China Earns First FIBA World Cup Victory in 9 Years
The best result for the Chinese men's national basketball team occurred in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. The best Chinese basketball player ever, the freak of nature Yao Ming, led the team to the knockout rounds, where they promptly lost to Lithuania, 94-68. That was Yao's last game suiting up for the national team. China has only won one single game at the elite level of international basketball - either in the Olympics or the FIBA World Cup - since Yao's retirement. That victory was achieved way back in the 2010 FIBA World Championship (they didn't call it the World Cup back then) held in Turkey. In that contest, China defeated the Ivory Coast team, 83-73. So hopes were high when the China men's team opened up this year's FIBA World Cup against Ivory Coast in Beijing. Those hopes just came to fruition in a 70-55 win to satisfy a whole nation of hungry basketball fans. I watched the game on Tencent Sports. There were 20 million people watching that stream and likely hundreds of millions watching the CCTV-5 feed on the national sports TV channel. China loves its basketball. With some monster games from their three best players, China easily handled this one pulling away with conviction in the 2nd half. Guo Ailun, the first Jordan Brand talent in Asia and by far the best player on the team, had a monster game of 17 points, 9 assists, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals while shooting 50% from the floor. Yi Jianlian, Yao's heir apparent who never quite lived up to the hype but ended up having a stellar domestic career (5 championships, 4 MVPs) once he gave up on his NBA dream, also played well netting 19 points and 8 boards. His veteran leadership really allowed the team to pull away in the 4th quarter. Zhou Qi, who had a couple cups of coffee with the Houston Rockets a few years ago, looked pretty good as well, granted it was against one of the few teams in this World Cup that does not field any NBA talent. He earned 12 points, 6 rebounds, a steal and 2 pretty impressive blocks. Plus, this emphatic dunk clinched the game. It will be quite exciting for China to get to see this much quality basketball in prime time for 2 weeks straight. I think the world is going to be astounded by the viewership of this World Cup. Next up for China is Poland, who won their opener today against Venezuela 80-69, in two days on September 2 also in Beijing. Poland should be a much tougher opponent for them, but also it is another winnable game especially with home court advantage and the confidence gained from this game.
China Earns First FIBA World Cup Victory in 9 Years
The best result for the Chinese men's national basketball team occurred in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. The best Chinese basketball player ever, the freak of nature Yao Ming, led the team to the knockout rounds, where they promptly lost to Lithuania, 94-68. That was Yao's last game suiting up for the national team. China has only won one single game at the elite level of international basketball - either in the Olympics or the FIBA World Cup - since Yao's retirement. That victory was achieved way back in the 2010 FIBA World Championship (they didn't call it the World Cup back then) held in Turkey. In that contest, China defeated the Ivory Coast team, 83-73. So hopes were high when the China men's team opened up this year's FIBA World Cup against Ivory Coast in Beijing. Those hopes just came to fruition in a 70-55 win to satisfy a whole nation of hungry basketball fans. I watched the game on Tencent Sports. There were 20 million people watching that stream and likely hundreds of millions watching the CCTV-5 feed on the national sports TV channel. China loves its basketball. With some monster games from their three best players, China easily handled this one pulling away with conviction in the 2nd half. Guo Ailun, the first Jordan Brand talent in Asia and by far the best player on the team, had a monster game of 17 points, 9 assists, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals while shooting 50% from the floor. Yi Jianlian, Yao's heir apparent who never quite lived up to the hype but ended up having a stellar domestic career (5 championships, 4 MVPs) once he gave up on his NBA dream, also played well netting 19 points and 8 boards. His veteran leadership really allowed the team to pull away in the 4th quarter. Zhou Qi, who had a couple cups of coffee with the Houston Rockets a few years ago, looked pretty good as well, granted it was against one of the few teams in this World Cup that does not field any NBA talent. He earned 12 points, 6 rebounds, a steal and 2 pretty impressive blocks. Plus, this emphatic dunk clinched the game. It will be quite exciting for China to get to see this much quality basketball in prime time for 2 weeks straight. I think the world is going to be astounded by the viewership of this World Cup. Next up for China is Poland, who won their opener today against Venezuela 80-69, in two days on September 2 also in Beijing. Poland should be a much tougher opponent for them, but also it is another winnable game especially with home court advantage and the confidence gained from this game.
