Last weekend in Las Vegas, Team USA capped off what proved to be a mesmerizing performance in the Americas’ Tournament , earning both the tournament’s gold medal and an automatic berth in the 2008 Summer … via ArmchairGM
It may not have meant a lot. Team USA had already clinched the right to compete in the 2008 Bejing Olympics just by being in the FIBA America’s finals. via About.com
“Hey, I’m still here. I’m going to be a hell of a player. I’m not worried about myself being back out on the floor. I’m not worried about making it through a season.”
It’s pretty common for NBA players to talk about anxiously awaiting the opening of training camp. via Los Angeles Times
“We lost out on the Kevin Garnett sweepstakes”
Phil Jackson, who won nine NBA championships as a coach and one as a player, addresses the media before his induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass., on Friday morning. via Los Angeles Times
“This is key. I’m glad we did play this summer”
Michael Redd and the U.S. team play Puerto Ruco Saturday. Harris hopeful: Bucks, Bell at impasse New! Bucks Blog The Journal Sentinel’s team of Bucks beat writers and columnists bring fans the latest news, … via Milwaukee Journal-Sentinal
It ruined the Shaquille O’Neal-Kobe Bryant pairing in Los Angeles, but Tracy McGrady won’t let it derail Houston’s title hopes. via NBA.com
“I thought it was going to be more packed”
Kobe Bryant regards Las Vegas as Lakers country. So where were all his fans on opening night of the FIBA Americas tournament? Not at the Thomas & Mack Center, where the Americans debuted before a crowd that … via Home News Tribune
“We know it’s a little more difficult financially here in Oklahoma City, but we think it’s great for the community, and if we could break even, we’d be thrilled.”
‘ Shug McGaughey has a pretty good track record in the Travers Stakes - ‘ three victories, two runner-up finishes and three thirds in 10 races. via Arizona Daily Star
In the LOS ANGELES TIMES, Lonnie White writes “the biggest “what if” for Kobe Bryant is Team USA Coach Mike Krzyzewski, who flirted with the Lakers’ coaching job before Rudy Tomjanovich was hired in 2004. via NBA.com
“I want to help the younger guys”
Make no mistake about who is the leader of the USA men’s basketball team. Jason Kidd of the New Jersey Nets got that job the minute he stepped onto the court as a member of the team, which is trying to qualify … via USA Today
“I grew up watching the ’80s NBA, watching the Bad Boys and the Celtics, the Lakers when they played. Everything was physical. You could put your hands on guys and body them. That made the game extremely competitive, so I enjoy it.”
Team USA invited FIBA referees to work a scrimmage this week. Fortunately, everyone survived. via News Journal
