New FIBA office ready to help elevate basketball in Indonesia

SEPTEMBER 17, 2024

JAKARTA (Indonesia) - Following the success of Indonesia's co-hosting of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 and in recognition of its vast potential and rapidly growing passion for the sport, FIBA has opened a new office in Jakarta.

FIBA Indonesia will help to underpin the growth of basketball at all levels across the country, with a dedicated focus on grassroots programs, organizational growth and strengthening basketball institutions.

As part of its mission, FIBA Indonesia will deliver a strategic plan closely aligned with FIBA's global objectives.

The strategic plan will ensure the sport is promoted across various sectors and will be delivered through four key areas: a strong and sustainable basketball ecosystem, higher participation numbers of players, coaches, and officials across the country, with a special focus on women in basketball at all levels, and a positive social impact from basketball activities.

FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis commented: "Co-hosting the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 has sparked an unprecedented rise of the interest in basketball across Indonesia. This important legacy element has not gone unnoticed by FIBA, nor the fact that the country has a vast potential and also appetite to quickly progress in the international basketball stage. We are therefore excited to open the FIBA Indonesia office and to work hand-in-hand with the government, represented by the Ministry of Youth and Sport, as well as with our member federation, PERBASI, for the growth of basketball in Indonesia. The FIBA Indonesia office will play a crucial role in supporting basketball development at all levels, with a strong focus on grassroots programs and empowering the local basketball community."

The strong support of the Indonesian government was exemplified by the presence of the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, pictured below, as well as the Minister of Youth and Sports, Dito Ariotedjo, at the inauguration of the FIBA Indonesia office.

Indonesia's Minister of Youth and Sports, Dito Ariotedjo, stated: "This is an important symbol for the growth of basketball in our country. We want to encourage more people to play the sport and harness basketball's potential for positive social impact. We look forward to working alongside FIBA to further develop basketball and its reach throughout Indonesia."

Meanwhile, Erick Thohir, International Olympic Committee member and FIBA Central Board member from Indonesia added: "This new office underscores FIBA's long-term dedication to fostering and advancing basketball throughout the region, with a special focus on Indonesia, building on the legacy of its flagship men’s event and inspiring future generations of players and fans."

The FIBA Indonesia office will be led by Rufiana, Manager of FIBA Indonesia, who was part of the Local Organizing Committee of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 in Jakarta.

The inauguration of the new FIBA Indonesia office was attended by numerous dignitaries, including the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo; Secretary of State of the Republic of Indonesia, Mr Pratikno; FIBA President Sheikh Saud Ali Al-Thani; FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis; FIBA Treasurer Ingo Weiss; Minister of Youth & Sport of the Republic of Indonesia, Mr Nandito Ariotedjo; Minister of State-owned Enterprises of the Republic of Indonesia and FIBA Central Board member, Mr Erick Thohir; FIBA Asia President Dr Govindaraj; President ad interim PERBASI, Mr Ardima Rama Putra; and PERBASI Secretary General, Ms Nirmala Dewi; and FIBA Indonesia Manager, Ms Rufiana.

Spain's Unicaja crowned FIBA Intercontinental Cup champions in Singapore

SEPTEMBER 15, 2024

SINGAPORE (Singapore) - Spanish club Unicaja Malaga defeated NBA G League United 75-60 in the Final of the 34th FIBA Intercontinental Cup, in Singapore Indoor Stadium on Sunday, to celebrate their first ever title in the competition.

This result raises Europe's silverware tally in the FIBA Intercontinental Cup to 23 trophies, with Spanish clubs accounting for 11 of those conquests. On the other hand, NBA G League United became the first team from the USA to reach the Final since 1974.

Unicaja, who represented Europe by virtue of winning the Basketball Champions League last spring, jumped in the lead early in the opening period and held a 6-point cushion, 38-32, at half-time.

FIBA President Sheikh Saud Ali Al Thani presents Unicaja captain Alberto Diaz with the 2024 trophy

Powered by their stifling defense, the Spanish side tightened their grip on the game after the break and led by as many as 21 points in the fourth stanza to reclaim the trophy for Europe, after Brazil's Sesi Franca had won it last year.

Dylan Osetkowski was named MVP of the 2024 FIBA Intercontinental Cup, after leading all Unicaja scorers in the Final with 15 points. The 28-year-old power forward averaged 11 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists in the tournament.

Dylan Osetkowski presented with the MVP award by FIBA Intercontinental Cup ambassador Stephon Marbury

In another historical first, earlier on Sunday, the Tasmania JackJumpers became the first ever Australian club to step on the podium at a FIBA Intercontinental Cup tournament, three days after becoming the first club from Oceania to participate in the competition.

The reigning NBL champions outlasted Lebanon's Al Riyadi Beirut, the Basketball Asia League champions, 80-75 in the Third-Place Game.

Angola's Petro De Luanda meanwhile also signed off on a high note in Singapore, becoming the first ever African team to win a game in the FIBA Intercontinental Cup.

The BAL champions overcame a 13-point deficit to defeat Argentina's Quimsa, the BCL Americas champions, 70-64 in the game for fifth place.