China Earns First FIBA World Cup Victory in 9 Years
The best result for the Chinese men's national basketball team occurred in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. The best Chinese basketball player ever, the freak of nature Yao Ming, led the team to the knockout rounds, where they promptly lost to Lithuania, 94-68. That was Yao's last game suiting up for the national team. China has only won one single game at the elite level of international basketball - either in the Olympics or the FIBA World Cup - since Yao's retirement. That victory was achieved way back in the 2010 FIBA World Championship (they didn't call it the World Cup back then) held in Turkey. In that contest, China defeated the Ivory Coast team, 83-73. So hopes were high when the China men's team opened up this year's FIBA World Cup against Ivory Coast in Beijing. Those hopes just came to fruition in a 70-55 win to satisfy a whole nation of hungry basketball fans. I watched the game on Tencent Sports. There were 20 million people watching that stream and likely hundreds of millions watching the CCTV-5 feed on the national sports TV channel. China loves its basketball. With some monster games from their three best players, China easily handled this one pulling away with conviction in the 2nd half. Guo Ailun, the first Jordan Brand talent in Asia and by far the best player on the team, had a monster game of 17 points, 9 assists, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals while shooting 50% from the floor. Yi Jianlian, Yao's heir apparent who never quite lived up to the hype but ended up having a stellar domestic career (5 championships, 4 MVPs) once he gave up on his NBA dream, also played well netting 19 points and 8 boards. His veteran leadership really allowed the team to pull away in the 4th quarter. Zhou Qi, who had a couple cups of coffee with the Houston Rockets a few years ago, looked pretty good as well, granted it was against one of the few teams in this World Cup that does not field any NBA talent. He earned 12 points, 6 rebounds, a steal and 2 pretty impressive blocks. Plus, this emphatic dunk clinched the game. It will be quite exciting for China to get to see this much quality basketball in prime time for 2 weeks straight. I think the world is going to be astounded by the viewership of this World Cup. Next up for China is Poland, who won their opener today against Venezuela 80-69, in two days on September 2 also in Beijing. Poland should be a much tougher opponent for them, but also it is another winnable game especially with home court advantage and the confidence gained from this game.
FIBA Philippine Team almost in Completion
Philippine Team during practice - Image Source It was really a great news for all the Filipinos out there who are always looking forward to a better team composition for Philippine Basketball Team. There might be some obstacles in the process in terms of eligibility of some of the players due to imposed rules and regulation in FIBA. Just recently, a good news was being informed by Philippine basketball that player Greg Slaughter who has a problem with eligibility to play as a local roster for Philippine Team is not anymore an issue since FIBA officially announced via a letter from FIBA officials that Greg Slaughter can play without anymore restriction. This news has been good for the Philippine Team for their game against Iran who has more advantage in terms of height. But Philippine Team this time will try to match them with some tall people that could stand the strength of Iran. Stanley Pringle who has been excellent during the Asian Games that helped Philippine basketball team to grab the 5th position alongside with American-Filipino Jordan Clarkson and Christian Standhardinger. The remaining line up of players would be possibly picked are those who had already played in Asian Games and already proved themselves excluding Jordan Clarkson this time. If Philippine will manage to pass their qualification in round 2 then Jordan Clarkson will reconsider in joining the team on their World Cup journey. Still, there are so much to look forward into since Philippine Team needs to beat powerhouse Iran to secure their way to World Cup. Problems Facing in the Process Greg Slaughter - Image Source Now that Greg Slaughter is playing as a local player, still Philippine coaching staff is a little worried due to lack of training in team practices for Philippine Team due to his recent injury during his game in Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). But still, coaching staff are very confident that he could still catch up with the team chemistry and put a good performance on their FIBA run. As for Christian Standhardinger who has played in Asian Games has missed some team practices due to some stomach issues. Even if he has been into training in Philippine Team last Asian Games but it is still quite different when it comes to FIBA since it is another level of tournament that should not be taken lightly. There might be a change of strategy and players on the other national teams and that the coaching staff should tackle to catch up with also. With Greg Slaughter cleared, the Philippine coaching staff will now choose who will be their naturalized player whether it will be Christian Standhardinger or Stanley Pringle who really plays an important role for the Philippines in the international basketball tournament. Both of these players have different basketball positions and has exceptional skills which really can help lead Philippine Team. I am sure that veteran coach Yeng Guiao, will put many comparisons before taking good actions. Final Announcement of Philippine Rosters Alex Cabagnot - Image Source Coach Yeng Guiao taking more carefully in deciding the final players that would be participating the final line up for FIBA Philippine national team. A pool of prospect players is already in the process of training and collaboration. There would be a possibility that before the end of the day on September 9, an official statement will be announced. What I am looking forward to our potential players like Alex Cabagnot and Marcio Lassiter who has a bigger chance to join the team. These two players have proven themselves in PBA and I am sure that with the help of these two players, the national team will have good results in their FIBA Round 2 Qualification.
