Rumor of the day: Mario Kasun joins Efes Pilsen
August 27, 2008
Mario Kasun is probably (99.9%) leaving FC Barcelona, Read more
Comparing European and NBA travel calls
August 26, 2008
For some reason, many Europeans - especially Spanish players - complained a lot about the referees not calling the U.S. traveling.
In some way, I really do understand both sides. Traveling in the NBA and the United States is not called the same way as it is called in the Euroleague and Europe. It looks like both sides just do not know better and do not understand why the other is so upset. To defend the US continent, NCAA and FIBA rules are almost the same, while the NBA just has a few minor changes.
During my trip to the U.S. this past summer (yes, summer is almost over!), I followed the US team’s pre-Olympic games as well as the Olympics. Before every game, the commentators talked about the differences between FIBA and NBA rules, such as the size of the court and even the size of the ball, but they never explained the important thing: TRAVELING.
Time to bring some light into the darkness of those made/missing travel calls! (Watch out where you click to start the video - the middle button is advertising. To start the video, click the left corner)
Here are the essentials of FIBA and NBA rules for traveling:
The NBA/WNBA rule is a little more liberal than the current NCAA and FIBA rules when a player is coming to a stop. The NBA/WNBA rule is identical to the pre-1994 FIBA rule; in essence, once you have come to a legal stop, you always have a foot to pivot with. NCAA and current FIBA rules can leave a player without a pivot foot. As well, if you land with a staggered stop (i.e. one foot, then the other, with one foot clearly in front of the other), the back foot is the pivot foot in NBA/WNBA. In NCAA/FIBA, the first foot to touch is the pivot.
Sounds easy right?
Here comes the problem: Why did the referees not make these calls in Beijing? It is obvious that at the Olympics, the teams have to play with FIBA rules, and that TEAM USA HAD to travel just because they are used to different rules. When you play basketball every day, you are not thinking about your steps - you just know them - so Team USA really had to travel, just because they do it - according to FIBA rules, of course - every single day in NBA games.
In case you don’t believe me - just watch this video where we have proof of travel:
We know now, that Team USA did travel at least 5-10 times a game, but the referees did not call it, but would that have changed the outcome of the Olympics? I don’t think so.
Still, why did the referees not make those calls? Any referee in a 5th division team in Europe would have made the calls that you saw in the video. I just hope there wasn’t any “higher” influence.
8.8.88 - The birth of Danilo Gallinari
August 19, 2008
He was born on 08/08/1988, so this could have been Daniel Gallinari’s summer, according to the numerology of the Chinese Olympics. Instead, Team Italy is not on court to defend its Athens’ silver medal and with only a European qualifying group to face, Gallinari is not lacking for time to think about and prepare himself for his next experience in NBA.
Drafted by New York Knicks with sixth overall pick, Gallinari received a mass of boos from his future fans, but the current feeling from Italian sources is that Gallinari will unlikely see a rookie season like his fellow countrymen Bargnani and Belinelli.
Gallinari is coming off two great seasons with Armani Jeans Milano, where he represented, at the age of 19, a basic player: He has the “right face” and the temperament to be decisive in very different situations; he fits perfectly into every team system; he has the skills to play NBA ball much more than other European and inexperienced guys. What about his role on floor and on Knicks’ playbook? Gallinari is a pure small forward, a wing with the talent to score from anywhere and create his own shot; his height has thus far allowed him to dominate smaller opponents; and his toughness and ability to finish through contact is not at all in doubt. Good hesitation moves, body control, mid-range game, and above all his decision-making, consistency and leadership make you wonder if Gallinari is indeed only 20.
He drove Milano to Serie A’s semifinals in the last two years, becoming the key player on a team whose best elements were Kiwane Garris, Travis Watson, Ansu Sesay and Melvin Booker – Surely not your fantasy players. Gallinari was Serie A MVP in 2007/2008 and also won the Euroleague’s Rising Star trophy. Since his debut three years ago for Italian second division team Pavia, he has played many more games than other prospects and at the top European level: This is the primary reason why, when we speak of Gallinari, the first thought goes to the team he will find, not to the way he’ll get used to it.