Final Standings:
1. Unicaja (Spain)
2. NBA G League United (USA
3. Tasmania JackJumpers (Australia)
4. Al Riyadi Beirut (Lebanon)
5. Petro De Luanda (Angola)
6. Quimsa (Argentina)

FIBA Intercontinental Cup Singapore 2024 was an important milestone for the competition, as it was the second edition to be hosted in Asia and the first to include Oceania. The event has evolved into a truly global celebration, the only club basketball competition to involve all six continents.

Asia was included for the first time last year, while African clubs joined in 2022. Up until 2021, only teams from Europe and the Americas had taken part.

Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid remain the most successful club in FIBA Intercontinental Cup history, having won the trophy on five occasions.

Members of the media can download photos of the award ceremony here

Eight more stellar names inducted into FIBA Hall of Fame 2024 in Singapore

SEPTEMBER 15, 2024

SINGAPORE (Singapore) - Eight outstanding contributors to international basketball around the world have been officially inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame as members of the Class of 2024.

The honors were handed out at a prestigious ceremony in Singapore. It took place on the eve and on the court of the FIBA Intercontinental Cup Final which has been a historic event after featuring clubs from all five FIBA regions for the very first time.

This year's Class included legendary players Miao Lijie (China), Reggie Miller (USA), Danira Nakic-Bilic (Croatia), Kirk Penney (New Zealand), Romain Sato (Central African Republic), Skaidrite Smildzina-Budovska (Latvia) and Peja Stojakovic (Serbia). The Class also recognized the coaching accomplishments of Dan Peterson (USA).

FIBA Hall of Famer Andrew Gaze, speaking at the ceremony, emphasized the meaning of this prestigious honor: “Being part of the FIBA Hall of Fame is not only about the wins and the losses. It’s not about the successes, it’s about a life-long commitment and dedication to our sport. Basketball is a powerful sport that can do extraordinary things, inspire, and change lives. The members of the Hall of Fame have been able to do that.”

FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis concluded: “It is a night to remember and to pay tribute to the 2024 Class of the FIBA Hall of Fame. Our inductees have had remarkable national team and club careers. We admire them for their contributions to basketball. And I could not have imagined a better setting to honor them for what they have done for the game.”

To view the acceptance speech of each inductee, click on the links below:

- Miao Lijie
- Reggie Miller
- Danira Nakic-Bilic
- Kirk Penney
- Romain Sato
- Skaidrite Smildzina-Budovska
- Peja Stojakovic
- Dan Peterson

To find out more about the FIBA Hall of Fame, click here, and to view the full ceremony, click here.

RAPTORS’ LARRY TANENBAUM RE-ELECTED AS CHAIRMAN OF THE NBA BOARD OF GOVERNORS

NEW YORK, Sept. 10, 2024 – The NBA announced today that Toronto Raptors Governor and Chairman of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) Larry Tanenbaum has been re-elected as Chairman of the NBA Board of Governors.

One of North America’s most influential sports figures and the first Canadian to serve as NBA Board Chairman, Tanenbaum has been Governor of the Raptors since 1998 and holds the same title with the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs and MLS’ Toronto FC. In May 2024, the WNBA awarded Toronto an expansion team that will be owned and operated by Tanenbaum-led Kilmer Sports Ventures. The franchise, which is the WNBA’s first outside of the United States, will begin play in the 2026 season.

As Chairman of MLSE, Tanenbaum has been recognized for his contributions in the areas of philanthropy, business and volunteerism. In 2007, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada, the highest civilian award in the country’s honours system.

NBA EXPANDS USE OF INSTANT REPLAY

ON OUT-OF-BOUNDS REVIEWS

NEW YORK, Sept. 10, 2024 – The NBA Board of Governors today approved an expanded use of the Coach’s Challenge when reviewing out-of-bounds violations, beginning with the 2024-25 NBA season.

Under the new rule, if instant replay of an out-of-bounds violation is triggered by a Coach’s Challenge, the on-court officials and Replay Center will be able to review the video to determine whether a foul proximate to the violation should have been called. The factors that will be considered in determining whether a prior uncalled foul is proximate to the out-of-bounds violation are below:

Whether the players involved in the uncalled foul are the same or different players than the ones involved in the out-of-bounds violation under review.
The distance between the uncalled foul and the out-of-bounds violation under review.
The time elapsed between the uncalled foul and the out-of-bounds violation under review.

Here is an example of a play from last season and how the new rule will be applied. On this play, the Dallas Mavericks challenged the ruling on the floor that awarded the Minnesota Timberwolves with possession following an out-of-bounds violation. When reviewing the play, although Dallas guard Kyrie Irving made illegal contact with the left arm of Minnesota forward Jaden McDaniels, the officials and the Replay Center correctly determined that the ball was last touched by McDaniels, ruled the Mavericks’ challenge to be successful and thus awarded possession to Dallas. Under the new rule, Dallas’ challenge would be unsuccessful, a personal foul would be called on Irving and Minnesota would retain possession or shoot free throws if the Mavericks were in the penalty.

The NBA’s Competition Committee – which consists of players, representatives from the National Basketball Players Association, coaches, governors, team and league basketball executives, and referees – unanimously recommended this rule change to the Board of Governors.