Basketball News

 

  

Humacao triunfa en el primer partido en su serie contra Las Piedras

(Humacao P.R.) –Anoche, los Grises de Humacao vencieron a los Artesanos de Las Piedras, con marcador de 78-72, en juego celebrado en el legendario e histórico Coliseo Emilio E. Huyke, ante casa llena. Con la victoria Humacao lidera 1-0, la serie de 3-2, del “Elite 8”, de la Liga de Baloncesto Puertorriqueña (LBP). El segundo partido será el próximo jueves 30 de marzo, desde las 8:00 de la noche, en el Coliseo Rafael G. Amalbert de Juncos.

El apoderado de los Grises, Orlando J. López informó que, por Humacao, el armador Jean Vázquez y Geovan Delgado lideraron la ofensiva con 16 puntos cada uno, Cristian Díaz añadió 15, Julio Osorio con 12 y Samuel Delgado aportó 10.

El cronista deportivo humacaeño, Nelson O. Colón Vellón se expresó acerca de este partido una vez culminado: “Los fanáticos fueron testigos de un CLÁSICO entre pueblos vecinos. No recuerdo haber visto una cancha tan repleta y con tanta vibra como la que se sintió hoy en el histórico y legendario Coliseo Emilio E. Huyke de Humacao; ambas fanatizadas dejándose sentir desde el principio. Los dos equipos entregando hasta el último suspiro por conseguir la victoria; bueno, simplemente, los máximos ganadores fuimos NOSOTROS.

Para más información pueden comunicarse al (787) 949-4704, en Facebook e Instagram: Grises de Humacao LBP o al correo electrónico grisesdehumacaolbp@gmail.com.

SAN ANTONIO SPURS’ KEITA BATES-DIOP RECEIVES FEBRUARY NBA CARES COMMUNITY ASSIST AWARD

-NBA to donate $10,000 to Living for Zachary-

NEW YORK, March 29, 2023 – The NBA today announced San Antonio Spurs forward Keita Bates-Diop as the NBA Cares Community Assist Award winner for the month of February in recognition of his ongoing efforts around advocating and raising awareness on the importance of CPR training and automated external defibrillator (AED) accessibility to help prevent cardiac arrest incidents.  February is also American Heart Month and holds special meaning to Bates-Diop.  In 2017, Bates-Diop’s younger brother, Kai, suffered a cardiac arrest and collapsed during practice with his high school basketball team.  A certified athletic trainer present at the scene performed CPR on Kai helping to save his life.  Since Kai’s cardiac arrest in 2017, Bates-Diop has been passionate about sharing the importance of CPR and AED training with others, and recently hosted events to help teach those life-saving skills to people in San Antonio.  Each month of the regular season, the award recognizes a player who best demonstrates the passion that the league and NBA players share for giving back to their communities. 

 

On February 2, Bates-Diop and Methodist Healthcare System's certified cardiac trainers hosted a CPR and AED training session for student athletes and JROTC members at Central Catholic High School in San Antonio.  The topic of sudden cardiac arrest hits close to home for the tight-knit Central Catholic community.  In 2008, a student athlete in their senior year at the school passed away from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy – a thickening of the heart muscle and a leading cause of sudden cardiac death among youth athletes.  Bates-Diop started the session by sharing Kai’s story with the more than 75 students in attendance.  As Bates-Diop recounted the frightful day, the group of students were fully engaged and understood that Kai’s story could be about any high school athlete, and took that focus into the CPR and AED training portion of the session.  For the training session, Methodist Healthcare designed a program tailored for the school and provided hands-only CPR and AED training equipment.  Additionally, Living for Zachary and American Heart Association donated resources and shared stories of young people whose lives were saved from CPR and AED’s.  Bates Diop’s mother, Wilma Bates, also flew into San Antonio to take part in the event to share Kai’s story and how it ignited a passion in their family to save lives through advocacy of CPR and AED training.  In honor of Kai and to support Bates-Diop’s passion for CPR and AED training, Spurs Sports & Entertainment donated a total of five AEDs in collaboration with Living for Zachary to three community organizations; Roy Maas, Great Hearts Texas and Liberty Hills Soccer Organization.  Living for Zachary places AEDs throughout Texas to make defibrillation readily available in the community and ensure a three-minute drop to shock response time, increasing survival rate to more than 70%.

