France has won the EuroBasket title for the first time in its history, defeating Lithuania 80-66 today. Spurs star Tony Parker led his country to the EuroBasket championship and won tournament MVP for France after 12 points and 3 assists in the game. Blazers forward Nicolas Batum led France in scoring with 17 points and added 6 boards while Spurs forward Boris Diaw added 15 for the winners. Former Raptors forward Linas Kleiza led Lithuania with 20 points, Mantas Kalnietis added 19 points
European basketball, aka EuroBasket, is well represented by notable NBA players (former and current), and plenty of them were in action on Friday in the semi-finals between Spain and France. France boasted a lineup of Tony Parker, Nicolas Batum, Boris Diaw, Alexis Ajinca and Mickael Gelabale. Spain also had plenty of familiar names like Marc Gasol, Ricky Rubio, Jose Calderon, Rudy Fernandez and Victor Claver. Unfortunately for Spain, they were missing two key players in Pau Gasol and Juan Carlos Navarro.
The quarterfinal round of EuroBasket ’13 began Wednesday. With only six available spaces for the 2014 World Cup, seven of the remaining eight teams are battling it out to make it to the Spain next year. [Read more…]
It’s going to be an interesting season for the Los Angeles Lakers. It is a time of obvious transition, but for a team that’s accustomed to being on top, it’s going to be much different than that. After a season in which they struggled to simply reach the playoffs, things might be even more frustrating for the Lakers in 2014. So before we dive into the upcoming season, a quick look at all the turmoil from a season ago should help
Bets happen every day. The bookies in Vegas thrive off of bets. Many bets are sports related. Some friendships have been ruined by bets, others strengthened. Some people lose money, others lose their pride…and some lose their hair. WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon famously had his head shaved after losing a contest with real estate mogul Donald Trump. In an effort to promote this year’s release of Madden 25, NFL quarterbacks Colin Kaepernick and Russell Wilson put an eyebrow on the line
The Spanish Olympic committee couldn’t have elected a better spokesperson than Lakers forward Pau Gasol. The seven-footer has been actively promoting his country in an attempt to land the 2020 games. In a battle with Tokyo and Istanbul to host sport’s biggest event, Madrid fell short after the International Olympic Committee selected Tokyo in secret voting as the winning city. Gasol was an instrumental part of Madrid’s bid over the past week but was defeated Saturday. Thanks to all that have supported @Madrid2020ES .
Wednesday brought forth the first day of the preliminary round of EuroBasket ’13. This year’s EuroBasket has a lot on the line. Of the 24 teams competing, only six teams will earn spots in the inaugural 2014 Basketball World Cup. Among the teams competing, the two-time defending EuroBasket champion Spanish national team. [AJ Mitnick: EuroBasket ’13 Preview] The first day of action saw a lot of close games with a few blowouts sprinkled in for good measure. Preliminary Round – Day 1 GROUP A Sep. 4, 2013
The 2013 FIBA Eurobasket is upon us, beginning today in Slovenia. Which NBA stars will dominate the tournament? Which Europeans will burst onto the NBA scene? Who will earn the right to challenge Team USA in next summer’s inaugural World Cup? We have all that for you, and more. The most prestigious continental basketball competition in the world, this year’s competition will feature 24 teams competing for 6 berths to the inaugural 2014 Basketball World Cup in Spain next summer. (It