. It will be played from 28th while last year CSKA finished runners-
August to 12th September 2010, one up to Panathinaikos in Athens.
week later than initially planned, in or- It was a weekend of high drama for CS-
der to avoid overlapping with the dates KA because they also signed coach
of the Youth Olympic Games. Messina to a one-year contract exten-
sion with an option for the 2009-2010
KAZLAUSKAS WORRIED GREECE season. Messina, who endured personal
MAY LAND IN GROUP B tragedy two months ago following the
China coach Jonas Kazlauskas is hoping death of his brother, joined his family in a
that if Greece take one of the final three tearful embrace for several minutes af-
spots for the Beijing Games, the European ter the final buzzer.
side will not fall in Group B. That’s where Messina, who had been strongly linked
Beijing Games hosts China, the United with Barcelona while also being persis-
States, Spain and Angola already are, tently rumored to be a target of NBA
and two of the three sides that will come clubs, revealed how he had kept his de-
out of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tour- cision on staying with CSKA a secret un-
nament will land in Group B. til after the final.
"If Greece comes to Group B," Kazlaus- “The players did not know anything
kas said, "then this group will have the said. “They are clearly making progress. [about the contract extension],” he said.
top three teams of the World Champion- I'm happy that they are more concen- “I thought that if I tell them before that, it
ship. “The situation will be more diffi- trated than last year. I'm positive with would be a great motivation for Maccabi.
cult." the draw, I don't think it's that serious.” It was a great honor that CSKA waited
Greece eliminated China in the knock- for me to make up my mind and discuss
out stages of the 2006 FIBA World CSKA WIN EUROLEAGUE TITLE everything with my family. And it was a
Championship in Japan. Kazlauskas is OVER MACCABI great honor to do it before the game. We
optimistic heading into the Olympics, Trajan Langdon scored 21 points to lead decided to go on together.”
where his players are attempting to at CSKA Moscow past Maccabi Tel Aviv in Named to the All-Euroleague first team
least reach the quarter-finals as they the Euroleague title game on Sunday in after a sensational season, Langdon had
did four years ago in Athens. Madrid. Langdon was named MVP of the 14 points in a very tight first half. JR
"The players have trained hard,” he Final Four as CSKA followed up their Holden, the CSKA playmaker who made
the winning jump shot for Russia against
Spain in the gold medal game of last
year’s FIBA EuroBasket in the same are-
na, buried a couple of three-pointers to
start the second half and the Russian
team stayed in front the rest of the way.
Yotam Halperin, the Israel international of
Maccabi Tel Aviv, spoke of his disappoint-
ment after the game, but also offered
warm words to CSKA. "It's heart-breaking
to lose in the final of the Euroleague,” he
said. “We've come such a long way to
make it here. We had to get over injuries,
home losses and almost everything in the
book, but we made it here. We are very
sad but also proud of what we have done
this season.”
Montepaschi Siena, who blew a double-
digit lead against Maccabi in their semi-
final, took third place with a 97-93
overtime win over Tau Ceramica.

MACKINNON, SMITH OUT OF BEIJING


OLYMPICS FOR AUSTRALIA
Australia’s men have been struck by a
couple of thunderbolts with the news
that veterans Sam Mackinnon and Ja-
son Smith will be unable to play at the
Olympics.
page 48 | 32 2008 | Fiba Assist Magazine
Mackinnon, 32, has blood clots on his tional Sports Development Centre in
lungs while Smith, the 33-year-old cap- Lusaka conducted by Kenyan instructor
tain of the Boomers, needs surgery on a Ronnie Owino.
shoulder injury that he suffered in last Prominent among the participants were
year’s NBL play-offs. Aggrey Kabalata, head coach of the
The 1.97m Mackinnon, who played at 2007 Sprite Challenge Champions Green
small forward at the FIBA World Cham- Eagles, Assistant men's national team
pionship in Japan and averaged 7.8 trainer Johnny Zimba and Kenneth Nk-
points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists per andu of Lusaka City Council Basketball
game, is expected to return to the court Club.
for the forthcoming domestic league Owino described the participants as a
campaign in Australia. He must now take very enthusiastic group, but was also
blood-thinning medication for three quick to point out that a few were not up
months, though, and doctors have said to the standard of the course level.
he cannot play any contact sport during And speaking at the closing ceremony,
this time. Zambia Basketball Association Presi-
Smith needs an operation on his rotator dent Sam Mukando thanked the Nation-
cuff and that will prevent him from play- al Olympic Committee of Zambia for
facilitating the course.