 

Sparked by Bates Diop’s desire to educate others on CPR and AED training, the San Antonio Spurs and Methodist Healthcare also hosted a CPR training activation on the concourse during the Feb. 1 Kings-Spurs game, where 700 fans learned hands-only CPR prior to and throughout the game.

 

“It’s an honor to receive the Community Assist Award, especially for a cause that is so close to my family.” said Bates-Diop.  “CPR training and AED accessibility saved my brother’s life and any awareness we can raise about responding to cardiac arrest quickly is vital. I’m grateful to the NBA for the support and attention they’re bringing to this training so that more lives can be saved.”

 

Bates-Diop will be recognized during an on-court ceremony before the Spurs’ home contest against the Utah Jazz on Wednesday, Mar. 29 at 8 p.m. ET.  Spurs Sports & Entertainment Chief Impact Officer, Dr. Kara Allen, and Spurs legend David Robinson will present him with the award.  The NBA will donate $10,000 to Living for Zachary – a non-profit organization whose mission is to raise awareness and prevent sudden cardiac arrest in youth.

 

The NBA Cares Community Assist Award honors the standard set by NBA Legend David Robinson, who improved the community piece by piece.  To learn more, please visit https://communityassist.nba.com/.

Nancy Lieberman Charities, Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and Dallas Wings to Unveil Dream Court^™ at Dr. Frederick Douglass Todd Sr. Middle School

Ribbon-cutting ceremony and basketball clinic for local youth to be held on Thursday, March 30

 

What: Nancy Lieberman Charities, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and the Dallas Wings have teamed up with the Dallas Independent School District and the Dallas Police Department to present a new Dream Court^™ to the community. The outdoor basketball court, located at the Dr. Frederick Douglass Todd Sr. Middle School, will provide a safe place for youth to play basketball, build positive relationships, and much more.

“Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman continues to build the game for all and provides awesome facilities in neighborhoods that can use a lift. Her Dream Court concept proves she has not forgotten her roots as she knows what a clean and safe court and a basketball can do for a kid — it can lead to a lifetime of opportunities,” said Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame President John Doleva.

 

After a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony, Dallas police officers, Dallas Wings players, and DISD staff will lead youth participants in a clinic.

 

“We are thrilled to be partnering with all the great organizations involved in this project, led by our Wings Ambassador and Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman,” Dallas Wings President & CEO Greg Bibb stated. “Nancy has championed more than 100 Dream Courts and we are incredibly proud to be a part of the latest one in South Dallas during a special weekend for women’s basketball. Nancy and her team have done a tremendous job of providing access to the game of basketball by building courts as well as conducting camps and clinics in schools and community centers that otherwise wouldn’t have the resources to do so.”

 

The Dream Court is high school regulation size, 50-by-84 feet, and includes two new basketball goals. It features a high-performance PowerGame^™ surface from Sport Court in blue and dark blue, with the Dream Court logo as its centerpiece.

 

Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia said, “This is more than just a basketball court, it is an investment in our kids and in our community. We are lucky to live in a city that makes the effort to provide places and activities to keep our kids busy, teaching them valuable life and social skills and helping them to make the right choices.”

 

“Life is so good when the Women’s Final Four is in Dallas and we get to team up with the community,” noted Basketball Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman. “The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, Dallas Wings, and Nancy Lieberman Charities make me so proud to be on this super team. Our 120^th Dream Court is in a community where I resided when I came to Dallas in 1981. My heart is full and can’t wait to get on the court.”

