FIBA 1327
Gigi Datome’s story isn’t finished yet
With Luigi Datome’s career on the line, as well as their future at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Italy did everything they could to lose but Gigi made sure the story is still being written as they eventually took down Puerto Rico Whatever fear of a hangover from Gianmarco Pozzecco’s men after their epic comeback […]
Rokas Jokubaitis leads Lithuania past Greece
Rokas Jokubaitis came up big in the second half as he provided the creative spark Lithuania needed to see off Greece and secure their place in the quarter finals of the FIBA World Cup Technically speaking, this was only an elimination game for Greece. In reality, Lithuania didn’t fancy the cards falling their way if […]
A harsh lesson for the USA
The USA won against Montenegro but the problems in this roster and the style of play they have opted to play with were all too evident as the tiny nation gave them one hell of a game in Manila No efficiency from deep, no impact in the paint, and, quite simply, no half-court offence. The […]
They fought here
There was, of course, a basketball game and one with stakes at that but Emmet Ryan just had to go to Araneta Coliseum for the sheer history October 1, 1975, the date is on the banner high for the Thrilla in Manila. In my early 20s, I was thrilled to find that the bonus content […]
Papapetrou guides Greece past gallant New Zealand
New Zealand left it all out there in a display filled with bravery and belief but it just wasn’t enough in the end as Greece, eventually, secured their spot in the second phase. Emmet Ryan reports from Manila Being a Tall Black is a vocation because you’ve got to be devoted to dream of this […]
Steve Kerr may regret not testing Kessler
It was another easy win for the USA as they took care of Jordan with ease at the 2023 FIBA World Cup but Emmet Ryan thinks Steve Kerr missed a golden opportunity to test his emergency option It’s not like the USA appear to need much help so far at this World Cup. Comfortable victories […]
Valanciunas proves that this is his court
It took a while for the big man battle to get going but once it did, Jonas Valanciunas was decisive in his duel with Nikola Vucevic as Lithuania moved to 3-0 with victory over Montenegro Basketball is a complex game involving movement, sets, knowing when to be opportunistic, adjustments, and so much more. Sometimes however […]
USA coast past Greece but that may be a worry for the Americans
It felt like a glorified exhibition from early on and that’s bad news for the victors, writes Emmet Ryan. Austin Reaves may be beloved by the locals but cruise control in Manila isn’t ideal even if it lead to a comprehensive win over Greece Take your pick really. Staring down the interior D of the […]
For Bonn, to win just once would be enough
On Sunday, in the Basketball Champions League final, Telekom Baskets have a chance at the first major trophy in the club’s history. The Bonn club has been waiting a long time for this moment Fun is, and this may be the least controversial take I’ve ever made in a lifetime of irritatingly largely calm and […]
Ireland’s men know their fate but what’s their future?
Having drawn Croatia and Luxembourg in the third round of FIBA EuroBasket 2025 pre-qualification, Ireland’s path over the next cycle or two has become clearer The draw could have been a lot worse but there was only so much better that it could have really gotten. That’s the nature of the pre-qualification format for EuroBasket […]
Malaga’s hosting win is the secondary story in BCL F4 drama
Unicaja Malaga fans will get to watch their team challenge for the Basketball Champions League title in their own arena but the decision is shrouded in drama as Hapoel Jerusalem missed out on hosting I am often wrong and rarely informed. I said as much last night as the expectations over where the Basketball Champions […]
Irish Pat Connaughton steps up as Giannis watches with joy
While the Greek Freak was forced to sit with injury, Pat Connaughton stepped up off the bench big time for the Milwaukee Bucks The European connection with the Milwaukee Bucks is well known, after all they’ve got the two time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and his brother Thanasis on the roster. There is, of course, […]