There they are, the New York Knicks. In the starting lane of a new era, they look like a team which can’t dream so much of high aspirations – not with the current roster – but the possibility of reaching 35 wins isn’t remote, because Mike D’Antoni is a strong guarantee. Seeking buyers for Randolph and trying to help Marbury straighten up, the former Suns’ coach will give Gallinari the chance to show his talent, and not only because his father Vittorio was a reliable teammate in Milano in the 1980s, but specially because the SF spot is not filled very well: Quentin Richardson can’t complete a season without injuries, Jared Jeffries knows only the defense.
Truly, Gallinari is not the problem solver, but the impact he might have in the Big Apple should not be underestimated. He can represent another offensive option besides Crawford and Curry/Randolph, bring energy in the court, and provide a scoring boost off the bench. Moreover, Gallinari has a feel for the game and a basketball IQ uncommon in NBA among non-American players. Right now, Gallinari is a rookie, but the selection is more than a project. He has to improve many aspects of his game – footwork against faster guards; three-point shooting, specifically his slow release; left hand; protection of the ball in the paint – to become a NBA star, and someone must worry about his repeated injuries (right leg fibula, right knee ligament, right shoulder, back) of the last two years.
On the other hand, Gallinari enjoys the confidence of D’Antoni and the hole the Knicks have at SF is too tempting not to take advantage of. New York fans shouldn’t expect 20 points per game from Gallinari, but the contribution he can make to the franchise is not worthless. They must know that the Italian is perhaps the readiest pick of the entire draft, including Derrick Rose and O.J. Mayo. Perhaps he’ll dunk rarely, but he’ll make people speak about him. And the whistles will be vague reminiscences.
This article has been written by Francesco Cappelletti.
Olympics: Team USA vs. Germany LIVE
August 18, 2008
This might be one of the most sad games in Germany’s basketball history. Pascal Roller, Germany’s starting point guard announced that he will stop playing after the Olympics. Another German seems to follow him now: Dirk Nowitzki. Of course Nowitzki will keep playing for the Dallas Mavericks, but this might be his last appearance with the German national team ever, meaning somebody else will leave too: Chris Kaman. No Nowitzki, No Kaman - that easy.
After the terrible loss against China, Team USA - a team that even convinced or suprised the biggest “haters” - is waiting in the last game of group play. Sportingbet’s odds for a win of Germany is 15.00 - a US win equals to … 1.00 - meaning you will not make a dime on betting on Team USA.
At least Germany is not the only team with bad odds like that - another team is Angola .. way to go Germany!
Stiil, here is the live blog of Pascal Roller, Dirk Nowitzki and Chris Kaman’s last game wearing the German “Adler”.
Even google loves Basketball
August 16, 2008
As a blogger, google is your favorite tool. You either use it to do research, read your daily RSS feeds or you have your check your gmail-emails.
So did I last night and saw this great logo:
Buongiorno Dan Dickau!
August 13, 2008
Air Avellino, an Italian club that just made it to the Euroleague for the first time, named Dan Dickau their new point guard. According to club President Vincenzo Ercolino, Air Avelino was looking for Dan, because of their aim “to find a player that could make a difference and dictate the tempo of our team. He is a serious professional with NBA experience. We have nothing to envy of any other playmaker that arrived in Italy this year.”
I am sure, some US media will think about Dan again as a role NBA player, that is not worth p(l)aying in the NBA anyway - so let him go to Europe, but his 12.2 points and 5.2 assists he averaged with the New Orleans Hornets in 2004-05 promise a great signing for Avellino.
The Rookie Wall
August 9, 2008
Everyone knows about the “rookie wall,” that second year in the NBA which often seems impossible to get through for some rookies. Andrea Bargnani hit the wall, and it’s what probably might happen to Marco Belinelli. The cases of the two Italians are, in some ways, of the same mold, and this is not great news.