 

Nancy Lieberman Charities has donated over 100 Dream Courts throughout the U.S., to make basketball more accessible to children and provide a safe environment for them to play. Dream Courts serve over five million youth each year.

Line up confirmed for FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2023 in Spain

MARCH 27, 2023 MADRID (Spain) - The path to the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2023 trophy has been determined after the groups for the 15th edition of the event were confirmed in Monday's draw in Madrid, Spain. Following the announcement that this event will be the first ever official FIBA competition to use an innovative glass flooring court, the 16 teams were divided into four groups of four teams each.

The results of the draw are as follows: Group A: Argentina, Spain, Australia and France Group B: Mali, Germany, Chinese Taipei and USA Group C: Japan, Lithuania, Brazil and Italy Group D: Egypt, Canada, China and Czech Republic All 16 teams participating in the event will advance to the competition's Final Phase with a single-elimination format in place from the Round of 16 onwards. The teams from Group A will face teams from Group B, based on standings within these groups (1st vs 4th - 2nd vs 3rd) and teams from Group C will face teams from Group D. Five different countries have won the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup since its inception in 1985, with the reigning champions USA leading the field with nine titles, including eight of the last nine editions. USA have defeated Australia in the last two Finals of the competition.  The draw was performed by women's basketball legends Amaya Valdemoro of Spain and Sonja Vasic of Serbia. The 2023 edition of the tournament will take place from June 15 - July 23 in Madrid, Spain. FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2023 to feature global premiere of LED glass floor MARCH 27, 2023 MADRID (Spain) - There will be a striking new dimension to this year's edition of the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup with the first ever use of an innovative glass flooring court in an official FIBA competition.  This exciting state of the art surface will provide a fantastic opportunity for some of the best young female players and teams in the world to become the first to play on it at a flagship FIBA event. Rigorously tested and having gone through FIBA's Equipment and Venue Centre Approval program, ASB GlassFloor systems have already been utilized in the 3x3 Pro League in the Netherlands and in pre-season German Bundesliga games, as well as other sporting competitions. The introduction of the glass flooring court contributes strongly to the successful delivery of one of FIBA's strategic priorities – namely, to 'Enlarge the FIBA Family' by endorsing and encouraging innovation in basketball. The LumiFlex court provided by ASB GlassFloor is a full video floor allowing for interactive applications as well as an enhanced show staging with additional options for advertising. The flooring can also feature the ability to add player tracking to the video floor, making it possible to display live stats and athletic achievements on the floor, providing fans with enhanced interaction and better engagement. Global premiere of glass floor court at the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2023 FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis said: "It is with great pride that we look forward to witnessing the premiere of this glass flooring court on the world stage in July. This innovative surface, made possible by the recent rule change, clearly demonstrates FIBA's appetite to embrace new technology and innovation. "Delivering on one of our strategic priorities, it also underlines just how much FIBA is determined to advance our sport so we can make basketball even more appealing and engaging for fans, while also enhancing the experience for players." Meanwhile, Spanish Basketball Federation President Jorge Garbajosa was also quick to point out the benefits ahead of his nation hosting the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2023 in Madrid between July 15 and 23. "We are very happy and supportive of the decision to use the glass flooring court for this important event, especially as we celebrate our 100th anniversary this year," enthused Garbajosa. "As a former player, I know the athletes getting ready to compete at the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup will now be even more excited knowing they will be the first to play at such a big event on this new state of the art surface." He added, "As the host nation, we know it can provide us with additional opportunities from a marketing and branding standpoint, both in terms of engaging with commercial partners and enhancing