LCB TO VANISH
AFTER SEASON
Big changes are
STIRLING SAYS BEIJING BASKETBALL afoot in Portugal
VENUE ROCKS following an an-
Australian women's basketball head nouncement by
coach, Jan Stirling, has given Beijing the country’s top
the thumbs up after experiencing the basketball
Olympic city first hand during the Olym- league, the Liga
pic test event in April. de Clubes de
Stirling said she was more than im- Basquetebol (LCB), that it will be no
pressed by the Wukesong Culture and more after this year’s play-offs.
Sports Centre which acts as the Beijing The Portuguese Basketball Federation’s
Olympic Basketball Stadium. FBP league, which has served as the
"It's sensational," she said. "Certainly second division, is to meet with LCB
from a staffing point of view I think China clubs and consider incorporating some
has all bases covered and all athletes of them into its own competition.
are going to enjoy being involved in the "We expect to organize a competition
Olympic Games at any of the venues with 16 teams," FBP president Mario Sal-
from what we've seen. It's going to be danha confirmed to FIBA. The loss of the
an exciting time for these world class LCB doesn’t look good on the surface, but
athletes. They [China] have left no stone financial problems have dogged the
unturned, as you would expect." league for some time and Saldanha says
there are reasons to optimistic. “Fans will
ing for eight months. COACHES TRAINING CAMP IN LUSAKA have plenty of reasons,” he says,” to en-
Australia coach Brian Goorjian, mean- Twenty Zambian Basketball coaches joy the FBP league. For next season, for
while, knows the squad he will take to graduated after undergoing ten days of example, SPORTTV have won the rights
the Beijing Games faces a tough path to training under the auspices of the Inter- to televise our games.”
the quarter-finals after being drawn in national Olympic Committee and the In- Saldanha, despite helping the LCB launch,
Group A along with defending champi- ternational Basketball Federation. The was always critical of the LCB strategy.
ons Argentina, European juggernauts program was a FIBA/IOC Advanced bas- "There were no conditions to call it a Pro-
Lithuania and last year’s FIBA EuroBas- ketball coaches course held at the Na- fessional League," he said. "How can we
ket winners Russia. say it is professional when a team has a
"Our challenge is to get out of the pool budget of 125.000 euros? It does not mean
and once you get out of the pool, the the end of the professional basketball in
world's your oyster,” Goorjian said. Portugal, though. There just have been no
"You're one game away from four teams strategic conditions to carry on with a
left in it, so I've got my mind and my eyes competition like that. The LCB had to pay
firmly placed on getting out of that pool. to show their games on TV, instead of re-
It's a challenge, but I think we can do it." ceiving. It needed a marketing strategy,
Should the Boomers progress, they and it need to make the game a real party,
could face a quarter-final against Team including cheerleaders, for example. The
USA, world champions Spain or hosts strategy could attract people to the pa-
China. vilions. This did not happen.”
Fiba Assist Magazine | 32 2008 | Page 49
news

THE ODD -
THE FUNNY -
Off-the-court
THE UNUSUAL
YAO’S HUNGER COST HIM DEAR "PLEASE SIGN must thank my mother for forcing me to
AS A YOUNGSTER THIS THIGH, MANU" take to basketball,” he started off. When
Yao Ming is never short of a few RMB Manu Ginobili has he was nine-years-old, Bangura took to
(Chinese currency) these days, but it fielded a lot of re- American football and was doing well too
hasn’t always been that way. Back in his quests in his days with dreams of making it big as a wide re-
early teens, when he signed for Shang- as a living legend ceiver, when his mother intervened.
hai, Yao sure didn’t play for love of money. in Argentinian “She was very worried that something
His close friend and fellow China national sport. He makes would happen to me because football is
team star Liu Wei has revealed just how public appear- such a contact sport. She was very keen I
much Yao did earn. ances, donates take a safer sport. That’s how I came into
"We both joined Shanghai club when we money to charity basketball,” he chuckled. “Therefore
were just 14,” Liu remembers. “We were and yes, signs autographs. credit for whatever I have achieved and
really poor with 10RMB (One British You wouldn’t believe, though, where some will achieve in basketball should go to her.
pound today is worth just over 13RMB 80) people want his signature. I think she is the happiest person in the
income per month. We used to love play- "The strangest place where I’ve had to world, because I play basketball. Some-
ing computer games, but one hour costs write my autograph?” he says in Ole. “I times I wonder if she is happier for me
you two RMB,” Liu said. guess mobile phones. I have already than even I am for myself,” he reminisced.
“Once Yao Ming was so hungry while signed three or four. But there was anoth- A rather quick climb up the basketball
playing (computer games), he spent er strange one, where a dude asked me to pecking order in
3RMB on a box of fried rice. I called him sign his upper thigh because he wanted the US, with suc-
luxurious." to get a tattoo." cessful showing in
Liu and the rest of his teammates are hop- Ginobili, a guard with the San Antonio Eleanor Roosevelt
ing Yao makes it back for the Olympics. He Spurs, led Argentina to the gold medal at High and St John’s
was lost for the season earlier this year in the Olympics in Athens in 2004 and will be college, took Ban-
Houston when doctors discovered he had one of the South Americans’ leading play- gura on a whirl-
a stress fracture in his foot. ers this summer at the Beijing Games. wind world tour
through Portugal,
“THANKS MOM FOR ‘FORCING’ Spain, Puerto Rico,
ME INTO BASKETBALL” Venezuela and Ja-
Alpha Bangura is certainly not your quint- pan before landing
essential professional basketballer. A in this part of the world.
conversation with the 28-year-old playing “I’ve traveled to so many places, which I
for Al Qadsia in Kuwait reveals that the wouldn’t have dreamt of if not for basket-
197-cm guard is much more than that. ball. Meeting so many new people, learn-
The Sierra Leonean might have emerged ing so much about new cultures are all
as the unofficial MVP of the recently con- things I’d treasure for the rest of my life,”
cluded Japanese league, steering Aishin he said.
Seahorses to the title en route; he might “You see I knew my parents couldn’t af-
have made the All-Star 1st team and ford to send me to college. I had to, there-
bagged the import MVP, playing for Leba- fore, work hard to get a basketball
nese club Al Hikmeh Sagesse, in the re- scholarship if I had to pursue my dreams
cently concluded Arab club in the sport. So playing basketball has
championships; he might have come into been an integral part of the learning pro-
the Champions Cup as the ‘hot’ property cess of life itself for me,” he went on.
to spearhead the hosts’ campaign and “I’m glad I’ve come this far in basketball,
might have even justified that faith with a but what matters more to me is that I’m
MVP performance on his debut for Qad- able to help the people I love thanks to
sia. “But playing basketball means a lot basketball,” he wrapped up before rush-
more to me than all these,” he said. “I ing off to a training session.
page 50 | 32 2008 | Fiba Assist Magazine
"Dual-Cushion" Technology basketballs are not available in the United States.

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