Bargnani, first overall pick in the 2006 Draft, has just find out how difficult adapting to an NBA team, NBA rules and the NBA way of life is. A reserved, shy guy, Bargnani was stunned by the lights of the pro world and confused when he put on the Toronto Raptors jersey. According to Bryan Colangelo and Maurizio Gherardini’s intentions, Bargnani should have been the starting power forward for the next ten years, but the choice has been shown to be wrong: A rookie season of 11.6 points, 3.9 rebounds and sad 42% field goal shooting, statistics not good enough for a number one pick, turned to a tragic second season in whom Bargnani saw his playing time (from 25.1 to 23.9 minutes), points (10.2), rebounds (3.7) and shooting percentage (38%) decline.
How this was possible? Obviously, the Italian 7’ combo-forward got used to Toronto, knew his teammates better, knew the NBA better … but the rookie wall came all the same. It’s hard to say if a reason for this devolution was Sam Mitchell, but this is probably one reason: The 2006-2007 BA Coach of the Year has never trusted Bargnani, feeling as though the Italian were imposed on the new management. Bargnani’s insubstantiality in the paint made the (negative) difference: The starting power-forward spot is well filled by an All-Star like Chris Bosh, and Mitchell sees in Bargnani only a center. But Bargnani hasn’t the weight, the moves, and the defensive ability to stay with big men, and thus the experiment with Bargnani existing somewhere between the bench and the starting five was a complete failure.
Now, Toronto has taken the opportunity to give to Bosh serious help in the line as Jermaine O’Neal comes to Air Canada Centre. The move is a clear signal to Bargnani: Marking the first change in big men (though possibly the last, as Nesterovic is now a Pacer, and Jawai is still immature) and with a contract entered its final year at $5.1 million with a team option in 2009-2010, this is Bargnani’s last chance to show his aptitude. Otherwise, his Canadian experience risks ending.
Marco Belinelli is in a similar situation, but his future is much brighter than Bargnani’s. The elements are the same: a young talented Italian player coming from many solid seasons in the Italian national league and the Euroleague, an exciting shooter endowed with an impressive temperament. Unfortunately, the trouble makes Belinelli akin to Bargnani is represented by the coach: In this case, his name is Don Nelson.
Famous for leaving rookies on the injured list or in the D-League, Nelson stated after the Summer League 2007 that Belinelli was “going to get many minutes next season,” but the words don’t match the facts: The former Fortitudo Bologna shooting guard played 7.3 minutes per in 33 games, scoring 2.9 points per game. Knowing Nelson, nobody must be surprised. This July, Belinelli was back on the Warriors’ Summer League roster. With thoughts of many returning to the previous summer, when the former no. 18 overall impressed everyone, he notched 17.8 points per game, with an encouraging 37% three-point shooting percentage. Is the future really changing for Belinelli?
Longing to show his real ability, the guy has taken this first difficult season as a year of training to fill in the gaps between some aspects of his game (particularly on the defense, but also physically) and that of other NBA players. If this feeling is true, Belinelli shouldn’t have too many problems finding minutes in the Warriors’ rotations, because he’s clearing not lacking in offensive talent. Even more, a revolution has undergone in the Golden State guard department, suggesting more frequent and better use of the Italian boy.
Belinelli will begin next season as Corey Maggette’s substitute, figuring a “fast and furious” starting five with PG Monta Ellis, Maggette at shooting guard, SF Stephen Jackson, PF Al Harrington, and center Andris Biedrins. On the bench, Marcus Williams and Kelenna Azubuike (the Warriors matched the Clippers’ offer for the English restricted free agent) are standouts, while Anthony Randolph still remains unevolved as a small forward. Not simple, but Belinelli has the quality to come out.
The rookie wall still stands there, as does Don Nelson again. But time is running short. The “Italian Stallion,” Danilo Gallinari, is ready to shine, and Belinelli and Bargnani don’t want to be left behind.
This article has been written by Francesco Cappelletti.