the fan experience." The use of the glass flooring court at the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2023 was made possible by the decision of the FIBA Central Board last year to implement a rule change to allow the use of LED glass in Level 1 competitions. The glass flooring will be used for all Final Phase games at the Palacio de los Deportes de la Comunidad de Madrid. Grises de Humacao a los mejores 8 equipos del torneo de la Liga de Baloncesto Puertorriqueña (Toa Alta P.R.) –El pasado sábado 25 de marzo, los Grises de Humacao de la Liga de Baloncesto Puertorriqueña (LBP), vencieron a los Héroes de Toa Alta, en partido celebrado en la Cancha Lauro Dávila, con marcador 68-67. Con la victoria Humacao gana la Serie 2-1, entrando así a los mejores 8 equipos de Puerto Rico. El apoderado de la franquicia, Orlando J. López informó que el armador Jean Vázquez lució en grande y lideró la ofensiva de los Grises con 17 puntos, 4 rebotes, 6 asistencias y 1 robo de balón. Por su parte Luis Cintrón aportó 14, Cristian Díaz anotó 13, Geovan y Samuel Delgado con 9. Vídeo: 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐧𝐨 𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢́𝐚𝐜𝐨𝐬 . Últimos 5.4 segundos del partido decisivo por el pase al “𝐄𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝟖” entre los Grises de Humacao y Héroes de Toa Alta de la LBP: https://www.facebook.com/griseslbp/videos/769282887871932/ “Nuestro próximo compromiso de la postemporada será el martes 28 de marzo, cuando recibimos la visita de los Artesanos de Las Piedras desde las 8:00 de la noche, en el histórico y legendario Coliseo Emilio Huyke de Humacao, en el comienzo de la serie (3-2) del “𝐄𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝟖”. De parte de toda nuestra organización queremos agradecerles a todos los fanáticos que se dieron cita en Toa Alta por el compromiso y respaldo con nuestros guerreros, sin duda alguna tenemos la mejor fanaticada de todo Puerto Rico”, culminó expresando el también apoderado del año de la Liga. Para más información pueden comunicarse al (787) 949-4704, en Facebook e Instagram: Grises de Humacao LBP o al correo electrónico grisesdehumacaolbp@gmail.com. DALLAS’ LUKA DONČIĆ FINED NEW YORK, March 24, 2023 – Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Dončić has been fined $35,000 for directing an inappropriate and unprofessional gesture toward a game official, it was announced today by Joe Dumars, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations.   The incident occurred with :01.7 remaining in the fourth quarter of the Mavericks’ 127-125 loss to the Golden State Warriors on March 22 at American Airlines Center. PHOENIX’S MONTY WILLIAMS FINED   NEW YORK, March 24, 2023 – Phoenix Suns head coach Monty Williams has been fined $20,000 for public criticism of the officiating, it was announced today by Joe Dumars, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations.   Williams made his comments to the media following the Suns’ 122-111 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on March 22 at Crypto.com Arena.    INDIANA’S BUDDY HIELD FINED   NEW YORK, March 22, 2023 – Indiana Pacers guard Buddy Hield has been fined $25,000 for making an obscene gesture on the playing court, it was announced today by Joe Dumars, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations.   The incident occurred with 11:30 remaining in the second quarter of the Pacers’ 115-109 loss to the Charlotte Hornets on March 20 at Spectrum Center.  MEMPHIS’ DILLON BROOKS SUSPENDED   NEW YORK, March 21, 2023 – Memphis Grizzlies guard-forward Dillon Brooks has been suspended one game without pay for receiving his 18th technical foul of the 2022-23 season, it was announced today by Joe Dumars, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations.   Under NBA rules, a player or coach is automatically suspended without pay for one game once he receives his 16th technical foul during a regular season. For every two additional technical fouls received during that regular season, the player or coach will be automatically suspended without pay for an additional game.   Brooks received his most recent technical foul with 7:26 remaining in the third quarter of the Grizzlies’ 112-108 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on March 20 at FedExForum.     Brooks will serve his suspension March 22 when the Grizzlies play host to the Houston Rockets at FedExForum.   To view the incident, click on the following link: https://www.nba.com/watch/video/mavericks-vs-grizzlies-3-20-2023  NBA COMMISSIONER ADAM SILVER’S STATEMENT REGARDING THE PASSING OF WILLIS REED   NEW YORK, March 21, 2023 – NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement today regarding the passing of Willis Reed:   “Willis Reed was the ultimate team player and consummate leader.  