24_001test4.

qxd 29-01-2007 17:09 Pagina 1

FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE FOR BASKETBALL ENTHUSIASTS EVERYWHERE JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2007
ASSIST24

UNIVERSITY
Carlo Recalcati
improving the team by
improving the player
mike krzyzewski

OF FLORIDA
USA team strategy in japan
David Blatt
special defense:
1-1-3 match-up zone
chus bueno
spanish basketball
players association
Ioannis papageorgiu
agility drills
OFFENSE
;4
24_003 29-01-2007 12:08 Pagina 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2007 FIBA CALENDAR COACHES

march 2007 FUNDAMENTALS AND YOUTH BASKETBALL
31.03 - 02.04 NCAA Men’s Final Four in
Atlanta, USA Improving the Team by Improving the Player 4
april 2007 by Carlo Recalcati
01-03.04 NCAA Women’s Final Four
in Cleveland, USA OFFENSE
june 2007 University of Florida Offense 12
03 - 10.06 FIBA Asia Championship for
Women in Incheon, Korea by Billy Donovan and Donnie Jones
29.06 - 08.07 FIBA U21 World
Championship for Women
in Moscow / Moscow USA Team Strategy in Japan 18
Region, Russia by Mike Krzyzewski
FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE july 2007
IS A PUBLICATION OF FIBA 12-22.07 FIBA U19 World
International Basketball Federation deFENSE
51 – 53, Avenue Louis Casaï Championship for Men
CH-1216 Cointrin/Geneva Switzerland 26.07 - 05.08 FIBA U19 World Special Defense: 1-1-3 Match-up Zone 24
Tel. +41-22-545.0000, Fax +41-22-545.0099 Championship for Women by David Blatt
www.fiba.com / e-mail: info@fiba.com in Bratislava, Slovakia
IN COLLABORATION WITH Giganti-BT&M, Cantelli 28.07 - 05.08 FIBA Asia Championship for
Editore, Italy Men in Tokushima, Japan HOOP MARKET
PARTNER WABC (World Association of
Basketball Coaches), Dusan Ivkovic President august 2007 Back to the Future 28
15 - 26.08 FIBA Africa Championship by Raffaele Imbrogno
for Men in Luanda, Angola
Editor-in-Chief 22.08 - 02.09 FIBA Americas
Championship for Men in
Giorgio Gandolfi
Las Vegas, USA REFEREES AND GAME
September 2007 ADMINISTRATION
Editorial Office: Cantelli Editore, 03 - 16.09 FIBA Europe
V. Saliceto 22/E, 40013 Castel Maggiore Concepts of Modern Officiating Part II 30
(BO), Italy, Tel. +39-051-6328811, Championship “Eurobasket”
Fax +39-051 6328815 for Men in Spain by Valentin Lazarov
E-mail: fibaassist@cantelli.net 20 - 30.09 FIBA Africa Championship
Printed in Italy. for Women in Dakar,
Copyright 2007 by FIBA. Senegal Right or Wrong? 34
The magazine is published 6 times per year. 23 - 27.09 FIBA Americas
FIBA, Cantelli Editore and the Editor-in-Chief Championship for Women
are not responsible for the opinions expressed
in the articles. All rights reserved. in Valdavia, Chile SPORT MARKETING AND MANAGEMENT
The National Federation and their affiliates can 24.09 - 07.10 FIBA European executives and marketing
reproduce any part or all the magazine for their Championship for Women
internal use, but not sell any part or all of the in Ortona, Lanciano, Vasto, The Spanish Basketball Players Association 35
magazine to an external publisher without the Chieti, Italy
written permission of FIBA. by Chus Bueno
tbd FIBA Oceania
Championship for Men
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS tbd FIBA Oceania FIBA RESEARCH AND STUDY CENTRE
Mirco Melloni, Corrado de Belvis, Lisa Championship for Women
Cavallini, Gastone Marchesi, Alessandro And now let’s Enter on the Court 40
Bollino, Gerald Couzens and Raffaele OCTOBER 2007
Imbrogno; Mirko Ocokoljic and Patrick Hunt 11 - 16.10 FIBA World League for
for the article of the USA National Team.
Women Final Round in
Russia
DOCTORS, CONDITIONING
COACHES AND TRAINERS
CONDITIONING COACHES
Agility Drills 42
HOW TO SUBSCRIBE: by Yannis Papageorgiu
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The Odd - The Funny - The Unusual 50

FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 24 2007 | PAGE 3

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FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - FUNDAMENTALS AND YOUTH BASKETBALL

IMPROVING THE
by Carlo Recalcati
TEAM BY IMPROVING
THE PLAYER
After a long and prestigious career as a ▼ Passing DRILL 4
player, Carlo Recalcati started his ▼ Shooting Every player has a ball. 1 starts dribbling
coaching career with Bergamo, a team ▼ Defensive Slides from the baseline and must try to get to
he helped guide from Serie A2 to A1. He ▼ Balance the half court line without being touched
then moved to Cantù, Reggio Calabria ▼ Reaction by 2, who, also dribbling, starts from the
(winning an A2 championship), ▼ Skills three-point line and comes towards him
Ambrosiana Milan, and then back to ▼ Transition (diagr. 4).
Bergamo. In 1997 he signed with Varese, ▼ Ability to Read Different Situations.
and two years later his team won the DRILL 5
Italian championship. He then moved to Improvment will come when drills are 1 moves from side to side and passes the
Fortitudo Bologna, where he again won properly organized to stress several fun- ball, alternatively to 2 and 3, who act as
the Italian championship. He has been damentals. These drills must always be supports. The drill goes on until an
coaching Montepaschi Siena since carried out at game-speed. established time or an established num-
2003, winning the 2004 Italian champi- ber of passes are completed (diagr. 5).
onship and the Italian Supercup in 2005. DRILL 1
He's also been coaching the Italian All the players are in motion on a half DRILL 6
Men's national team since 2002, win- court without the ball. The coach calls the The coach rolls the ball. 1, after making
ning the bronze medal at the 2003 FIBA name of one player and he becomes the defensive slides, must recover the ball
Eurobasket, the silver medal at the 2004 "hunter." The hunter must then try to touch and pass it back to the coach. This drill is
Athens Olympic Games, and the gold another player. Once touched, this player run until an established time has elapsed
medal at the 2005 Mediterranean becomes the hunter and continues the or an established number of passes have
Games. chase. This drill helps players run and been made (diagr. 6 and 7).
quickly change pace and direction while
moving without the ball (diagr. 1). DRILL 7
The improvement of a team is directly The coach has two basketballs and alter-
connected to the improvement of indi- DRILL 2 natively passes them to 1 who, moving
vidual players. Daily workouts to The drill is the same as the previous one, quickly to the left or the right side,
improve the fundamentals can enrich but now a basketball is used, continous- receives the ball and passes it back to
the technical skills of each player, who ly kept in motion by dribbling and pass- the coach, using only one hand. The drill
will then have more tools to use in vari- ing. The coach gives the ball to a player goes on until an established time has
ous game situations. By the end of every and he will become the "safety." He can- elapsed or an established number of
practice session, each player must not be touched while the designated passes have been made (diagr. 8).
make some improvement in their skill "hunter" tries to touch another player
level-even if it's just a little. And from without the ball. The aim of the drill is to DRILL 8
these little improvements will spring pass the ball to that player who is about The players are divided in two lines, with
forth a better team. to be touched by the "hunter." (diagr. 2). each player holding a basketball. The
To make improvements, players need: drill begins at half court, with 1 and 2
▼ Will DRILL 3 dribbling at the same time. 1 decides his
▼ Sacrifice Every player has a ball. While dribbling, own direction of dribbling and the timing
▼ Courage the players try to knock each others ball of his shot. 2 must adjust, always main-
▼ Desire to work. out of bounds. Once a player loses his taining the initial distance from 1 and
ball, he is eliminated from the game and then take the same shot 1 has taken
WHAT TO PRACTICE leaves the court. As the number of players (diagr. 9). After the shot, 1 and 2 get their
▼ Running decreases, the playing dimensions are own rebounds and go to the end of the
▼ Change of Direction reduced as well. Part of the half court is line (diagr. 10).
▼ Change of Pace used,; then inside the three-point line, and
▼ Jumping Ability finally into the three-second lane (diagr. DRILL 9
▼ Dribbling 3). Players are divided in two lines and each
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D.1

D.2

D.3

D.4

D.5

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FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - FUNDAMENTALS AND YOUTH BASKETBALL

has a basketball. 1 and 2 start at the same time

from half court and dribble toward the free-
throw line. 1 can either penetrate and finish
with a lay-up or else come to a stop and take a
shot. 2, after a brief hesitation, adjusts himself
to the choice of 1 and executes the opposite
shot. This means that if 1 takes a jump shot, 2
must drive to the basket. After shooting, 1 and
2 get their own rebounds and go to the end of
the line. (diagr. 11 and 12).
D.6 D.9
DRILL 10
3 defends on the ball side and, when 2
receives the ball from 1, 2 makes a cross
dribble and drives to the basket. If 3 helps, 2
stops his penetration, takes a step back, and
shoots (diagr. 13). If 3 does not help, 2 will
end the penetration with a lay-up (diagr. 14).

DRILL 11
3 is on the help side of the three-second
lane. 2 defends against 1 and gives him a
slight advantage. 1 starts dribbling and D.7 D.10
must find the right time to stop and shoot
between the recovery of 2 and the defen-
sive help of 3 (diagr. 15).

DRILL 12
Players line up in a row at half court with a
total of three basketballs on one side of the
court. 1 dribbles until the three-point line,
then changes his dribbling hand and drib-
bles through his legs, behind his back, or
makes a crossover dribble. At the three-
point line he makes another change of drib-
bling hand, then, after a brief hesitation, D.8 D.11
makes a speed change, and drives to the
basket, finishing with a lay-up. He gets his changes direction, and receives the ball
own rebound, dribbles until half court. and from 1, who, after the pass, also changes
executes a running pass to 4. The drill must direction, receives the ball, and shoots. 2,
be executed on both the right and left side after executing the pass, runs towards the
of the court (diagr. 16). coach to receive a pass and then shoots.
After shooting, players get their own
DRILL 13 rebounds and change their initial row
The players form a row on the baseline and (diagr. 18). The drill must be run on the left
each player has a basketball. 2 runs without and right side of the court.
the ball until half court, changes direction,
and receives the ball from 1; 3 runs without DRILL 15 D.12
ball towards the sideline, then changes 1 passes the ball to 2, who then passes to 4,
direction, receives a pass from 2 and takes advantage of the blind screen of 3,
shoots. 1 runs towards half court, 2 towards receives the ball, and shoots. 4 goes to
the sideline, and then 4 executes a pass rebound and passes to 5, who passes to 6
and continues the drill in continuity. The (diagr. 19). 1, after the pass, replaces 2. 2,
coach can establish the maximum number after shooting, replaces 5. 3, after the
of dribbles that can be made . The drill must screen, replaces 4. 4, after the pass,
be executed on both the left and right side replaces 5. 5, after the pass, replaces 6. The
of the court (diagr. 17). drill must be run on left and right side of the
court.
DRILL 14
Every player has a basketball and forms two DRILL 16
rows, one in the middle of the court and the 1 passes to 2, and from 2 to 3. 1 runs D.13
other one in a corner. 2 starts dribbling to the towards the free-throw line and receives
right, makes a crossover dribble, changes the ball from 3. 2 contests the shot of 1
hands, passes the ball to the coach, then (diagr. 20). Then, all the players change
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lines. One coach stands outside the the

three-point line and the other coach is
positioned at half court. 1 passes to the
coach and runs down the court. 2 passes
the ball to 1, then runs toward the coach
and receives a hand-off pass from the
coach. 1 passes to the other coach on the
other half court and then receives the ball
from 2, finishing the action with a lay-up.
2, after the pass, receives a hand-off pass
D.14 D.17 from the coach on the other half court and
executes a stop and shoot (diagr. 22). The
last repetitions of the drill must be exe-
cuted without dribbling.

DRILL 19
The players form two lines, one in the
lane, and one laterally on the perimeter.
One ball is used. 1 throws the ball against
the backboard, takes the rebound, and
then makes a long pass over the mid-
court line to 2, who has run along the side-
D.15 D.18 line. After receiving the ball, he finishes
with a lay-up, takes his own rebound, and
passes back to 1. After getting the pass, 1,
who has run around the two coaches set
at the mid-court line, shoots the ball. 3
gets the rebound, passes to 4, and the drill
continues (diagr. 23).