Shawn Kemp, Jason Kidd, Earl Boykins and Europe
August 6, 2008
Being at a basketball camp 24/7 right now does not help in staying on top of things: Today there are 129 new emails in my inbox and a lot of new developments going on. I guess I’m lucky to be at the 76ers camp, where the director has great connections and informs me about current events from time to time.
Wearing this shirt initiated the latest news tough. As you can imagine, Shawn Kemp is a pretty big deal for Europe. Especially if you grew up in that era with him and Gary Payton. Shawn Kemp was THE deal, right?
Well, Shawn has been offered a contract by Italian club Premiata Montegranaro and if you know a little bit about Shawn’s recent problems, you might want to believe that he be would be more than glad to take this offer.
My five cents: If Shawn Kemp signs in Europe, I am buying season tickets for that team!
Earl Boykins finally took a deal in Europe which many believe he should have done much earlier, like last season, when BallinEurope was already discussing the possibility. Now, Earl has signed with Virtus Bologna, a team which struggled mightily with their Americans last season - Delonte Holland, that is.
As you see, there is no need to speculate, especially when you hear the birds in Olympiakos telling people that even LeBron James is an option in 2010 when his contract is over; let’s talk about that … in 2010.
Let’s keep it realistic - like Jason Kidd realistic. Talking to basketball experts, a Jason Kidd move to Europe would not surprising to them at all, since nobody is a real fan of him for being on the Olympic team. We might have to talk about Jason Kidd in Europe pretty soon - pretty seriously!
That’s all from the deep deep Poconos in beautiful Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
Basketball betting: The SportingBet interview
July 28, 2008
If you are a long-time reader of BallinEurope, you have read the outstanding interviews we posted with people involved with bets on basketball games. This time we talked to Philip Carpenter, an odds compiler at SportingBet.com, the official partner of the Euroleague. When Philip sent in the interview, I was amazed by his answers - Make sure you read this article, in which he discusses bets in the USA as well as who will win the Euroleague and the Olympics.
What exactly does an odds compiler like you are have to do? Is it a 24/7 job?
As an odds compiler, the main aim is to assess the likelihood of each outcome of a specific event. As a basketball trading team, we are responsible for analysing and producing prices on season outrights and individual matches, including handicaps and total points lines, for about a dozen leagues across Europe, ranging from the Spanish ACB to the Adriatic NLB. We will also cover all major tournaments, like the Olympics this summer, and European tournaments such as the Euroleague, of which SportingBet is the sponsor.
To work in this climate, you have to understand that news filters through at all times of day, due to time differences across Europe and the Americas. This means you have to be flexible in your approach and to ensure that there is always somebody available to react to any major news that can drastically affect a price. For example, the recent move by Josh Childress from Atlanta in the NBA to Olympiakos in the Greek A1.
What is your strategy for making odds? For example, how much and what kind of research do you do?
I work in a team that consists of four or five traders of which we individually cover two or three leagues. As teams in Europe generally play once a week, it is relatively simple to follow teams’ progress and track them across the season. Domestic league homepages are a great source of information and help provide all manner of statistics from which to work from. As we cover several games live each weekend,we are able to see firsthand how teams perform, which obviously helps us in the pricing process not only for the next match, but for the season outright books we offer.
The internet is obviously a massive tool that can be utilised, and enables us to access forums and discussion websites to get more information that statistics cannot supply. When approaching a match, you want to look at many factors, with important ones being current from over the last five or six matches, the venue, home advantage in, say, a Turkish or Greek arena, is very important. Injuries have to be looked at for obvious reasons, however, fortunately in the European game, they play once a week, so injuries can be better assessed, whereas in America, where they play three or four times a week, injuries play a more important role.
Do you think it’s possible to make a living with basketball bets?