My earliest and fondest memories of NBA basketball are of watching Willis, who embodied the winning spirit that defined the New York Knicks’ championship teams in the early 1970s.  He played the game with remarkable passion and determination, and his inspiring comeback in Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals remains one of the most iconic moments in all of sports.  As a league MVP, two-time NBA Finals MVP and member of the NBA’s 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams, Willis was a decorated player who took great pride in his consistency.  Following his playing career, Willis mentored the next generation as a coach, team executive and proud HBCU alumnus.  We send our deepest condolences to Willis’ wife, Gail, his family and his many friends and fans.” POSITION SPORTS AND THE NAISMITH BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCE COLLEGE BASKETBALL PARTNERSHIP - PHOENIX FIRM TO OPERATE “HALL OF FAME SERIES” -   PHOENIX (March 21, 2023) – Position Sports, a subsidiary of Delano Media Group, and the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame today announced their new partnership aimed at enhancing the college basketball experience for fans, players, and coaches worldwide.   As part of the 10-year exclusive agreement, Position Sports will own and operate the Hall of Fame Series, a collection of multi-game, singular events that will feature several of the top college basketball teams in exciting non-conference matchups both domestically and abroad.   "We are thrilled to partner with the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame to continue the tradition of recognizing excellence in the sport and inspiring future generations of basketball players and fans," said Carolyn and Todd Delano, co-founders of Delano Media Group, parent company of Position Sports. "We look forward to collaborating with the Hall of Fame on this new series of games and bringing elite college programs to various basketball communities.”   Among the cities the inaugural 2023 Hall of Fame Series will be played in are Charlotte and Phoenix. Additional locations, along with participating universities, game times and ticket information will be released at a later date.   "We are excited to further partner with Position Sports to expand our mission of celebrating the game of basketball and honoring those who have contributed to its growth and success," said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. "Our partnership is a perfect match as they share a passion for advancing the sport of basketball and increasing its reach and impact.”   Under the new partnership, Position Sports and the Hall of Fame will collaborate on various elements of the Hall of Fame Series, including securing playing venues and participating teams. Position Sports will also be responsible for event operations, marketing, branding opportunities, game production, ticketing, media operations and social media. LEARFIELD is the current sponsorship management partner.   “Position Sports' partnership with the Basketball Hall of Fame marks a significant milestone in Delano Media Group's growth,” said Matt King, President of Delano Media Group. “As we continue to elevate the sports marketing industry, this collaboration reinforces our commitment to bringing unparalleled experiences and opportunities to athletes, fans, and partners alike.”   Delano (dee-LAY-no) Media Group is a collection of event category experts spread across several business units that produce premium experiences. Delano Media Group consists of Position Sports, Visual Graphx (digital printing), Slapbox Creative (video production), TOKND (event NFT) and the DREAM Foundation (HBCU mentorship program), a family of brands that can provide 360-degree support and execution, including event production, state-of-the-art printing, content creation, public relations, marketing strategy and implementation.   Since 2009, Position Sports has worked in conjunction with the Hall of Fame on a variety of high-profile events, including the organization’s annual Enshrinement Ceremony in Springfield, Mass., the recent London Showcase at The O2 Arena in December, which featured the University of Kentucky and the University of Michigan, numerous college basketball events and the Hoophall series, which culminates in the annual Hoophall Classic, the nation’s premier high school event that showcases the country’s elite high school basketball teams.   College basketball properties, such as the Hall of Fame Tip-Off, Hall of Fame Women's Showcase at Mohegan Sun, and any Springfield-based games, will still be managed by the Hall of Fame, in addition to the partnership on the Chris Paul HBCU Tournaments with the Chris Paul Family Foundation.