DRILL 20
Three rows are formed at the baseline and
the player in the middle row has the bas-
ketball. Two coaches position themselves
just outside of the three-point line, one on
D.16 D.19
each side. 1 throws the ball against the
backboard and then passes to 2. 3 runs on
the left lane and then receives the ball
from 2 for a lay-up. 1 runs in the central
lane of the court, takes the rebound, and
passes to 3, who has run outside of the
lane after shooting. 2 runs around the
coach and receive a pass from 3 to finish
with a lay-up. 4 takes the rebound, passes
to 5 and the drill continues (diagr. 24). The
drill can be finished by 3, who throws the
ball against the backboard for 2 that
D.20 makes the same thing for the "tap-in" of 1.

their initial rows, rolling to the left side. DRILL 21

Four rows of player are set up in the cor-
DRILL 17 ners. Three basketballs are used. 1, 2 and
1 passes to 2, contests his shot, and then 3 begin a passing wave. When 3 passes
changes position so he can receive the the ball to the coach, set at the middle of
next pass. 2 avoids the obstacle of 1 with the court, all three players execute zig-zag
a dribble, and then stops and shoots. defensive slides. The coach passes the
After shooting, 2 rebounds his own shot, ball back to 3, who passes it to 1, who then
passes the ball to 1, and from there he passes to 2 for a lay-up. 3 goes to receive
contests the shot of 1 (diagr. 21). The drill a pass from 4 and 1 from 5 in order to exe-
must be run on both left and right side of cute a stop and shoot. 2 takes the rebound
D.21 and beins another weave with 4 and 5.
the court.
(diagr. 25 and diagr. 26). The drill goes on
DRILL 18 for an established time or until a certain
The players, each with a ball, form two number of passes have been made.
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FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - FUNDAMENTALS AND YOUTH BASKETBALL

D.22

D.23

DRILL 22 and recovers against 1 (diagr. 28). The drill caught the ball, receives the ball from the
As in drill 21, this drill does not use a coach or must be run on both the right and left side coach, and dribbles towards the basket for
zig-zag defensive slides (diagr. 27). of the court. a lay-up. 1, after passing the ball, becomes
the defender and recovers against 2 (diagr.
DRILL 23 DRILL 24 29).
The players form two rows at the base- Two players position themselves under the
line, with the ball in one row and one basket, one behind the other, facing the DRILL 25
coach with another ball four or five feet coach, who is positioned with a ball near One offensive player, 1, with the ball, and
from the mid-court line, with a ball. 1 and the mid-court line on the central lane of the one defender, 2, line up on one side of the
2 pass the ball to each other, then 1 takes court. The coach rolls the ball towards one half court. A second offensive player, 3,
the ball from the coach, changes direc- of the two sideline. 1 runs, catches the ball sets up the other wing position. 1 plays
tion, and dribbles towards the basket for a and passes it back to the coach. When the one-on-one against 2. 2, who was the
lay-up. 2 drops his ball, which he has ball is returned to the coach, 2 runs to the defender, gets the rebound and, if a bas-
received from 1, becomes the defender, opposite side of the floor from where 1 has ket hasn't been scored, makes an inbound
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D.24 D.26 D.29

D.30

D.25 D.27 D.31

D.32

pass from the baseline to 3. 1, after shooting,

becomes the defender and tries to anticipate
the moves of 3. If 3 receives the ball, then he
plays one-on-one against 1 (diagr. 30).

DRILL 26
The drill is the same of the previous one,
except that 3 now has a second ball. 1 plays
one-on-one against 2, and then becomes
defender against 3. 2 takes the rebound and
gets ready on the opposite side to play
against 3, who becomes a defender (diagr. D.28
31). The drill continues until time runs out
or a certain number of baskets are scored.
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FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - FUNDAMENTALS AND YOUTH BASKETBALL

DRILL 27
D.33 D.36
Two players, 1 and 2, with one ball, line up
on one lateral lane of the court. Player 3, is
positioned near the sideline on the oppo-
site half court, while another player, 4, is
on the jump ball circle and anotherone, 5,
near the baseline and outside of the three-
point line on the half court where 1 and 2
start the drill. 1 and 2 pass the ball back and
forth on all the court. 1 finishes with a lay-up
and then becomes the defender, guarding
against 5. 2 takes the rebound and passes
the ball to 5. 2, 3 and 4 exchange their spots.
1 and 5, after playing one-on-one, pass the
D.34
ball back and forth on all the court and the
drill continues in this way (diagr. 32).

DRILL 28
Three rows of players are formed near the
baseline, with a ball in the hand of the player
in the middle row. 1, 2, and 3 pass the ball
back and forth until the coach whistles and 1
becomes the defender and must recover,
while 2 and 3 attack (diagr. 33).

DRILL 29
Three rows of players are formed near the
baseline, with a ball in the hand of the player D.35 D.37
in the middle row. 1 begins a passing weave.
3 passes the ball to the coach positioned at
half court, touches the ball, and runs back to
become the defender. 1 and 2 arrive at the
half court, change direction, and then one of
them receives a pass from the coach and
they attack two against one on 3 (diagr. 34).

DRILL 30
Two offensive players 1, with the ball, and 3,
and two defenders, 2 on 1 and 4 on 3, and two
players on the wings, 5 and 6. 1 and 3 play two-
on-two. After a scored basket or a rebound, on defense, one player, 6, outside on the half
let's assume that 1 has shot, 2 goes out to the court where 1 and 2 play against 3, two players,
baseline and passes to 5. 1, after shooting, 4 and 5, play on tandem on the opposite three-
becomes the defender and tries to anticipate second lane. 1 and 2 attack against 3. 1, 2, and
5. 3 becomes the defender and recovers on 6, 3 then attack together against 4 and 5. 4 and 5
who, in the meantime, has run to touch the mid attack against 6, and the drill continues this
court line and comes back. The players play a way (diagr. 37).
two-on-two full court (diagr. 35).
DRILL 33
DRILL 31 Four offensive players play against three
1 and 2 attack against 3 and 4. Then, 1 and 2 defenders, who play zone. The four must pass
become defenders and play against 5 and 6, to the ball to the teammate who is open for an
who are set near the baseline on the same uncontested shot. Once the three defenders
half court, in a two-on-two full court play. 5 get the ball, they become offensive players and
and 6, after shooting, become defenders with 1, who has entered on the court from the
playing against 7 and 8. The drill continues baseline, they play against three defenders
this way (diagr. 36). After a made basket, a who play zone defense on the other half court.
defender makes the inbound pass or, if a The drill continues this way. (diagr. 38 and 39). If
defender gets the rebound, he will make the the defenders play man-to-man defense, they
outlet pass to someone below the free-throw must defend against the player in possession of
line extension. ball and the two offensive players closest to the
ball. After a pass, the defenders must close out
DRILL 32 the new free offensive player, who has
Two players, 1 and 2 on offense, one player, 3, received the ball.
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D.38

D.39

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FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - OFFENSE

University of
by Billy Donovan by Donnie Jones
FLORIDA OFFENSE
Billy Donovan was assistant coach of Rick ment we had to have offensive production by
Pitino at Kentucky. In 1994, at the age of 28, he all of guys of our starting five and the key of
went to Marshall University, becoming the our success was that in every game we
youngest head coach in the history of the obtained points by everyone of our players on
NCAA. This is his 12th season at the guide of the court: Joakim Noah averaged 14.2 points
Florida, the team he led to the NCAA Final in per game, Corey Brewer 12.7, Al Horford 11.3,
2000 and with which he won the 2006 NCAA Lee Humphrey 10.9. It's unbelievable how
Championship. much your team success can depend on how
much no one of your players is bothered about
After being assistant coach at Pikeville how many points he scores, but he plays with
College and Marshall University, Donnie his teammates. We never exalted or awarded
Jones is on his 12th year as assistant coach a player for the points he scored, but instead
at Florida University, where he is scouting we focused on those intangibles and less
and recruiting responsible, as also leads the underlined aspects of the game, like assists,
training days’ planning. boxouts, deflected balls. In this championship
out team averaged 17 assists, scoring 78
Pressure is the word that identifies the style of points per game and in many games we had
playing of the Florida University, because we even more than 20 assists.
want to put pressure on both the halfcourts. At Florida University we want to attack
Our offense has always put pressure on the defense in two ways:
opponing defense thanks to aggressive 1. Vertical: execute our plays in the central
screens and back screens, but also with the side of the court, this because with strong
unselfishness of our players, always ready to defensive teams it is difficult to begin the
make one more pass to have the best shot. play passing on the wing, because this
The aim of our offense has always been the position often is anticipated.
team play, trying to create spaces and oppor- 2. Horizontal: because it gives us the possbil-
tunities inside the plays in order to obtain pos- ity to change the ball side in order to play
sibilities of easy shots for all the five players. in motion and to work for the best possible
Every college team has great offensive plays, shot.
so we believe that what makes a play suc- The series of offensive plays that we are going
cessful are details. to show are of those called "High thumb and
Teaching individual fundamentals, basic for Low thumb" and are used as motion offense to
the development of our offense, is at the base make all the five players moving on the court
of our plays execution. We work daily with our and to create opportunities in low post and
players to improve their individual skills that three point shot. The other plays we used in
are useful for our way of playing. This gives this tournament are designed for determined
them mental and physical confidence and the options, when we want that a certain player
knowledge necessary to execute our plays. may shoot in particular moments of the game.
Many coaches think that a play may win a Moreover, I would like to underline again the
game, but there are also many valid coaches importance of two characteristics of our team:
along all the nation that will find the way to ▼ Offensive pressure, paying attention to the
defend on that or those plays. So, you have to plays execution with the maximum intensi-
teach your own players how to read the ty to the unselfishness.
defense and the small details that are at the ▼ Defensive pressure, with aggressiveness,
base of each play. Individual teaching there- double teaming as soon as possible and
fore has a great role in the development of working to put out of rhythm the opponent
players and offensive plays. team.
As technical staff we knew that in this tourna- Here are some key numbers that demonstrate
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D.1 D.2 D.3

D.4

D.5

D.6

D.7

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FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - OFFENSE

what our offensive and defensive rhythm was

able to create to win the NCAA title:
▼ Florida was one of the only four teams of
all the NCAA tournament that had all the
players of the starting five that scored in
double figure.
▼ For the first time from 1968 (UCLA), one of
the teams at the Final Four won both the
games by more than 15 points.
▼ N.1 in all the NCAA for the field goals per-
centage (50%). D.10
▼ 39% in three-point shot.
▼ 4th in the NCAA in free-throws (862
against 665 attempted by the opponents).

SERIES "HIGH" - HIGH THUMB

We begin with two players in low post, one
pointguard and two forwards. 5 and 4 go out
and set a back screen for 3 and 2, who cut in
the lane to quickly go out in the corners if the
don't receive under the basket (diagr.1).

Important details
a. 4 and 5 must set a tough and strong back D.11
screen, to get 3 and 2 free. 4 and 5 after
the screen get open to be free on wing
position.
b. 2 and 3 must look for the ball, addressing
the hands tp the ball to receive on the cut
and go shooting close to the basket. If
they don't receive, they cut while running
and go to the corners.
c. 1 can start the game passing to 4 or 5,
who got open to the ball after the back
screen.
Let's think to 1 passing to 5: after the pass, 1
set a quick screen for 4, who cuts around the D.12
screen and goes in the lane. 1 then sets
another screen for 3, who gets up and goes
out of three point line (diagr. 2).

Important details
a. As soon as 1 moves to the low side for
screening for 3, 4 has to cut behind 1 try-
ing to receive the ball for a shot close to
the basket.
b. 3 will make a "L" cut, that is to say that he
will cut first to the basket to take then
advantage of the screen set by 1 for going
out of the three point line. It is of basic D.8 D.13
importance that 1 set a screen that forces
the defender of 3 to follow him behind,
because we don't want that the defender
of 3 passes in middle to steal the ball.

5 change the ball side passing to 3, 3 passes

to 1 and 4 sets a back screen for 5, who cuts
in the lane to receive from 1 and go for shoot-
ing close to the basket. Immediately after
having passed the ball to 1, 3 screens low for
4 (screening the screener), who goes outside
the lane and then beyond the three point line,
in the central side of the court to receive and D.9 D.14
shoot for three (diagr. 3)

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Important details receives a blind screen from 5, who got off

a. Ball has to change side as quick as pos- the lane, and then a low screen from 4.
sible, going from 3 to 1. After this screen, 5 and 4 go to the low post
b. If he doesn't receive after the cut, 4 has (diagr. 10).
to go outside the lane and back screening If 3 cannot shoot, first he tries to pass the ball
for 5. to 5 or 4, who have cut in the lane, and if can-
c. 5 first has to make moving his defender in not give the ball inside, he changes the ball
the opposite direction of the screen and side and passes to 2 (diagr. 11).
then has to go, shoulder against shoulder,
on the screen set by 4, trying to cut in the
When 2 has got the ball, 4 goes high and
lane to receive and shoot close to the makes a blind screen for 3, who fakes to cut in D.17
basket (the cut made by 5 depends on his the opposite direction and then uses the
defender's position). screen of 4, while also 5 makes a blind screen
d. As soon as 5 cuts on screen set by 4, the for 1, in order to keep busy the defense. 2 can
defender of 4 will slide in the lane in order
pass the ball to 3 on the cut, or to 5, who
to help, therefore 4 will have more time to
opened himself to the ball after his screen
get the screen of 3 and shoot. (diagr. 12).
After these first movements we can carry on If 3 doesn't receive, he keeps on cutting,
our play, with 1 who passes to 4 in the central
receiving a stagger screen, from 1 and 5, and
side of the court and with 5 and 3 who get out
gets off the three-point line. In the meantime, 4
of the low post and set a back screen for 1 makes a screen for 2, who dribbles to the mid-
and 2 (diagr. 4). court line (diagr. 13).
2 passes the ball to 3. After screening for 3, 5
Important details brings a screen for 1 (pick the picker) who, D.18
a. Create continuity for the play. after the screen for 3, has come back to use
b. Everyone of the players is on a different the screen of 5. 1 gets out in the corner (diagr.
position than the starting one. 14).