FIBA Philippine Team almost in Completion
Philippine Team during practice - Image Source It was really a great news for all the Filipinos out there who are always looking forward to a better team composition for Philippine Basketball Team. There might be some obstacles in the process in terms of eligibility of some of the players due to imposed rules and regulation in FIBA. Just recently, a good news was being informed by Philippine basketball that player Greg Slaughter who has a problem with eligibility to play as a local roster for Philippine Team is not anymore an issue since FIBA officially announced via a letter from FIBA officials that Greg Slaughter can play without anymore restriction. This news has been good for the Philippine Team for their game against Iran who has more advantage in terms of height. But Philippine Team this time will try to match them with some tall people that could stand the strength of Iran. Stanley Pringle who has been excellent during the Asian Games that helped Philippine basketball team to grab the 5th position alongside with American-Filipino Jordan Clarkson and Christian Standhardinger. The remaining line up of players would be possibly picked are those who had already played in Asian Games and already proved themselves excluding Jordan Clarkson this time. If Philippine will manage to pass their qualification in round 2 then Jordan Clarkson will reconsider in joining the team on their World Cup journey. Still, there are so much to look forward into since Philippine Team needs to beat powerhouse Iran to secure their way to World Cup. Problems Facing in the Process Greg Slaughter - Image Source Now that Greg Slaughter is playing as a local player, still Philippine coaching staff is a little worried due to lack of training in team practices for Philippine Team due to his recent injury during his game in Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). But still, coaching staff are very confident that he could still catch up with the team chemistry and put a good performance on their FIBA run. As for Christian Standhardinger who has played in Asian Games has missed some team practices due to some stomach issues. Even if he has been into training in Philippine Team last Asian Games but it is still quite different when it comes to FIBA since it is another level of tournament that should not be taken lightly. There might be a change of strategy and players on the other national teams and that the coaching staff should tackle to catch up with also. With Greg Slaughter cleared, the Philippine coaching staff will now choose who will be their naturalized player whether it will be Christian Standhardinger or Stanley Pringle who really plays an important role for the Philippines in the international basketball tournament. Both of these players have different basketball positions and has exceptional skills which really can help lead Philippine Team. I am sure that veteran coach Yeng Guiao, will put many comparisons before taking good actions. Final Announcement of Philippine Rosters Alex Cabagnot - Image Source Coach Yeng Guiao taking more carefully in deciding the final players that would be participating the final line up for FIBA Philippine national team. A pool of prospect players is already in the process of training and collaboration. There would be a possibility that before the end of the day on September 9, an official statement will be announced. What I am looking forward to our potential players like Alex Cabagnot and Marcio Lassiter who has a bigger chance to join the team. These two players have proven themselves in PBA and I am sure that with the help of these two players, the national team will have good results in their FIBA Round 2 Qualification.
FIBA Philippine Team almost in Completion
Philippine Team during practice - Image Source It was really a great news for all the Filipinos out there who are always looking forward to a better team composition for Philippine Basketball Team. There might be some obstacles in the process in terms of eligibility of some of the players due to imposed rules and regulation in FIBA. Just recently, a good news was being informed by Philippine basketball that player Greg Slaughter who has a problem with eligibility to play as a local roster for Philippine Team is not anymore an issue since FIBA officially announced via a letter from FIBA officials that Greg Slaughter can play without anymore restriction. This news has been good for the Philippine Team for their game against Iran who has more advantage in terms of height. But Philippine Team this time will try to match them with some tall people that could stand the strength of Iran. Stanley Pringle who has been excellent during the Asian Games that helped Philippine basketball team to grab the 5th position alongside with American-Filipino Jordan Clarkson and Christian Standhardinger. The remaining line up of players would be possibly picked are those who had already played in Asian Games and already proved themselves excluding Jordan Clarkson this time. If Philippine will manage to pass their qualification in round 2 then Jordan Clarkson will reconsider in joining the team on their World Cup journey. Still, there are so much to look forward into since Philippine Team needs to beat powerhouse Iran to secure their way to World Cup. Problems Facing in the Process Greg Slaughter - Image Source Now that Greg Slaughter is playing as a local player, still Philippine coaching staff is a little worried due to lack of training in team practices for Philippine Team due to his recent injury during his game in Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). But still, coaching staff are very confident that he could still catch up with the team chemistry and put a good performance on their FIBA run. As for Christian Standhardinger who has played in Asian Games has missed some team practices due to some stomach issues. Even if he has been into training in Philippine Team last Asian Games but it is still quite different when it comes to FIBA since it is another level of tournament that should not be taken lightly. There might be a change of strategy and players on the other national teams and that the coaching staff should tackle to catch up with also. With Greg Slaughter cleared, the Philippine coaching staff will now choose who will be their naturalized player whether it will be Christian Standhardinger or Stanley Pringle who really plays an important role for the Philippines in the international basketball tournament. Both of these players have different basketball positions and has exceptional skills which really can help lead Philippine Team. I am sure that veteran coach Yeng Guiao, will put many comparisons before taking good actions. Final Announcement of Philippine Rosters Alex Cabagnot - Image Source Coach Yeng Guiao taking more carefully in deciding the final players that would be participating the final line up for FIBA Philippine national team. A pool of prospect players is already in the process of training and collaboration. There would be a possibility that before the end of the day on September 9, an official statement will be announced. What I am looking forward to our potential players like Alex Cabagnot and Marcio Lassiter who has a bigger chance to join the team. These two players have proven themselves in PBA and I am sure that with the help of these two players, the national team will have good results in their FIBA Round 2 Qualification.
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