I am privileged to work with a lot of devices that makes it possible to access a lot of information for which I am able to assess whether a price is correct or out of line. These tools, such as websites that contain statistics, come at a price and charge for their services. This will eat into any profits made and are essential for successful betting, and you must understand that losing streaks are unavoidable. It is possible with the right staking plan and the dedication it takes to return a profit. Many people do not understand that it is a very time-consuming occupation as a professional gambler as there is always information to be gained. It is possible but you must have the right attitude and be patient. Obviously luck plays an important role, especially in basketball, as the game is very volatile, as one point generally can have a massive impact when betting on handicaps and totals.
What is more interesting, NBA bets or European basketball bets?
I find that the NBA is very interesting, as they play many times a week. There are a lot of mitigating factors caused by this, which helps to level the playing field a bit, as the number one team can lose to the 30th ranked team. This can be put down to a host of reasons, such as venue when a team goes on a road trip and doesn’t play a home game for 10 days or so, fatigue, minor injuries that players sometimes wouldn’t play through (as they would in Europe). So that gives a bit of an edge to the gambler, as you cannot guarantee that a team will try 100%. They play 82 games per season, so losing one game doesn’t have the impact that it would on a team that plays only 30 games in Turkey.
The major problem with betting on the NBA is that the country doesn’t really appreciate the concept of betting. It’s only legal in certain areas of the country. Las Vegas is predominantly recognised in America as the centre for betting. So they have their own oddsmakers. As they are exposed to more coverage and more statistics, they are viewed as very well-informed and so few bookmakers across Europe will ever release any lines until Las Vegas has put up lines in their casinos. Now if Las Vegas moves a handicap, the average bookmaker thinks they know something that he doesn’t and so will automatically follow them. Because of this nature there are very few opinions out there as everybody is following Las Vegas lines, and there is little deviation. There are very little differences in the prices being offered, so that can be somewhat limiting for the bettor.
Do you think that bets on women’s basketball are easier to make than on men’s games?
I think that anybody trying to adopt betting as a lifestyle has more of a chance to make a living out of betting on women’s matches. I say this primarily because there is less coverage on women’s matches, and less coverage means the availability on information is lower, which means that the bettor has a bigger chance of beating the bookmaker if they can use the information more effectively than the bookmaker. You will often see on a men’s match that there will be nearly 50 companies all offering a very similar match price, with handicaps within one point of one another. Whereas only several companies will offer a woman’s match and that can lead to greater differences in handicaps. To realise a profit, though, you must be dedicated and use the information, but the women’s game is just as volatile as the men’s.
Since you must know a lot about international Basketball, who will win the Olympic tournament this summer?
It is always hard to look past the USA whenever they come to a major tournament; those who have over the last few years have probably made good profits. This year, however, they are taking it very seriously. They finished the season earlier, so that they can practice a more European style of offensive and defensive play, which they have struggled with in recent years, and have also been coached with international refereeing, which is different to that of the NBA. They would be my recommendation, as they are taking a very strong team – even with Le Bron’s recent injury. But if you are looking at an outsider, then the Greeks looked very strong at the qualifying tournament (albeit they were at home) or Argentina, who are placed in the weaker group and, if all goes to plan, avoid the USA until the final.
And of course … who will win the Euroleague 2009 in Berlin…?
Tough question, but Olympiakos have made some good signings over the summer, and with the playoffs moving to five-game series instead of three-, Greece is a very difficult place to go. Also keep an eye on Efes Pilsen: They were going strong last year until players refused to go to Belgrade for a match (they were all subsequently cut), and they have been very active over the summer trying to rebuild for the Euroleague this year.
Thank you very much, Philip, for this great interview!
Carlos Delfino has a new/old teammate!
July 25, 2008
After Carlos Delfino signed a nice contract with Eurocup team BC Khimki, it looks like the Khimki managers wanted more from the Raptors than “just” Delfino.
A few hours ago, the club and the Eurocup website announced that Jorge Garbajosa has signed a two-year contract with Russian club BC Khimki.
It also looks like another American player is leaving his home country: Carl Landry from the Houston Rockets is rumored to be signing with Spanish club Tau Ceramica - We will keep you updated.
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Euroleague 2008/09