2 HIGH 4 HIGH
If 1 calls "2 high" or he's dribbling to 2, it The play is for 4. 1 dribbles toward 2, who
means that the play is for 2. cuts in the lane and goes to screen in the
1 dribbles to 2 and this is a signal for 2, who paint for 4 who, before the screen, has
first receive a back screen from 5, who's brought his defender in the opposite direc-
gone out the lane, and then a low screen in tion and then uses the screen of 2. 5 makes a
the lane from 4. After the screen, 4 and 5 go low screen for 2 (pick the picker), who goes
to the low post (diagr. 5). high and gets off the three-point line (diagr.
If 2 cannot shoot, first he tries to pass to 4 15). 1 changes the ball side, passes to 2 and 2 D.19
or 5 who have cut in the lane and if he can't
pass the ball inside, he changes the ball
side passing to 3 (diagr. 6).
With the ball to 3, 4 gets up and sets a back
screen for 2, who fakes the cut in the oppo-
site direction and then gets the screen of 4,
while 5 too sets a back screen for 1, who
cuts in the lane.
3 can pass to 2 in the low post, to 4, who got
open after the screen, or to 1 who cut in the
lane (diagr. 7).
If 3 has not any possibility of passing, he
takes a screen from 4 and dribbles to the D.15 D.20
midcourt, while 2 cuts in the lane and gets a
staggered screen, first from 1 and then
from 5 and then gets up on the free throw
line to receive from 3 (diagr. 8).
3 passes to 2. After the screen for 2, 1
receives a screen from 5 (pick the picker)
and goes on the corner, while 5 opens
toward the ball to receive a pass close to
the rim (diagr. 9).

3 HIGH
If 1 calls the play "3 high" or dribbles toward
3 means that the play is for 3. 1 dribbles D.16 D.21
toward 3 and it's a sign for 3, who first
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COACHES - OFFENSE

passes to 3. After the screen for 2, 5 keeps on

cutting e screens for 4, who cuts toward the
ball (diagr. 16).

5 HIGH
The play is for 5. 1 screens toward 3, who
cuts in the lane and screens for 5 who cuts in
the lane, too, and goes to the ball side. After
the screen for 5, 3 receives a low screen by 4
(pick the picker) and goes high, over the
three-point line (diagr. 17). D.22 D.24

If 1 cannot pass the ball to 5, he changes

the side passing to 3 and 3 passes to 2. 4
screens for 5 who, before the screen, has
brought his defender far from the screen
and then uses the screen. After passing the
ball to 2, 3 makes a low screen for 4, who
goes to the central side of the court. 2
passes the ball to 5 in low post (diagr. 18).

SERIES LOW 2 LOW

The play starts for 2, but every offensive
player has got a chance to find a shot. 1
D.23 D.25
passes to 3 and then makes a give-and-go,

self toward the ball (diagr.

23).

3 LOW
This time, the play is for 3,
but as usual every offen-
sive player has got a
chance to find a shot. 1
dribbles toward 2 and then
cuts in the lane for a give-
and-go, while 5 makes a D.26
blind screen for 3, who first
brings his defender far
from the screen and uses
this screen (diagr. 24).

2 passes to 4, who got out

of the free-throw line to
receive the ball, 5 makes a
low screen for 1 and 3
while 4 gets off the lane and goes to the makes a blind screen for 2 who, as usual, first
central side of the court. 5 makes a blind brings his defender to a side and then goes to
screen for 2 (diagr. 19). the opposite one in order to use the screen
(diagr. 25). D.27
3 passes to 4 and, after cutting to the oppo-
site direction, uses the screen of 2, who 4 changes the ball side, passes to 1 and then
kept on cutting, while 5, after screening for makes a vertical screen for 3, who goes out
2, makes a blind screen for 1 (diagr. 20). of the three-point line (diagr. 26).

If there is no solution, 4 passes the ball to 1 After the screen for 3, 4 keeps on cutting and
and makes a low screen (pick the picker) screens for 2 under the basket. 1 changes the
for 2, who goes out to the central side of the ball side and passes to 3. 3 can pass the ball
court (diagr. 21). to 2 in the wing position or to 4, who opened
himself to the ball (diagr. 27).
4 goes to screen for 3, who goes off to the
corner, and 1 changes the ball side passing At last, 4 keeps on cutting and makes a third
to 2 (diagr. 22). screen, this time horizontal, for 5. 4, after this D.28
At last, 4 screens for 5 and then opens him- screen, opens himself to the ball (diagr. 28).
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FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - OFFENSE

uSA team
by Mike Krzyzewski
strategy
in japan
In 2005, Mike Krzyzewski was hired to games, along with the fact that this team
coach the U.S. basketball team for the will stay together for the next two years,
2006 FIBA World Championship and 2008 can only be a great signal for the future.
Olympic Games in Beijing, China. He had Our team finished the tournament at 8-1,
worked for the US team in the past, most after winning all five exhibition games
notably as an assistant to Chuck Daly (Puerto Rico, China, Brazil, South Korea,
during the gold medal winning cam- and Lithuania). We dominated in almost
paign of the original “Dream Team” at every statistical aspect of the game —
the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona. leading all teams with 103.6 point per
As the head coach at Duke University, game (110 during the exhibition games),
his program can be measured not only and shot the ball well—50.3% (also lead-
by his three NCAA national champi- ing the tournament). We also finished
onships (1991, 1992 and 2001), but by the first among all teams in assists per game
numerous players he coached that went (18.78), free-throws attempted (182),
on to play in the NBA. Krzyzewski at- steals per game (10.8), while finishing
tended the United States Military Acad- second in blocks per game (4.9), and
emy at West Point, NY, and also served fourth in rebounds per game (36.3, 13.1
as Bobby Knight’s assistant at the Indi- offensive and 23.2 defensive rebounds
ana University. He currently has a75.1 per game). Until the semifinal clash with
winning percentage (78.1 with Duke), the Greeks, we won all games with an
and has won 12 Coach of the Year average margin of 25.8 ppg.
Awards. He is a member of a small group The reasons for the defeat in the Greece
of coaches, who won more than 700 game are several. Our team faced a
games. Krzyzewski was inducted into competitive and experienced rival, the
the Naismith Basketball Hall Of Fame in reigning European champions, a team
2001. that had reached its peak in this tourna-
ment during this game. Our team allowed
GENERAL INFORMATION 101 points in this game (after allowing
Soon after starting his tenure as the just 80.8 in the first seven games). We
managing director of the USA Basket- were unable to pressure the Greek
ball, Jerry Colangelo appointed me as guards down the floor or in the shooting
the team’s head coach, assembled an zones. Moreover, we shot an appalling
excellent team of assistants from both 59% from the free-throw line (20 from 34),
the NCAA and the NBA, and insisted on 32% percent from three-point range (9
a thorough process of selecting players from 28), and managed to steal the ball
with long-term commitments to the na- only four times. In addition, Greek guards
tional team. The U.S. team travelled to and centers caused some serious trou-
Japan as the favourite to win the gold ble with their perfect execution of the
medal at the World Championships. We pick-and-roll. In summary, the win by the
didn’t achieve that goal (we won the Greeks was absolutely deserved.
bronze medal), but we did show some Considering the fact that there are some
amazing improvement when compared big differences in the style of play, game
to the previous U.S. teams. philosophy, and rules between the NBA
We had a serious approach from the and the rest of the world (FIBA competi-
coaching staff starting at Day One of our tions), some time is clearly needed for
training camp. The conduct of the play- our players to adjust before facing well
ers (especially the superstars), their prepared and coached international
commitment to the game plans, superior teams that emphasize team defense and
performances during the exhibition various offensive plays.
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D.1

D.2

Our coaching staff managed to make the

players understand their roles game af-
ter game, with the captains Dwyane
Wade (19.3 points per game), LeBron
James (14) and Carmelo Anthony (19.9)
leading the way, along with great help
from the cast of supporting players.
Those three players carried the load
down the stretch, playing most of the
time at the guard (mostly shooting
guard) position, but James and Anthony
were also used as centers, both offen-
sively and defensively, which certainly
wasn’t a problem, given their size and
physical conditioning.
Joe Johnson and Shane Battier were
used as backups for two-guard position,
Chris Paul (finished second in assists per
FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 24 2007 | PAGE 19
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FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - OFFENSE

game with 5.25) and Kirk Hinrich covered

the point guard spot, while Elton Brand,
Dwight Howard (1.3 blocks per game)
and Chris Bosh shared the minutes at
center. Brad Miller and Antawn Jamison
were seldom used backups.
The Americans’ style of play can be de-
scribed as a simple game with a lot of
running and fast breaks. There was a
tendency for flamboyant plays and many
one-on-one situations, with a large num-
ber of shots taken early in the shot clock.
We combined this with an aggressive
defense, typically man-to-man.
Following the strategy of previous U.S.
national teams, we decided to divide the
playing time of players. We set the num-
ber of shots for each player, using 10 to
12 players in the rotation with frequent
substitutions, sometimes changing
three or four players at the same time,
while rarely deviating from our game
plan.

DEFENSE
When you talk about the U.S. team’s de-
fense, the first thing that comes to mind
is the aggressive man-to-man. We
started every game playing half court or
3/4 court defense, and, after the first
substitutions during the first quarter, we
would start to be more aggressive, mak-
ing it tougher for the opponents to move
the ball. Chris Paul was the usual starter
at the point guard, and after Kurt Hinrich
would replace him, at which time we
generally used a full court press. While
using the full court press, we pressed
the dribbler aggressively, closed the
lanes for the first pass, forced the drib-
bler to the sidelines, fronted the players
on the low post with a strong help side,
defended great from the down screens,
and boxed out well after the shots. An
important thing to mention was that we
were very good at taking offensive
charges. During the inbounds we al-
ways pressured the guards and tried to
make the offense pass the ball to a taller
player (in the game against Australia,
Andrew Bogut often moved the ball,
while Dirk Nowitzki did it during the
game against Germany).
We usually used a lineup with only one
big player, and given the quality and the
potential of the players, we often used
two point guards (Paul and Hinrich) on
the floor at the same time, sometimes
playing without a true center (we started
Hinrich, Johnson, James, Wade, and
Anthony against Greece), a lineup
where everybody would switch on de-
fense. With this style of defensive play, D.3 D.4
we allowed 83.1 points per game, while

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23_018_023 29-01-2007 17:49 Pagina 21

averaging 10.8 steals per game, which players.

made all of our fast breaks and lay-ups During the entire course of the tourna-
possible. During the game against ment, the U.S. team used zone defense
Germany, we used a full court press only twice, against Italy, and briefly
with double teams (diagr. 1), espe- against Argentina during the bronze
cially when their point guard medal game. We used a 2-3 zone, but
(Hamann) was moving the ball. this defense was our secondary option,
While defending the pick-and-roll, we and we would go back to man-to-man
often used show-and-go over, and al- after just a few minutes.
ways switched on all screens. However, D.5
this was the segment of the game that OFFENSE
gave us some trouble, mostly in games With fast breaks as our favourite
with some experienced teams like Italy, weapon, the USA team had the most
Greece, and Argentina, so we would prolific offense of the whole tournament.
quickly change the way of defending in We always tried to move the ball quickly
those games. We stopped showing and to the other side of the floor, often fol-
started switching on the pick-and-roll. lowed by a shot from the ball handler, or
Except for the Greece game, we didn’t by a penetration, and a kick out pass for
have problems with defensive miss- a three-point shot. Our tendency was to
matches, which is not a strange thing continually run fast breaks, especially
considering the athletic abilities of our after defensive rebounds and allowed
D.6

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COACHES - OFFENSE

baskets. With this style of play, offensive Another start of a play that looks much
plays lasting less than five seconds like this one was followed by a down
were not rare, but we were very good in screen for player 3 instead of the pick-
“handicap” situations, and on the offen- and-roll (diagr. 7). The ball was handed or
sive glass as well. Our team’s second of- passed to player 3, followed by a shot. As
fensive solution was the pick-and-roll on I have already mentioned, the ball was
the side (diagr. 2), which was most com- often passed to the low post, and the iso-
monly finished by a shot by the dribbler lation called for a one-on-one situation
(Hinrich), or with a pass to a player set- (for Brand, Howard, or Bosh). It wasn’t
ting the screen (Brand or Howard) on uncommon to see Anthony or James in
the low post, or a kick off pass to the that situation as well (diagr. 8). D.7
perimeter player, who spotted up around Simple plays were called after the side-
the three point arc. In transition game line inbounds. When the ball was to be
situations, we usually didn’t have put in play from the sideline, a down
enough patience to try to get a good po- screen for a guard would be set, fol-
sition for a shot. This meant that our lowed by a one-on-one play (diagr. 9),
players would typically shoot with a de- with a good positioning of the rest of the
fender’s hand in their face, or they would players on the floor. In the baseline in-
penetrate to the basket with two or three bounds situations, a tall player would set
defenders standing in the way. We mod- the screen for a guard, and both tried to
elled our half-court offense on NBA open up and receive the ball after that. If
standards, executing it with a small the ball was passed to a tall player who,
number of screens and player move- was not in a position to score, he passed D.8
ment. Our idea was to create a one-on- the ball back to the inbounder, who
one situation where we would try to iso- played one-on-one (diagr. 10). If a guard
late the player from the help side. Play- received the ball, the tall player would
ers either easily handled those situa- clear the side followed by an one-on-one
tions, or improvised the next move. Al- play. Considering that all the teams we
though the USA’s possessions rarely faced often played zone defense in order
lasted more than 10 seconds (while not to slow down our offense and make us
setting many screens and passing the shoot from outside, we had a couple of
ball too much), we were very efficient. options in attacking the zone. When we
Not only did we score 103.6 points per had two tall players on the court at the
game, but also our two stars—Wade same time, we attacked with a player on D.9
and James - both shot 67 % (leading the the high post, trying to make the high and
tournament in that category) from inside the low posts cooperate (diagr. 11).
the three-point line.
Sometimes we would use the “On B”
play, a play that called for a tall player to
play pick-and-roll in most situations at
the top of the key (diagr. 3).
Another frequently applied play was
“horn,” a play where consecutive
screens would be set, generally for Le-
Bron James (diagr. 4), followed by one
screener cutting to the paint, while the
other one would try to get himself open
for a shot.
Another play we used for James was
“elbow.” A player would handle the ball
on the top of the key, while the other four
players would concentrate on one side,
trying to take the defense’s attention
from the player with the ball, while ex-
pecting a pass for a quick shot. Tall play-
ers would position themselves near the
basket, trying to get in a good position for
a rebound (diagr. 5).
An almost similar play was used when
the passing lane was open in the corner
of the key (usually for James), followed
by a point guard’s cut next to the player
with the ball, and by a screen from the
other tall player in the high post (diagr. 6).

