USA Basketball – Page 14 – Syndication Server

Marc J. Spears: USA Basketball says its …

Marc J. Spears: USA Basketball says its three home AmeriCup Qualifying games will be at the Entertainment and Sports Arena in D.C., home to the Washington Mystics and G-League Capital City Go-Go. USA will play Puerto Rico on Feb. 23, Bahamas on Nov. 27 and Mexico on Nov. 30.

LeBron James shares prayers, appreciation for David Stern and family

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James send a heartfelt message about former NBA commissioner David Stern, who passed away Wednesday.

LeBron James was one of many in the NBA family to share his sadness, condolences and appreciation for former NBA commissioner David Stern on Wednesday. The NBA announced the passing of the legendary commissioner, who presided over the league’s massive growth from 1984 until 2014.

Although there were moments when Stern tried to stand in LeBron’s way, like attempting to stop him and ESPN from airing “The Decision,” James, like everyone else in the NBA community, was saddened about the loss of a giant in the basketball world. James shared his feelings about the loss of Stern on Instagram, particularly the moment Stern announced his name as the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft in 2003.

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I will never EVER forget when you called my name on stage and I shook your hand. My dream came true!!! Thank you for your commitment to the beautiful game of basketball that has changed so many young adult/kids lives and more importantly your vision to make our game become WORLDWIDE was a vision only you could make happen! You did just that. Making our game the greatest sport in the world! Was a honor to know you personally. Rest In Paradise David Stern! My prayers goes to your family and friends throughout this difficult time! 🙏🏾💪🏾👑

A post shared by LeBron James (@kingjames) on Jan 1, 2020 at 3:34pm PST

James not only came into the league with Stern as the commissioner but grew up with Stern in the position. That only adds to the reverence James and current players have for Stern and his legacy.

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I’ve done some rechecking on the matter …

I’ve done some rechecking on the matter and was advised recently that U.S.A.B. officials didn’t see anything resembling this Adebayo during practices in August. It was likewise suggested that Adebayo, deep down, knew he didn’t make a strong enough case to earn a slot. Adebayo wouldn’t go that far when I had a chance to ask him directly over the weekend, but he did acknowledge that losing out to Milwaukee’s Brook Lopez, Indiana’s Myles Turner and Denver’s Mason Plumlee left him with a “bigger chip on my shoulder.”

“Obviously no man wants to get cut, so …

“Obviously no man wants to get cut, so I take it personally,” Adebayo said after posting the second of those triple-doubles in an overtime win on Saturday night in Dallas. “But it’s behind me now.” Yet Adebayo insisted that “it’s not the reason why I’ve been doing what I’m doing.” Credit Heat Coach Erik Spoelstra for instilling him with the confidence to become an increasingly significant part of Miami’s offense on top of Adebayo’s Draymond Green-like ability to guard all five positions.

USA Basketball named former NBA head …

USA Basketball named former NBA head coach Mike Fratello as USA’s head coach for the 2021 FIBA AmeriCup Qualifiers. Andy Greer and Othella Harrington will be his assistants. Fratello holds previous experience at the international level with Ukraine between 2011 and 2014. From 1984 to 2006 made it to the playoffs 11 times in 15 full-season attempts with various NBA teams.