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D.10

D.11

D.12

D.13

When positioned like this, we often

used long pass to the player, who has
cut to the low post position (diagr. 12),
a play, which usually finished with a
dunk (called alley-hoop). While playing
against the zone in the game against
Germany, we executed this play a cou-
ple of times, and the high pass was fol-
lowed by a cut and a slam dunk. In sit-
uations when we used one tall player,
the other four players would stay out-
side, using quick passes and penetra-
tions, while the tall player would come
out and set screens to the ball handler,
followed by a shot (diagr. 13).

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FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - DEFENSE

Special defense:
by David Blatt

1-1-3 match-up zone

David Blatt began his coaching career in
1993 as the assistant coach of Galil Elyon
(Israel). Later, he has become the team's
head coach, and stayed there until 1999. He
was named Coach of the Year in the Israel
National League in 1996. He became also
assistant coach of the National team of
Israel. In 2000 he went to Maccabi Tel Aviv
as the assistant coach, taking over the
head coaching duties in 2001 (winning two
national titles and playing in the
Euroleague Final Four). He was again
Maccabi's assistant coach in 2003-04, and
then in 2004 he went to Dynamo St.
Petersburg, where his team won the 2004-
05 FIBA EuroCup and was named Coach of
the Year for the Russian League. Since 2005
he has been coaching Benetton (Italy),
where his team won the 2005-06 Italian
title. He became the Russian Men's
National team head coach in 2006.

Nothing can replace solid fundamentals and

strong individual and team defense. But
there are players and teams with clear pro-
blems in their defensive match-ups, or with
the inability to deal with the basic defensive
situations. The main reason for these pro-
blems comes to the difference in technical
and physical skills.
A better strategic approach to this concern
can help hide these weaknesses, and can
change or ruin the opponents' offensive flow.

One of these strategies can be the use of the

1-1-3 zone defense to face the three most
common offensive plays of European basket-
ball:
1) Double high post with series of screens.
2) High pick-and-roll.
3) Play with the double exit for the guard.

RULES FOR DEFENDERS

These are the main rules for the single defen-
ders:
▼ The first defender must be in front, put-
ting constant pressure on the dribbler,
pushing him to one side of the court.
▼ The defender on the free-throw line must
switch on every screen, defend against
the high post, or guard the first pass to the
high-post player.
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D.1 D.2 D.4

D.3 D.5

▼ The defender against the low-post player cuts along the baseline to the opposite side,
must prevent any pass to the post player, de- X5 goes high to guard 5, X3 goes low to guard
fending in front of him (or 3/4 in front of him, 4, X1 guards 2, X2 is on the free-throw line,
depending on the single defensive system or and X4 covers the paint (diagr. 5).
philosophy).
▼ The player on the wing must play against the DEFENSE AGAINST THE HIGH PICK-AND-ROLL MADE
offensive player on the wing, forcing him to BY 1 AND 4
get higher or lower (depending on how the The offense sets up a 1-4 set, with a point-
post player is guarded). guard and four offensive players on the same
▼ The defender in the paint must protect the line. 4 and 5 go high and make two screens: if D.6
rim and be responsible for the defensive re- 1 uses the screen made by 4, X2 switches and
bound on the weak side. goes against 1, while X1 guards 4 (diagr. 6).

DEFENSE AGAINST THE DOUBLE HIGH POST WITH A If there is a single screen with 5 going high to
SERIES OF SCREENS pick for 1, X2 must be ready to switch against
On the screen for 1 made by 5 against X1, X2 1, going out to the right or the left side, depen-
switches and defends against 1, who comes out ding on which side uses 1 to get out of the
of the screen and dribbles in the wing position, screen (diagr. 7).
while X5 goes high to the free-throw line in
order to guard 5, who rolls to the basket after If 1 passes the ball to 3, X1 goes to defend
making his screen (diagr. 1). against 3 and X5 guards 5, who cuts to the D.7
basket. X4 helps against 3, in order to make
If 4 comes off the lane and goes to the central easier the recover of X1 and then goes again-
side of the court to receive the ball from 1 and st 4, who has gone out to the corner (diagr. 8).
change the ball side, X1 goes to guard 4 and
X5 defends against 5 (diagr. 2). PLAY WITH DOUBLE EXIT FOR THE SHOOTING GUARD
2 cuts in the lane and can choose which side to
When 4 passes the ball to 2 on the opposite go off the screen, using the screen of 4 or 5. In
side, X3 goes to guard 2, X1 moves to the this particular example, 2 goes to the left and
elbow on the strong side and X2 moves to the uses the screen made by 4.
free-throw line, while X4 protects the basket
(diagr. 3). X3 goes to guard 2, X5 goes against 4. X1 then
goes to the elbow on the ball side and X2 on D.8
If 4, after passing to 2, makes a screen for him, the free-throw line, while X4 is protecting the
X3 switches and goes against 4. X1 guards 2, basket (diagr. 9).
while the other three defenders have the
usual responsibilities, as explained before If 5 screens against X3, X3 defends against 5
(diagr. 4). and X1 defends against 2, while X5 goes high
to the free-throw line, and X2 goes against 1
If, after our switch, 4 rolls to the basket and 5 (diagr. 10).

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FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - DEFENSE

D.9 D.12

D.10 D.13

D.11 D.14

The new situation will now have X3 guarding

5 and X1 against 2 (the player with the ball).
X5 is on the free-throw line, X2 defends
against 1, and X4 is low on the help side
(diagr. 11).

If 4 cuts from the low post in order to

screen on the opposite side, X1 switches
and goes against 2. X5 helps in the middle
and X4 is on the help side, while X2 stands
on the free-throw line and X3 (if the ball
isn't close to him) goes back to his position
in the low post (diagr. 12).

If 2 goes to the central side of the court,

cutting around 5 and 1 dribbles to the wing,
X1 defends against 1, X2 follows 2 and
stops on the free-throw line, when 2 gets
out of the lane. X4 guards 4 and X5 guards
5 (diagr. 13).

If 1 passes to 2, who is on the central line of

the court, and then cuts into the lane, X2
keeps on guarding 2 and, if 1 cuts in the
paint, X1 prevents him from receiving the
ball.
While 1 cuts in the paint, if 3 cuts along the
baseline, X3 follows him until X5 can guard
3. X5 can "leave" him to X4 (diagr. 14).
PAGE 26 | 24 2007 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE
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Adecco_FIBA_ad_21.03.06.indd 1 21/3/06 17:56:56

22_028 29-01-2007 12:14 Pagina 38

FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - HOOP MARKET

BACK TO THE FUTURE

In this section, we introduce the latest books, videos, CDs, and
by Raffaele Imbrogno
other tools that are primarily aimed at coaches, but certainly useful
for all of our readers. Please send your suggestions and comments
about our basketball-related media for review in this section.

Raffaele Imbrogno has been coaching since 1980. He is an shooting off the break and requires
Instructor for the Italian National Coaches Committee of great teamwork.
the Federation and has been Director of the Italian Basket- On the "Fatigue Shooting Drills" DVD this
ball Federation Study Center. Imbrogno is also the author of innovative coach begins to show how to
several technical basketball publications. stretch in a dynamic way and with ball
handling, and then he starts with some
There have been some vocal critics about the si- interesting drills. Among
tuation of teaching basketball in the United States, them, the "Power 45" drill re-
but, after the third poor result turned in recently by quests communication and
the so-called "Dream Team" during the last FIBA teamwork, as well as shoo-
World Championship, the entire American basket- ting and footwork. Then, for
ball system has been roundly criticized. Critics say the "Around the World" and
that Americans must return to basic fundamen- "M" drills he uses chairs,
tals, teaching players how to pass the ball, drib- and the players must run around the chairs while
ble, shoot, and play one-on-one. shooting.
Some interesting DVDs have been produced in the Ganon Baker is also a NIKE Skills Academy Instruc-
last few months that can tor. Besides having written a large number of techni-
certainly help young cal articles about fundamentals (for example "30 Fi-
players learn the funda- nishing Moves You Can Use"), and hosting a website
mentals of the game. about a variety of basketball topics (http://
Kevin Sutton is head coa- www.shakenbakebasketball.com/home.html), he al-
ch of Monteverde Aca- so produced many DVDs for Championship Produc-
demy men's basketball tions. His most recent DVDs include a series of five
and is also a Nike Skills disks called “Grassroots Basketball”. These disks in-
Academy Instructor. He clude “Intense Shooting Drills at Game Speed”;
was in Italy last summer, “Perfecting the Art of Ball Handling”; “Perfecting the
where he put on a great Art of Moving without the Ball”; “Perfecting the Art
camp and clinic. Sutton of Passing”; and “Finishing School”.
produced two new DVDs: The Grassroots series is
"Two Ball Passing, Drib- produced with the collabo-
bling and Ball Handling" ration of Boo Williams (le-
and "Fatigue Shooting Dril- gendary coach, clinician,
ls," both from Championship Pro- and AAU boys basketball national di-
ductions (www.championshippro- rector), and in more than five hours,
ductions.com). In the first, with the Baker covers the complete range of ga-
two ball passing, dribbling, and ball me situations, with a varied and intere-
handling drills, Sutton takes you th- sting selection of drills to improve fun-
rough this demanding series of dril- damental skills. Footwork, shooting me-
ls, designed to push the players and chanics, teaching points, and drills are
improve their ball handling. Then he on display in each of these intense one-
shows more difficult drills. On the hour workouts. For the serious coach
"One Man Drills" he introduces 12 and player, these disks help players in-
drills that underlines ball control, crease scoring ability and develop a va-
passing and shooting. On the "Two riety of moves around the basket. By
Man Drills" he involves the passer taking advantage of these skills and
and the receiver of the passes, and, drills, players can become the offensive
finally, on the "Three Man Drills" he threat that they've always wanted to
runs a more demanding series of be. With repetition and attention to de-
drills that requests to the players to tail, these DVDs can open the way for
concentrate and communicate. The great strides and improvement in pas-
DVD ends with a fast break series sing, rebounding, and shooting skills.
that incorporates catching and Enjoy the show.
PAGE 28 | 24 2007 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE
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23_030_033_lazarov 29-01-2007 17:02 Pagina 30

REFEREES, SCORER’S TABLE AND COMMISSIONERS

CONCEPTS
OF MODERN
OFFICIATING
Part II
by Valentin Lazarov

FIBA referee from 1958 to 1982 and an the court. Together with their coaches,
Honorary Member in 1976, Valentin they are often overexcited and hyper-
Lazarov became FIBA Commissioner in strained like charges of dynamite. Any
1983. A member of the FIBA Technical supposedly wrong decision made by an
Committee since 1976, he received the official can lead to an outburst and quick-
prestigious Radomir Shaper Award, ly provoke a conflict situation.
which is given for outstanding contribu- From here stems the necessity of sound
tions to basketball rules and the game of psychological knowledge by the model
basketball. referee. In a field in which only referees
endowed by nature can succeed, the
(Note: The first part was published in study of the voice, the movements, the
No. 23 - November-December 2006) gaze, the posture, the signalization, the
general behavior, and the human
C. KNOWLEDGE OF THE PSYCHOLOGY OF approach are all part of the psychologi-
PLAYERS, COACHES, AND FANS cal education.
The basis of the spectacular and attrac-
tive basketball game is the quadrangle: The official is an educator and a peda-
players, coaches, officials, and fans. The gogue, as compared to a merciless com-
relations between these four factors are bination of judge and executioner. His
of critical importance for the smooth run- whistle is a tool and not a weapon! He
ning of a game. These four groups should must act as a "Hand of steel in a velvet
exist together with reciprocal tolerance glove." A friendly smile, a soft gesture, or
and respect under the slogan: "NOTHING a public warning applied at the right D. KNOWLEDGE OF RULES, INTERPRETATIONS,
IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE BAS- moment is often more effective than POINTS OF EMPHASIS
KETBALL GAME!" technical or disqualifying fouls. A warm, The basketball game has become so
calm, and humane attitude is both dis- dynamic that an official must react in a
Even for the top officials, it is almost arming and relaxing! split second and make the correct deci-
impossible to officiate successfully with- sion in a nearly automatic way.
out minimum cooperation from the It is a well-known fact that some average Practically, he has no time to remember
coaches and players. referees are more wanted and respected details of this or that rule. His fast and
Nowadays, the basketball game has than their more talented fellows. I always timely reaction, however, is based mainly
become more dynamic, more athletic, remember what my teacher, the late FIBA on his continuous and analytical study of
and more aggressive than in the past. President Robert Busnel, used to say: "I the rules and their interpretations, the
The influence of the financial factor has have many times seen a referee leave the periodic amendments, as well as points
also increased tremendously. Sponsors court at the end of a closely contested of emphasis and instructions presented
are spending large sums for basketball game, who is congratulated by coaches by the World Technical Commission of
and they are expecting positive results and players. His skill at applying psycho- FIBA.
from their teams. logical tricks reached such height, that it
This is one of the reasons why players try hid his technical imperfections on the Unfortunately, very often the method and
to give their best in their performance on court." style of the lecturers teaching the rules in
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23_030_033_lazarov 29-01-2007 17:02 Pagina 31

the clinics are not on a satisfactory level. E. KNOWLEDGE OF TACTICS numerous screens during the game, the
Young officials must be informed about IN OFFENSE AND DEFENSE official must be completely familiar with
the history of the major rules and the pur- It is a key requirement for a top official to the technique of screening and the tactic
pose for their origin. Instead, much time have the ability to respond differently based on the screen.
and thought is wasted in discussing theo- and to adapt his positioning on the court This is the reason why some FIBA
retical play situations that might or might in accordance to the character of the National Federations have already
not happen but once in a century! game and the different tactics applied by approved as a mandatory obligation for
the teams. He must be able to notice new officials to pass some tests for
Consequently, much more important changes in the tactics at any moment or coaches and get acquainted with the
subjects about the educational spirit of the surfacing of new elements in the basic elements in this area.
each rule are left aside, such as the cre- game. Consequently, he has to know the
ative ways of the rules' application on areas where critical situations may F. TEAMWORK WITH PARTNER(S)
the court or the admissible limits of tol- appear. However, all this is possible only AND COMMISSIONER
erance. As a result, officials currently if the official has sound knowledge and In contemporary basketball, a close
named "whistle blowers" are trying to appreciation of current tactics and tech- cooperation (i.e. excellent teamwork
replace sound judgment with tiny details niques in offense and defense, which are between official-partner, official-com-
and lack a realistic approach while offi- applied by the players on the court. For missioner, and official-table officials) is
ciating the game. example, to correctly officiate the of first importance.

FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 24 2007 | PAGE 31

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REFEREES, SCORER’S TABLE AND COMMISSIONERS

One must have faith and confidence in

his fellow official(s). No one is supposed
to dominate since officials must work as
a real team. Do not hesitate to ask for
assistance from each other any time you
are blocked on a play or you are
screened-out!
Sometimes, we witness situations of
disagreement or double whistling in the
officials' decisions. Very often, this
could be solved after visual contact, dis-
creet signals, or a very concise consul-
tation (5 to 6 seconds) between the offi-
cials, but this should always be at a dis-
tance away from players and coaches.
During such consultations, mutual confi-
dence and spirit of friendly cooperation
are strongly advised and recommended.

Long discussions and explanations

between officials while surrounded by
players and coaches very often creates
critical situations. A brief, but thorough
pre-game conference will assist the ref-
erees in producing a good team per-
formance.
Young referees should also be briefly
advised in the area of the so-called
moral code of the officials' partnership
on the court, by using some specific
examples of what to avoid:

▼ Official X calls a foul. While signalizing

to the table, a player makes some
insulting gestures behind his back.
His partner(s) is a silent witness, but
does not intervene because the
unsportsmanlike behavior is not
addressed directly to him.
▼ Official X calls a foul. While signaling could be applied successfully in some problems of the officials in this area, pre-
the table, a player contacts the free specific situations during the game. For scribing one official to focus his attention
official insulting his partner. His reac- example, such cases can occur when a on specific phases of the play more so
tion is: "It was his decision. I have basket is scored or a foul is called almost than others. The key factors of mechan-
nothing to do with this call." simultaneously with the end signal, and ics are:
▼ During some critical moments of a the officials are not quite sure if the ▼ Move to the right spot.
tough game, official X hides and does action was before or after the signal. ▼ Be placed in an optimal way in order
not react to some clear infractions in to see.
his vicinity, even though he is in H. KNOWLEDGE IN MECHANICS ▼ Know what to look at or what to
excellent position, thus leaving his OF OFFICIATING observe.
partner to take the "unpopular calls." Recently, more and more attention has
▼ During an interval of play or after the been paid to the improved and more com- It is strongly recommended that all offi-
game, official X criticizes some calls petent application of mechanics on the cials follow and apply all the prescrip-
of his partner in the presence of play- court. tions of the official FIBA Mechanics on
ers, coaches, or fans. The speed at which the players move the court. However, to take a dogmatic
▼ During a game, official X, sitting as individually or in groups creates serious position and declare that "This part of
spectator between fans, openly criti- problems for the official's visual percep- the floor is my sole responsibility and
cizes the decisions of his colleagues tion of the game and total court coverage. that is yours" leads to very poor team-
on the court. Therefore, it is quite impossible to expect work. The basic principle for an official
from one official that he be able to should be to make decisions on ANY
Some officials underestimate the impor- observe the actions of all ten players and PLAY if he is absolutely sure in his judg-
tance of good cooperation with the com- the ball on the court. ment and if his colleague does not make
missioner. Predetermined during the The new mechanics for two-and three- a call because of lack of courage, lack
pre-game conference, discreet signals men officiating is a practical system cre- of concentration, or simply because he
between officials and commissioners ated as a working method to eliminate the happens to be screened out. A comment
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23_030_033_lazarov 29-01-2007 17:02 Pagina 33

your integrity, and your social status you

are respected, trusted, and accepted by
players, coaches, and even fans on such a
level that some of your poor calls are not
criticized or attacked by any of them. For
example, when it comes to top players,
Michael Jordan presented such a person-
ality. For officials, accepted as personali-
ties, officiating is much easier because they
meet understanding and collaboration from
players and coaches. Therefore, try to
become a Michael Jordan among the refer-
ees, but never forget that this is a long and
difficult process based on hard work, natu-
ral qualities, and serious ambition for per-
fection.

"Y" - COEFFICIENT FOR AMBITION, STRONG WILL,

AND COURAGE
The worst "crime" that can occur on the
court is when a referee is totally aware of
an illegal action of a player, but does not
have the necessary courage to call it, espe-
cially in a decisive moment. If one wants to
be respected, one must be tough in tough
situations and always be ready to take per-
sonal responsibility for a tough call. Of
course, hard work and ambition will not
alone assure one success, but who is
determined to succeed must sacrifice many
pleasures of life and be willing to start at
the bottom of the ladder.

"MANY ARE CALLED, BUT RELATIVELY FEW EVER

REACH GREAT HEIGHTS."

"Z" - COEFFICIENT FOR PERSONAL CHANCE

It is a fact that some referees are "born with
a silver spoon in their mouth" and are lucki-
such as "It wasn't my call" defeats the H. KNOWLEDGE OF THE WORK OF THE TABLE er than others. For such exceptions the long
very spirit and intent of the Mechanics. OFFICIALS way to the top takes less time and is much
Unfortunately, some self-proclaimed lec- Normally, this topic is almost never listed easier.
turers and "experts" are trying to deify in the programs of clinics for officials and
this system by transforming it to the most such an underestimation has no justifica- FINAL CONCLUSION
important topic in some Clinics, underes- tion! Obviously, some experts forget that This article is addressed mainly to:
timating the leading role of subjects as: a very small omission of the scorer's ▼ Young and progressing officials.
"Feeling for the game," "Criteria for phys- table can ruin the effect of an excellent ▼ Candidates or recently incubated FIBA
ical contacts," and "Relations between officiating during the whole game! referees.
officials, coaches, and players." Much Consequently, that is the reason why a ▼ Lecturers at clinics.
time and thought is wasted on digging up top official should have a sound knowl-
invented hyper-technicalities that are of edge of the duties of the table officials. My aim was to prove that in order to meet
little or no significance. Thus, Official- Problems arise very often during the the new requirements of contemporary
Robots are created, who are more con- game are connected to the table and they basketball, a referee must exercise regular-
cerned about being in "optimal position" have to be solved. During their first year, ly and act in a professional manner, just like
and not trespassing the border of their some countries use their new referees to the players.
zone than in making a sound and mature work mainly as table officials. Special
judgment. I was shocked by the officiat- attention should be also paid to the team- "HE WHO DOES NOT GO FORWARD GOES BACK-
ing in some games in a recent continen- work between officials and table offi- WARDS!"
tal championship. Imitating some pseu- cials. We have to admit it is hard, very difficult,
do-evaluators, I could ironically say: "In and sometimes painful, but all efforts are
this game the Officials demonstrated "X" - COEFFICIENT FOR TALENT necessary if the official deeply loves bas-
brilliant Mechanics but with some lousy AND PERSONALITY ketball and if he is anxious to stimulate and
calls they ruined the efforts of coaches To be a PERSONALITY means that, not restrain the progressive development of
and players throughout the year." because of your talent, your behavior, the game through his officiating.
FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 24 2007 | PAGE 33
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REFEREES AND GAME ADMINISTRATION

RIGHT OR WRONG?
QUESTIONS after which a foul is committed by B3. While the official
The following questions focus on the document, “FIBA is reporting the foul to the scorer and before the offi-
Official Basketball Rules: Official Interpretations.” cial's whistle that begins the time-out, players go to their
A free download is provided on the FIBA website respective team benches. Is this permissible?
(www.fiba.com). For additional clarifications, explanations 4. While a shot for a goal by A3 is in the air, the 24-second
or examples, please consult this document. signal sounds. The ball then touches the backboard but
does not touch the basket rim, after which it rolls on the
1. When players take their positions for the jump ball that floor. As the ball rolls, it is touched first by B5 and then
will begin the game, the scorer realizes that a team B by A5, after which it is finally controlled by B3. Has team
player's name was not included on the score sheet, but A committed a 24-second violation?
is on the team list that was submitted to the scorer at the 5. On a single free-throw awarded to A5, the ball has tou-
appropriate time. Shall the referee direct that the ched the rim and is bouncing above it with a reasonable
player's name be added to the score sheet without chance of entering the basket when B3 reaches through
penalty? the basket from below and touches the ball, causing it
2. During the first period, an A5 shot for a field goal is in the not to enter the basket. Shall one point be awarded to
air when the 24-second buzzer sounds. The shot for the A5?
goal is successful. Team A now requests a substitution. 6. B5 is given a warning after interfering with a throw-in.
Shall the substitution be permitted? Later in the game, B3 again interferes with a throw-in.
3. During a live ball, a time-out is requested by team B, Shall a technical foul be charged to B3?
7. During the pre-game warm-up, a technical foul is com-
mitted by a team A player. Team B is awarded two free
throws to be administered before the jump ball that will
begin the game. The team B coach requests that B8,
who is not one of team B's starting players, be permitted
to attempt the free-throws. Shall the referee grant the
request?
8. A5 is awarded a free-throw. Team A is granted a time-
out before the free-throw is administered. Following the
time-out, A2 successfully attempts the free-throw awar-
ded to A5. The error is discovered during the first dead
ball after the game has resumed. The officials cancel the
one point scored on the erroneous free-throw. Shall play
resume with a team B throw-in at the sideline or the
endline place nearest to where the ball last became
dead?
9. A4 shoots for a field goal near the end of the final period
and the signal sounds to end the game. The officials rule
that the goal shall count. Coach B insists that the signal
to end the period had sounded before A4 released the
shot for a goal. The officials are absolutely sure that the
ball had been released before the signal sounded. Must
the officials use available and approved technical equip-
ment to verify if the goal shall count?
10. A4 is holding a live ball but has not yet dribbled when A4
deliberately throws the ball against a backboard and
catches it again before it has touched another player.
May A4 now begin a dribble?

ANSWERS
1. Yes; Art. 7 6. Yes; Art. 38
2. No; Art. 19 7. No; Art. 39
3. Yes; Art. 18 8. Yes; Art. 44
4. Yes; Art. 29 9. No; Art. 46
5. No; Art. 31 10. No; Art. 24

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SPORT MARKETING AND MANAGEMENT

The spanish
by Chus Bueno basketball players
association

Chus Bueno is the Secretary General of

the Spanish Basketball Players Associa-
tion (ABP) and Vice President of the Euro-
pean Basketball Players Association
(UBE).

We have come a long way since our

founding in 1986 when a group of motivat-
ed players resolved to create an associa-
tion to protect and defend their collective
interests. The first years were character-
ized by a hard fight for a recognition from
the clubs until the signing of a collective
bargaining agreement in 1989. Today, we
can proudly say that the ABP, the Spanish
Basketball Players Association, is more
than just a union with collective legal ob-
jectives, but a union that offers services
that benefit the players and the sport as a
whole.

COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT

The last collective bargaining agreement,
negotiated in 1993, regulates many as-
pects of the professional relationship be-
tween the players and the clubs. This
agreement provides the players with a
minimum salary according to their age,
regulates vacation time, includes a disci-
plinary agreement, and a salary guarantee
fund. This has made the Spanish league
one of the most professional and respect-
ed leagues in the world and, as a result,
players are eager to come to Spain to play.

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SPORT MARKETING AND MANAGEMENT

The collective bargaining agreement al-

so regulates the collective image rights
of the players. The ABP owns the image
rights of the players, because they are
granted to the ABP when they apply for
membership. The ABP, in turn, grants
these rights to the ACB, the Spanish Divi-
sion One League, in return for compen-
sation. This is one of the association's
most important sources of funding. Addi-
tional funding is attained through agree-
ments with the Spanish Basketball Fed-
eration (FEB), the CSD (an important gov-
ernmental department in Spain), and ac-
tivities with sponsors and partners (in-
cluding “Agrupacion Mutua”). This all
makes it possible to employ a group of
seven professionals dedicated full time
to the ABP and its projects, as well as al-
lowing the hiring of additional consult-
ants to assist in camps and other events.
For more information on our organiza-
tion, and to see a copy of our collective
bargaining agreement in Spanish or Eng-
lish, please go to www.abp.es.

MEMBER SERVICE
Aside from the traditional collective rep-
resentation, the ABP has also developed
a series of important services for our
members that improve their quality of life
during their playing years and prepares
them for life "after basketball."

A very important service we provide is in

the area of continuing education and job
placement. We have cooperation agree-
ments with several Spanish universities
(UOC, Catalunya University, UB
Barcelona University, European Univer-
sity of Madrid, and Johan Cruyff Univer-
sity), which allow players to study for a
certain number of careers and postgrad-
uate degrees. ABP members receive a
60% ABP-UOC scholarship and work
with special teachers, who understand
their specific life situations. Professional
athletes are used to working in a highly
competitive environment and have de-
veloped skills in the areas of working as
a team, leadership, motivation, and un-
der pressure that, combined with a for-
mal education, give them great potential
to contribute to future employers after
their basketball playing days are over.
Agreements with job placement compa-
nies (Adecco and the "relevo" program,
and Bankinter) help the players with their
transition from professional basketball.

During the summer months, the ABP of-

fers financial seminars and skills camps
for players, while they are on vacation.

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24_035_038 29-01-2007 17:03 Pagina 37

The financial seminars last one week

and instruct the players on making in-
vestments and how to protect their sav-
ings. They are led by professionals from
different financial companies, who hold
lectures for the players and their families
in order to increase awareness about
the many risks and considerations that
must be taken into account when invest-
ing their money. Over 160 players have
participated in the seminars over the last
eight years.

The skills camps are two-week basket-

ball programs for professionals and
younger players who might soon become
professional. The camp sessions help
players improve their skills without the
pressure of competition or results. At no
cost to the players, the ABP provides the
hotel, coaches, and teachers.

With the FEB, we are currently working

on a program of short conferences and
seminars for players in the younger na-
tional team categories that will empha-
size the values of humility, generosity,
and teamwork. These values are critical
to their further development if they are to
succeed in a professional basketball ca-
reer. We believe that if we enable to
players to improve their basketball and
life skills it will be positive for them as
people and for the game of basketball.

The ABP has also made various com-

mercial agreements with hotels (NH Ho-
tels), travel agencies, rental cars (Hertz),
sports brands to provide shoes and
clothing (Converse), and private medical
insurance (Sanitas).

In addition, the ABP participates with all

other national athlete associations in the
"Mutualidad de Deportistas Profesion-
ales," a national pension plan specifically
for professional athletes that was estab-
lished in cooperation with the Spanish
government. Controlled by the athletes'
organizations, each athlete may con-
tribute annually up to 24,250 euros to the 2007. The concept behind the camp-
plan, which, in turn, may be deducted which will be realized with the coopera- In addition, under UBE auspices, we plan
from their current year taxes. When tion of players associations from France, to contribute to the organization of a bas-
withdrawn after retirement, the contribu- Italy, Germany, Greece, and Israel-is to ketball game in Israel with players from
tions will be taxed at a much lower rate, bring promising young players together all the UBE member associations. A spe-
resulting in a savings of up to 40% under to work in a camp with our professional cial group of players from Israel and
current tax law. players as teachers and mentors. Our Palestine will play in a game that will be
goal is to bridge the gap between the called "We play for peace."
THE ABP IN EUROPE generations of players and encourage
On the European level, we are already the exchange of experiences and infor- FUTURE PROJECTS
preparing with the UBE (European Bas- mation, hopefully creating meaningful We believe that it is the duty of the play-
ketball Players Association) for a "made personal relationships between experi- ers and their association to give back to
in Europe" program for the summer of enced and younger players. society. Basketball has a great capacity

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SPORT MARKETING AND MANAGEMENT

to aid integration in marginal areas of

the country. Therefore, the ABP is
preparing a business plan for ex-play-
ers, who wish to work with us and start
basketball schools in towns that may
benefit from sports as an integration
model. We are establishing the first two
schools in 2007.

In order to further aid athletes in their

transition to the working world, the
ABP created Cemp (Enterprises
Teams Coaches) in 2006 as a consult-
ing division. After participating in an
educational program (160 hours) at the
UB Barcelona, players will work as
professional consultants for corpora-
tions, transmitting the values of lead-
ership, motivation, and teamwork that
they have learned during their careers
as professional athletes.

I would take this opportunity to say

that the ABP and UBE have a great in-
terest in working with FIBA developing
ideas to aid the development of the
sport of basketball. We believe that
we are all members of the basketball
family and we should work together.
We offer our willingness and assis-
tance to participate in any projects
that might be proposed to benefit this
great sport of ours.
We Are all Basketball.

PAGE 38 | 24 2007 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE

22_040_041 29-01-2007 12:14 Pagina 40

FIBA RESEARCH AND STUDY CENTRE

AND NOW LET'S

ENTER ON THE
COURT
Continuing with our journey to look at the products that are an important part of our basketball world, in this instalment we look
at the synthetic flooring companies, which are partners of the FIBA Study Centre.

CONNOR SPORT COURT INTERNATIONAL

Sport Court, a division of Connor Sport Court International, is Additional benefits are
proud to have been a member of the FIBA Study Centre since found in improved player
1994. Sport Court playing surfaces are approved by the top in- safety, reduced mainte-
ternational sporting federations and used by clubs and lea- nance costs, and flexibi-
gues throughout the world. lity for conversion. This
allows stadium mana-
Their floors play host to some of the highest levels of com- gers to quickly change
petition, but are flexible enough to accommodate both sin- the facility from one
gle sport and multi-purpose facilities with high everyday sport to another, and to
demands. Whether indoor or outdoor, permanent or porta- easily host a variety of
ble, a Sport Court floor is an excellent solution to court sporting events, con-
needs. certs and their special
events directly on the Sport Court surface.
Sport Court products are the official playing surface of the BJ
League, the NBA Jam Session, and include the first FIBA-ap- Over the years, the quality and performance of Sport Court's
proved basketball surface designed specifically for outdoor patented flooring system has resulted in thousands of instal-
competition. The Sport Court suspended synthetic surfaces lations in more than 60 countries.
are the result of years of research and development to create
safe and consistent basketball and multipurpose courts. www.sportcourt.com/international

GERFLOR
With over 60 years of experience in the manufacture of Here are the "top to bottom" secrets of their winning sports
PVC flooring, Gerflor, manufacturer of Taraflex Sports Floo- floor:
ring, has the unique position of 1. Triple-Action Protecsol helps keep
world champion in PVC (polyvinyl athletes from slipping.
chloride) indoor sports flooring.
With over 1,700 employees 2. D-max surface complex adds resi-
worldwide and significant invest- stance to the floor.
ment in sports research and deve-
lopment, Gerflor is among the lea- 3. CXP foam backing gives back
ders on the field. energy to the athlete following a
jump.
Through agreements with interna-
tional indoor sports federations, 4. Sanosol effectively fights against
such as basketball, volleyball, team bacteria and fungi.
handball, badminton, and table ten-
nis, Taraflex Sports Flooring by All Taraflex products are ISO9001
Gerflor have been selected for se- certified and can be laid as a porta-
ven consecutive Olympic Games-from Montreal in 1976 to ble or permanent structure.
Athens in 2004- and have already secured their presence
at Beijing in 2008. www.gerflor.com

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22_040_041 29-01-2007 12:14 Pagina 41

LIMONTA
Founded in 1981, Limonta Sport specializes in the production d) Fiberglass reinforcement that allows optimal dimensio-
of artificial turf and vinyl floor surfaces specifically desi- nal stability;
gned for sports facilities.
The manufacturing activities offer technologies applied in e) Excellent athletic performance under maximum safety
full conformity to the latest safety and quality standards, conditions;
using only certified raw materials that are compatible with
environmental protection policies. f) SANALIM antibacterial treatment ensures considerable
and permanent hygienic conditions;
Limonta Sport also boasts a development laboratory and a
dedicated technical team that constantly monitors and g) Quick and simple maintenance.
seeks to improve the quality of products in order to guaran-
tee continual innovations. The flooring includes a
variety of products cha-
The primary business racterised by a thick-
objective is maximum cu- ness from 2.5 mm. to 7.5
stomer satisfaction throu- mm. and the possibility
gh quality products and to be fully glued or loo-
service. The Sport- se laid. These different
Grounds range offers a versions allow Limonta
variety of surfaces for indoor sports facilities characterised Sport to have the right answer for all kinds of sports.
by:
The quality of SportGrounds products is recognised by lea-
a) Heterogeneous, multilayer, non-delaminable structure ding International Sport Federations like FIBA (basket), IBF
that satisfies high shock-absorption standards; (badminton), IHF (handball) and ITF (tennis).

b) High-energy restitution and playability; Limonta Sport is UNI EN ISO 9001:2000 quality certified.

c) High-density surface that guarantees resistance and

long-term durability; www.limontasport.com

MONDO
Among its wide range of products, Mondo, the Italian indu- skin embossing finish, provides optimal traction and proper
strial group specializing in the production of sports, com- coefficient of friction for comfortable play; it has a firm sur-
mercial, and industrial floorings of the highest standard, face which allows the ball to bounce approximately 98%,
produces outdoor and indoor synthetic basketball surfa- according to the DIN standard 18032.
ces, which are tested and approved by FIBA.
Moreover, the intermediate layer spreads the force applied
Mondoflex is a modern composite made of three layers; by the athlete's foot to the surface while the bottom layer
this composition assures outstanding durability and a grea- provides additional shock absorption by deflecting under
ter ease of impact.
maintenan- Sportflex with
ce. The sur- its molded and
face provi- vulcanized top
des additio- layer provides
nal shock maximum ela-
absorption sticity and un-
by deflec- paralleled du-
ting under rability.
impact and guarantees an ideal coefficient of friction; it The geometrically molded and vulcanized bottom layer has
never becomes slippery, even in contact with sweat. been engineered to improve impact absorption and to in-
crease the athletes' contact time on the surface. Its advan-
Mondoflex is made with products that are environmentally ced deforming geometries are only possible with factory
friendly and eco compatible. Its anti-glare characteristics manufactured materials.
assure a perfect optics yield for video shooting.
Mondosport is the perfect surface for multipurpose indoor
areas. Its top wear layer, characterized by the special seal- www.mondoita.com

FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 24 2007 | PAGE 41

23_042_043 29-01-2007 12:10 Pagina 42

DOCTORS, TRAINERS AND CONDITIONING COACHES

AGILITY
by Ioannis Papageorgiu

DRILLS
Ioannis Papageorgiu is the strength and conditioning coach of the B. DURATION 50"
Greek national team, that won the 2005 FIBA Europe Championship ▼ 5" jumps on left foot.
“Eurobasket” and the silver at the 2006 FIBA World Championships. ▼ 5" jumps on right foot.
▼ 5" jumps on left foot from 3 to 4 to 3.
CHANGE OF DIRECTION ▼ 5" jumps on right foot from 4 to 3 to 4 .
2 SETS OF 25" RUNNING ON THE COURT (REST 25" BETWEEN SETS) ▼ 5" jumps on left foot while moving forwards.
The players start running forward and the coach signals the direc- ▼ 5" jumps on left foot while moving backwards.
tion changes that last 3"-4" for each direction, forward or back- ▼ 5" jumps on right foot while moving forwards.
ward, or sideways (defensive position) with ▼ 5" jumps on right foot while moving backwards.
random sequence and in a different direc- ▼ 5" jumps on left foot from 3 to 2 to 1 to 4 to 3.
tion each time. We gave much attention to ▼ 5" jumps on right foot from 4 to 1 to 2 to 3 to 4.
the rapid and precise reaction of the player
for each directional change. The coach C. DURATION 60"
must be behind the players so they will not ▼ 4" running forwards.
see the change coming. ▼ 4" running backwards.
▼ 4" running forwards.
RUNNING AND DEFENSE ▼ 4" running backwards.
2 SETS OF 25" EACH (REST 25" BETWEEN SETS) Until the end of 60 seconds we continue with regular jumps with
From the baseline (1) the players run toward the mid-court line both feet while making 5 changes to faster jumps for 5".
and after coach's instruction they continue with defensive
slides going backward to the baseline (2) and after coach's DEFENSIVE SLIDES
instruction again they run forward (3) Before attempting the next drills, the player should have a good
and then again backward with defen- warm up and stretching exercises to avoid possible injuries.
sive slides (4).
The duration of the different moves must A. The player moves sideways on the court in defensive
vary, so the players won't expect the position, while his partner supplies resistance with the
change and the trainer must be behind the resistance bands. (2 sets for each direc-
players so they will not see the change tion - rest 1:1).
coming. The drill is executed for each direction full
court while always facing the same side.
SPRINT RUNNING BACKWARDS AND DEFENSE The drill can also be executed with passes
3 SETS (REST 30" BETWEEN SETS) that the other player is giving.
At half court: The player sprints from point 1 to point 2, then
runs backward until point 3 and starts B. FROM DEFENSIVE POSITION
defensive slides to the right at the 6,25 line
until point 4. From that point the player 3 sets of 12" each (rest 15" between sets)
continues by jogging until point 3 and then The player does 3-4 defensive slides to the
sprints until point 5. Then the player run right and 3-4 defensive slides to the left
backward to point 1 and starts defensive while his partner holds the resistance
slides at the 6,25 line to the left until point bands. The player continues the same
3. movements for 12''. The slides are per-
formed at high speed and the player makes
JUMP ROPE defensive motions with his hands.
A. DURATION 60"
▼ 10" jumping with both feet while moving forwards. 3 SETS OF 12" EACH (REST 15" BETWEEN SETS)
▼ 10" jumping with both feet while moving backwards.
▼ 10" jumping with both feet while moving sideways to the left. The two players both execute 2-3
▼ 10" jumping with both feet while moving sideways to the right. defensive slides to the right and then to
▼ 10" jumping up and back with both feet from 4 to 2 and back. the left and they continue until the time
▼ 10" jumping left and right with both feet from 4 to 3 and back of 12'' is completed while facing each

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23_042_043 29-01-2007 12:10 Pagina 43

other, using the resistance bands, trying to keep as much dis- JUMPS ON CONES - BOXES AND HURDLES
tance as possible from each other and doing defensive motions
with their hands. A. 3 SETS OF 10 JUMPS EACH (REST 10" BETWEEN SETS)
C. 3 SETS OF 10 JUMPS EACH (REST 15" BETWEEN SETS) The player stands with a 25cm tall cone be-
tween his feet and performs 10 jumps
The player stands on one leg, on quarter touching his feet on the air above the cone.
squat position and performs big jumps
from one leg to the other while another
player holds him with the resistance band.

D. From the defensive position and while The player stands behind the cone and per-
using the resistance band on the legs, the play- forms 10 consecutive forward and back-
er moves sideways down the length of the ward jumps over the cone.
court in both directions and always facing the
same side. The drill is executed twice in each
direction. Rest 1:1.

The drill can also be performed with two play- The player stands beside the cone and per-
ers who are using a resistance band, being face to face, mov- forms 10 consecutive jumps from the one
ing parallel to each other and exchanging passes along the side of the cone to the other.
court.

The drill can also be executed with defensive slides and quick
changes of direction along the court, while the player is staying B. 3 SETS OF 5 FALLS EACH (REST 15” BETWEEN SETS)
low and is keeping the knees bent and is doing defensive
motions with his hands. 3 sets (rest 15" between sets). From a box 20cm high, the player lands on
a shock absorber surface with both feet
RIM BOARD TOUCHES together and performs a vertical jump with
both feet. When landing again the player
3 SETS OF 16 JUMPS EACH performs a second vertical jump. Then
(REST 20'' BETWEEN SETS) again the player steps on the box to con-
tinue similarly the exercise for 4 other
The player stands under the one corner of times. In both jumps the player tries to
the board and while having both hands jump as high as possible. The drill can also be executed with
extended vertically, he jumps as high as three vertical jumps in a row.
possible, trying to touch the board. After
he lands, he makes a side step to the other C. 4 SETS IN EACH DIRECTION
corner, performs a new jump and returns
to the other corner to repeat. The player performs 6
This drill can also be done with a ball in the jumps in a row above 6
player's hands, with which the player will hurdles 40cm tall that
try to touch the board. are placed in vertical to
each other, without
JUMPS WITH DIFFERENT ORIENTATION changing his orienta-
tion.
The player stands with his feet shoulder width
apart and parallel to each other. He performs jumps The player jumps the
from the quarter squat position, and takes care that first hurdle while facing
he takes off and lands with both feet and that his it, the second sideways,
feet have a different orientation each time, front, the third while facing it...
right, left or with one leg until he makes 12 jumps on
the marked positions on the court. The player must repeat the drill from the end back to the start.

The drill is executed with five repetitions and a 15" D. 3 SETS OF 6 JUMPS EACH (REST 15” BETWEEN SETS)
rest between sets. The distance of each jump
should be around 1,10m and for tall players it could From a quarter squat position and
be increased. with feet shoulder width apart, the
player performs a double jump with
The jumps from position 1 till 12 are performed with both feet landing on a shock ab-
speed and rhythm. sorber surface and up to a 50cm tall
box. After the attempt, the player
In every session we can mark the positions in dif- steps and not jumps down from the
ferent spots in order to achieve greater agility. box.
FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 24 2007 | PAGE 43
22_044-045 29-01-2007 12:12 Pagina 44

NEWS

Savane:
“It's time for Senegal
to get it together
One-on-one
really quick”
Senegal finished the 2006 FIBA World coming to the national team and the team
Championship with five losses in as many will never really fulfill its potential.
Group D games in Sapporo. Things certain-
ly did not go according to plan. FIBA: Have you and other Senegal national
team players been in contact with the
The Africans' promising preparations took a Federation at all since the FIBA World
serious turn for the worse with a series of in- Championship?
juries and personnel problems in the Federa-
tion, which resulted in the last-minute ap- SAVANE: Since the World Championship,
pointment of Moustapha Gaye as coach and personally, I have received no phone call
other top players turning their back on the from the Federation and no kind of official
national team. Playing without NBA interior communication from them. I think they're
forces Boniface N'Dong and DeSagana doing a lot of changes back there and I
Diop, forward Sitapha Savane was one, who imagine they're waiting to get that done first
was forced to step up. He ended up as Sene- before they get in touch with the players.
gal's third-leading scorer, averaging 8.6
points as well as 3.6 rebounds. FIBA: Are you disappointed that you haven't
Savane played college basketball at the U.S. been contacted at all?
Naval Academy, but last year, he truly shot to
prominence in Spain with Gran Canaria SAVANE: I'm extremely disappointed be-
Grupo Dunas. He is still with the Canary Is- cause we talked a lot this summer and
lands outfit and has helped them to a 9-8 spent a lot of time and energy discussing
record this season, which is tied for seventh all the changes that needed to be made.
best in the ACB. Savane is averaging 7.6 We're the players. We play abroad in the
points and 3.9 rebounds in his third year with most professional leagues from the NBA
the club and seventh season in Spain. The all the way down to Germany and what not.
28-year-old Dakar native has also helped And these things happen and you feel that
Gran Canaria reach the Final 16 of the ULEB you have a lot of input, but it's not being
Cup. David Hein spoke to Savane on behalf used. And it's a shame because smaller
of FIBA. countries with fewer resources should use
all the ones they do have. But that's not the
FIBA: I know you're in the middle of the ACB situation, and that's the most disappointing
and ULEB Cup seasons, but I wanted to get thing for me.
your thoughts on Senegal's disappointing
performance at the 2006 FIBA World FIBA: What's the biggest thing you'd tell
Championship in Japan. them?

SAVANE: It was a really rough summer with SAVANE: I'd tell them it's time to get it SAVANE: It's really far from there right now.
the Senegal national team because as it was together really quick, because we have And it's hard, since I really haven't talked to
well-documented the preparation was total- another summer coming up with the team anybody from the Federation. The first thing
ly botched. There were some injuries and and if they think they can wait until the last obviously is to be healthy because it's quite
then for the guys, who did come there was second to get moving, they're going to find important. For example, this season a lot of
really a lack of organisation on the part of themselves with no players in hand. And us came into the season with some injuries
the federation and the sports ministry. And at the ones, who are there will have to go and it's affected a lot of players I've talked to
this level you pay for that. You really get what through the same situations. in their performance in the regular season.
you put in. And when you don't have a cor- So that's the first step. The second step is
rect preparation that's the result you have. FIBA: Last question about the 2007 FIBA seeing if the Federation makes the changes
And it's sad because there's potential. But, if Africa Championship in Angola. You hoping that we had asked for, and from there each
things keep going this way, players will stop to make it there in August? person will have to make his own decision.
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22_044-045 29-01-2007 12:12 Pagina 45

Kazlauskas:
"China can be much
stronger in the future"
Wang Zhizhi scored 28 points to help China Zhizhi and the other guys up front. I'm very
win their sixth Asian Games men's basket- happy for the team. And I think this team in
ball gold on 14th December 2006 with a 59- the future can be much stronger.
44 victory over Qatar. Jonas Kazlauskas'
team was rarely challenged throughout the FIBA: Wang Zhizhi was by far the most domi-
tournament in racking up a perfect 8-0 nant player in the final. What are your
record for their fifth gold in the last six thoughts on him?
Games. Without NBA superstar Yao Ming,
Kazlauskas relied upon the returning Wang KAZLAUSKAS: He's the most experienced
KAZLAUSKAS: The team started playing
Zhizhi and the nation's top NBA prospect Yi player on our team, he played at the highest
defense and realised that defense is very
Jianlian. And the dynamic duo dominated level, the NBA. For sure we need him more
important and that it can bring us to another
in Doha with Wang Zhizhi averaging 19 than others to take those shots and make
level. The team is not afraid to make mistakes
points and 6.5 rebounds and Yi having 16.6 those decisions. We knew from the situation
and they will fight inside. And that's really
points and 11.4 rebounds per game. on the court that we need to attack our oppo-
good. If you look at today's game, you see we
Kazlauskas and his staff now switch their nents under the basket. And both of our guys
didn't have problems playing good defense. It
focus to the 2008 Olympics in Beijing and - Wang Zhizhi and Yi - did a very good job.
was so good that Qatar had problems getting
how best to integrate Yao into the bond that
shots off in 24 seconds. And this showed that
has formed between Wang Zhizhi and Yi. FIBA: What about nervousness entering the
we can play good defense.
The Lithuanian, who coached the Baltic game?
country's senior national team, delayed
FIBA: Yi is of course one of China's top
celebrating the Asian Games crown just KAZLAUSKAS: A final cannot always be a good
prospects. How do you think he's
long enough to talk to FIBA. game. There are exceptions. In general, it
advancing?
was a nervous game. But our opponents
FIBA: Congratulations coach, could you give fought until the last seconds and this is good.
KAZLAUSKAS: He has a very good future. Why
us your general feelings right now after win-
are we talking future? He's good now. I like
ning the gold medal here in Qatar? FIBA: Where do you want to take the team
how he plays and works in practice. He's
now?
improving. If you saw Wang Zhizhi down low
KAZLAUSKAS: I'm very happy how we finished
today you also saw Yi was the guy on the
this tournament. I think the final was a really KAZLAUSKAS: We know our problems. Now
perimeter. And that's not easy for a player
good level of basketball. And how we beat China will start preparing for the Olympic
with his size. But he was very good. And he
our opponent today was a very big success Games in Beijing. And this is the right way.
didn't have foul problems. In all the games he
for us. Generally we controlled the situation
had double figures in points and rebounds.
on the court the whole time and we played FIBA: What would you say is the biggest
And you heard me say a couple of days ago
good defence. We won this game with Wang positive you'll take from this tournament?
he played just okay after 16 points and 14
rebounds. That's because I expect a lot from
him. But he's better right now than many
players playing in the NBA.

FIBA: Most of the NBA scouts were here

today to watch Yi. But what do you think
about Wang Zhizhi's chances of returning to
the NBA?

KAZLAUSKAS: He's so talented you cannot

imagine. In my life, in my coaching profes-
sion, only a couple players are as talented as
him - Arvydas Sabonis and Yao Ming. He has
everything in his hands if he wants that or not.
If he wants to (go to the NBA) he can make it
there easily.
Find more stories on www.fiba.com

FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 24 2007 | PAGE 45

22_046-049 29-01-2007 17:15 Pagina 46

NEWS

the world
Planet
basketball
in brief
CHINA PREPARES FOR EXHIBITION "We are negotiating with the associa-
GAMES IN EUROPE tions in Europe to decide the final
China's men and women are desperate to schedule. The priority is that they are
reach the podium at the 2008 Olympics in real national teams with the leading
Beijing so to boost their chances, they stars.
will play a series of exhibition games this
year, according to the country's basket- "We wouldn't compete against their
ball Federation. secondary teams or club teams, be-
cause we want to compete against the
best teams in the world. This is very im-
portant for our Olympic goals."

China's men scrapped their way into the

eight-finals in Saitama, but lost heavily
against Greece, while the women had
some bright moments in Brazil, but failed
to reach the knockout stages.

Right now, their basketball icon Yao Ming

is recovering from a leg injury after the
best start of his NBA career with the
Houston Rockets. The 2.28 m. (7’5”) Yao is
expected to return to action in the next
few weeks.

Guangdong star Yi Jianlian, who played

for the men in Japan and also recently
took part in the World University Games,
is expected to represent his country this
summer although he is understood to be
submitting his name for the NBA draft.

ANTHONY IS USA BASKETBALL'S

2006 MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
AYUSO JOINS KK SPLIT The Denver Nuggets' Carmelo Anthony,
Puerto Rico guard Larry Ayuso has who helped lead the 2006 USA Men's Se-
signed a deal with Croatian side KK The Chinese teams will travel to Europe to nior National Team to a 13-1 overall mark
Split. face national sides gearing up for the Eu- and a bronze medal and an 8-1 record at
roBaskets, and then take part in the FIBA the 2006 FIBA World Championship, was
The 31-year-old has been brought on Asian Championships in July. selected the 2006 USA Basketball Male
board in an attempt to reverse a torrid Athlete of the Year, USA Basketball an-
run of form which has seen them lose 15 "The teams will play a lot of competitive nounced.
of their 17 domestic games this season. games because we have very high tar-
gets at the Olympics," said CBA official "I'm very honored to receive this award,"
Ayuso has plenty of European basketball Kuang Lubin to the China Daily. Anthony said. "I want to thank Mr. Colan-
experience having played for Premiata gelo and Coach K and his staff for giving
Montegranaro in Italy, Turkish team Be- "We had some very good games last year me the opportunity to play for this team.
siktas, Lonikos in Greece and Zalgiris and I think 2007 is a great chance to im- I worked extremely hard over the sum-
Kaunas from Lithuania. prove. mer to prepare because I take great
PAGE 46 | 24 2007 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE
22_046-049 29-01-2007 17:15 Pagina 47

pride in playing for my country. I also

want to thank my teammates. They're a
great group of guys and we had a lot of
fun playing together. I look forward to
continuing to work hard for USA Basket-
ball and helping us get that gold medal
in 2008."

The USA's leading scorer at the 2006

FIBA World Championship averaging 19.9
ppg, Anthony was the lone American
named to the five-man 2006 FIBA World
Championship All-Tournament Team.

Selected by the USA Basketball Execu-

tive Committee as the recipient of its
Male Athlete of the Year award, USA
Basketball also submitted Anthony for
the U.S. Olympic Committee's 2006 Male
Athlete of the Year award, which will be
announced by the USOC in January 2007.

"Carmelo was the ultimate team player,"

offered USA Senior Men's National Team
head coach Mike Krzyzewski. "He had an
outstanding summer, starting with our
training camp in Las Vegas and ending
with being a dominant player in the FIBA
World Championship. He was a man after
victories and showed how classy and
mature he was in our one defeat. I love
the way he plays the game, but I love the
way he carries himself as a leader on the
Senior National Team even better. He is
very deserving of this award. With
Carmelo, Dwyane Wade and LeBron
James as the core of our National Team
over the next two years, we have a lot to
look forward to in USA Basketball."

VALDES ELECTED PRESIDENT RODRIGUEZ UNWAVERING

OF SALVADOR FEDERATION IN COMMITMENT TO SPAIN
Alfredo Valdes has been elected as the The way Sergio Rodriguez has collected
new president of the Salvadoran Bas- titles and honours in his life, one would
ketball Federation (FESABAL). Valdes think he might find it hard to pick out the
has signed a contract until June 2008 most meaningful accolade. There was
and makes the step up after several the MVP award he claimed at the U18
years working on the national team's European Championship Men in 2004 af-
coaching staff. ter leading Spain to the gold medal.

His key objective will be to improve the He had a terrific couple of years with Es-
Federation's financial situation by de- tudiantes, playing in the ACB and Eu-
veloping strong ties with the national roleague. Then there was the day Ro-
media and private businesses. driguez was a first-round selection in
the 2006 NBA draft by Portland. It's an-
Another former player and coach of El other honour that ranks highest for the
Salvador, Oscar Rank, also stood in the 20-year-old Rodriguez, though.
presidential election but failed to im-
press the voting panel. "Winning the World Championship was

FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 24 2007 | PAGE 47

22_046-049 29-01-2007 17:15 Pagina 48

NEWS

the best thing in my life," he said on MARKS RECONSIDERING Vucinic does not want to pressure him
hoopsworld.com. It was a great moment New Tall Black coach Nenad Vucinic is for an immediate decision, but remains
for all of Spain. I enjoyed it, and I want hopeful of luring NBA veteran Sean optimistic.
to win more titles with Spain." Marks out of international retirement af-
ter returning from a reconnaissance mis- "I think the talks were successful," he
And Saitama enjoyed Rodriguez. He sion to the United States. assessed. "Sean has made no commit-
was, quite simply, amazing in Spain's ment yet, but he is interested in revisit-
thrilling semi-final win over Argentina Vucinic has spent the past two weeks on ing his decision to retire. I told him I
in Saitama. the US West Coast visiting Tall Black would like him to play. He was very
prospects, including several players pre- positive and asked questions about
In just 15 minutes, Rodriguez turned an viously unsighted on the national team what was happening this year."
already fast game into one that was depth chart.
lightning quick, playing to Spain's The Tall Blacks face a must-win series
strength. He made all three of his three- But he made a point of stopping in on against Australia in August with the
pointers and finished with 15 points, Marks, who has not played for New winners claiming the only Oceania
while also dishing out two assists and Zealand since the 2004 Athens Olympics. berth at next year's Beijing Olympics.
grabbing two boards. Vucinic spent a couple of days in It will be the first time since 2001 that
Phoenix, attending the Suns' 113-102 win both countries haven't been assured
Rodriguez was so good that teammate over Seattle Supersonics. of qualifying for a major championship.
Jose Manuel Calderon, who had sat
down for a breather, couldn't get back Marks, the first Kiwi to enter the NBA Oceania enjoyed the luxury of two
into the game. when he was drafted by the New York berths at both the 2004 Athens
His play in Japan did not allay concerns Knicks in 1998, did not suit up for the Olympics and 2006 FIBA World Champi-
about his decision to play in the NBA Sonics game and has made just one ap- onships on the strength of New
this year. Fans in Spain feared he would pearance on court for the Suns this sea- Zealand's semifinal finish at the 2002
not play much. There have been games son. He logged seven minutes for two world championships. While the losers
in which Rodriguez did not get off the points (1/3 FG) and a rebound against of this year's showdown can still quali-
bench. Portland on Boxing Day. fy through a repechage tournament in
Europe before the Olympics, that
Nate McMillan, the Portland coach who prospect would be almost as daunting
has tried to keep the pressure off his as the Olympics themselves.
star rookie, may have no other choice
but to play him considering his career- During his American jaunt, Vucinic al-
high 23 points on 11 of 14 shooting in this so checked out four up-and-coming
season's game against Denver. He had players, who might feature in the Tall
13 points and six assists in the second Black program in the future, including
period to help the Blazers score 37 2006 rookie Jeremiah Trueman. The
points - their most in a quarter this sea- former Nelson Giant forward is cur-
son. Rodriguez's teammate, Juan Dixon, rently attending San Diego Christian
marvelled at his talent. College, playing alongside Aussie/Kiwi
Rowan Gray. While Gray, who reminds
"Sergio did a tremendous job of setting Vucinic of former Tall Black centre Pe-
guys up, we were defending ... that was ter Pokai, is one of the top players in
the best quarter we have played all the Hawks' conference, he may only
year. That was beautiful basketball, qualify for New Zealand as a restricted
man." player as he does not already own an
NZ passport.
Speaking of beautiful, nothing is more
beautiful than listening to what Ro- The same handicap faces 2.18 mt. (7’
driguez had to say when asked if he 2”) David Massey, who attends the
wanted to play at this year's EuroBas- University of Santa Barbara.
ket.
Perhaps the best prospect is 2.08 mt.
"I can't wait to compete," he said. "In (6’10’) Aron Baynes, a teammate of for-
Spain, it was a very big thing to go and mer Junior Tall Black Tom Abercrom-
win the World Championship." bie at Washington State University.
Baynes was born in Gisborne before
Simply put, it matters. moving to Cairns, Australia, and older
brother Callum helped the Easy LPG Bay
"Here, in the NBA, its seems that you most- Hawks to the NBL title last year.
ly look at your own play or if you win the
NBA title," he said. "In Spain, we look high- "He seems keen, but wants to concen-
er than that. Players want to be the best in trate on college right now," says
the world, not just in their own league." Vucinic.
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22_046-049 29-01-2007 17:15 Pagina 49

FIBA DELEGATION AT ASIAN GAMES The technical operations of the basketball CONCEICAO: WE WILL BE READY
FIBA President Bob Elphinston, FIBA Secre- tournament were led by FIBA Asia under the FOR AFROBASKET
tary General Patrick Baumann and FIBA always present eyes of its President Sheikh Deputy chairman of the Angolan Basketball
Secretary General Emeritus Borislav Saud Bin Ali Al-Thani and Secretary General Federation (FAB), Jean Jacques da Conce-
Stankovic were part of the FIBA delegation, Dato Yeoh Choo Hock. icao, is still hopeful the country will be ready
which visited the Asian Games in Doha, to host Afrobasket 2007 in August. More than
Qatar. BARBOSA MAY MISS FIBA AMERICAS one year ago FIBA Africa announced that An-
CHAMPIONSHIP gola, the eight-time African champions, had
"We were very impressed by the outstand- Brazil star Leandro Barbosa flopped at the beaten off competition from Mali to win the
ing facilities of the Games," stated FIBA Sec- FIBA World Championship and the guard rights to host their third Afrobasket.
retary General Patrick Baumann. The Bas- fears he may not get a chance to make
ketball tournament was played in a brand- amends next summer. The FAB had hoped to have the five arenas in
new indoor arena and saw continuously sell Benguela, Huila, Huambo, Cabina and Luanda
out crowds throughout the tournament. Brazil, who failed to progress from the group ready, but with less than a year left, the possi-
FIBA President Bob Elphinston was very stage in Hamamatsu with Barbosa strug- bility looms that only two of these will be com-
gling for form, will attempt to qualify for the pleted on time.
Olympics at the FIBA Americas Champi-
onship. Yet Conceicao believes that if the government
makes good on their promises, things will still
But Barbosa told GloboEsporto.com: "I want be completed on time.
to feel happy for being part of the national
team again, but I really don't know if I'll have He told FIBA: "The time is going by quickly. We
that opportunity. I am not the one who make will keep working on it, and we are quietly
decisions and I've signed a very strong con- confident that we'll have everything ready on
tract with my team. What I've heard round time - but we are dependent on Government
here, what they have told me, is that they do support. Clearly I would like to have all the
not want me to play for the national team. I will arenas ready on the proper time, but if we
have to discuss it and get to an agreement." can't get them ready, then at least two will be
finished."
Barbosa struggled for form in Japan, espe-
cially at the free-throw line where he made When asked if he saw the preparations as a
just 15 of 29 (51.7%) of his attempts. failure, he insisted: "No, not at all, because
there are some good building companies in
the country, which can finish it on time. Obvi-
ously, we want to win the trophy, this is our
third Afrobasket at home, and our people
are eager to celebrate."
pleased with the basketball competition:
"This event has an incredible standing in the
Asian region and it provides the opportunity
to play high level basketball also for coun-
tries that normally do not have a chance to
play at the FIBA World Championship or the
Olympics. It is an excellent occasion to pro-
mote the game in all corners of the region."

The basketball tournament drew the high-

est authorities to the games, also including
the royal family from Qatar.

The final game was also attended by the FI-

BA Central Board member and OCA mem-
ber Sheikh Talal F.A.J. Al-Sabah, by the
President of the International Paralympic
Commmittee and IOC member Philip
Craven, who is an avid basketball fan.

Witnessed by its Sport minister Liu Peng,

China won the gold medal in the men's and
women's tournament, whilst Qatar and Iran
were able to reach the podium in the men's
and Chinese Taipei and Japan in the
women's.
Find more stories on www.fiba.com

FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 24 2007 | PAGE 49

22_050 29-01-2007 12:13 Pagina 50

NEWS

THE ODD -
THE FUNNY -
Off-the-court
THE UNUSUAL
SING-ALONG WITH NOCIONI
Andres “Chapu” Nocioni is Chicago's
hard-as-nails forward on the court, but
off it "he's a prankster."
"In his first season we couldn't get him
to say a word because his English was-
n't good," said Team USA guard Kirk
Hinrich and Bulls teammate Kirk Hin-
rich, a good friend of Nocioni's.
"But now that he is more fluent, he is
one of the pranksters in the locker
room. He makes all types of jokes, he al-
ways finds a way to make jokes and he WALTON HAD A CAMEO IN THE
doesn't stop." LONG-RUNNING HIT SOAP
The Argentinian players and fans often “THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS”
broke out into song at the FIBA World Walton's a good act on, and off the floor.
Championship, where Nocioni was out- Is it harder to understand plays drawn up by
standing. Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson, or
Nocioni clearly did not strain his vocal to learn a few lines for a daytime soap
chords in Asia, but he is still chirping opera?
away. LA small forward Luke Walton knows the
"Whenever the team travels to go to answer. "I was nervous," Walton admitted.
games, Chapu sits at the back and he is "I was more nervous than when I go out of
PAU GASOLHAS A FLAIR FORTHE DRAMATIC very funny, because he starts singing the court in front of thousands of people.
That was obvious at the FIBA World Cham- songs in Spanish and very loud, too," Hin- But that's what I do all the time. This was
pionship in Japan, where his performances rich said. new so I had a little bit of nerves, but they
were so inspirational that fans of the super- went away once I just started doing my
star shed tears after Spain's semi-final win thing out there."
over Argentina when it became obvious a If Walton has had to battle nerves on the
foot injury would prevent him from playing in court, it hasn't showed this season. He is one
the title game against Greece. of, if not the biggest impact players in the
Gasol wasn't acting when he cried as brother league this season and the Lakers' 23-11
Marc, and Jorge Garbajosa carried him off the record is proof. Walton is shooting a career
court. best 51.7% (153 of 296) from the field and 50%
He has treaded the boards on other occasions, (27 of 54), and his averages in rebounds (5.0),
however. assists (4.1) and points per game (12.4) are
“I'm not bad at acting," he said. “When I was also as good as they've ever been. The 6ft 8in
young, I did some plays in my school theatre small forward isn't surprised by his play.
and I really enjoyed it. I really don't feel embar- "I just worked my butt off during the summer
rassed doing almost anything and they say I to get better at shooting the ball," said Wal-
have a certain ease when it comes to acting. ton, the son of basketball hall of famer Bill
Now, from that to go to Hollywood there's a Walton.
long way and I don't see that as being one of "But I think a lot has to do with me being
my aims. Having said that it would be interest- comfortable and being in the starting
ing to have a cinema experience." lineup."
Gasol missed the early part of the NBA season Walton is also logging a career-high
recovering from foot surgery but returned to 33.6 minutes per contest.
action with the Memphis Grizzlies on Decem- Find more stories on www.fiba.com
ber 16.
PAGE 50 | 24 2007 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE