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FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE FOR BASKETBALL ENTHUSIASTS EVERYWHERE MAY / JUNE 2006
ASSIST20

Zoran Kovacic
WOMEN’S U19 SERBIA AND
MONTENEGRO OFFENSE
BRENDA FRESE
Aldo corno and
mario buccoliero
1-3-1 zone trap
Nancy Ethier
THE IMPORTANCE OF
MENTORSHIP
THE MARYLAND
ESTHER WENDER
FIBa EUROPE’S YEAR OF
WOMEN’s basketball
Donna O’Connor
OFFENSE
THE “OPALS” STRENGTH AND
CONDITIONING
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

2006 FIBA CALENDAR COACHES

MAY FUNDAMENTALS AND YOUTH BASKETBALL
19 - 23.05 FIBA Women’s World Women’s U19 Serbia and Montenegro Offense 4
League, PR Group A, in by Zoran Kovacic
Shaoxing, P.R. of China
31.05 - 08.06 FIBA Asia Champions Shooting Drills 8
Cup for Men in Kuwait by Francis Denis
June OFFENSE
28.06 - 02.07 FIBA Women’s World
League, PR Group B, The High-Post and the Triangle Offenses 11
in Pecs, Hungary by Geno Auriemma

28.06 - 02.07 FIBA Americas U18 The Maryland Offense 16

FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE Championship for Men by Brenda Frese
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FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - FUNDAMENTALS AND YOUTH BASKETBALL

WOMEN’S U19
by Zoran Kovacic

MONTENEGRO
Zoran Kovacic is the Technical Director of Youth
Women’s National teams of Serbia and Montenegro. He
coached the Yugoslavian senior and youth women’s
teams of the Red Star Belgrade, Kovin and Buducnost,
winning a total of five senior titles, six Yugoslavian
Cups, eleven Under 18, and seven Under 16 Yugoslavian
titles. With the former Yugoslavia and then Serbia and
Montenegro Women’s National teams, he won one sil-
ver medal at the FIBA European Championship with the
senior team, and two silver and one bronze medal with
the Under 18 teams at the FIBA World Championships,
one gold medal and one bronze medals at the European
Championships. He also won two bronze medals with
the Under 16 team at the FIBA European Championships.

The breakup of former Yugoslavian Republics caused a

number of new independent states to appear in the
Balkans.
All former Federal Republics had by now established
their own autonomous state, barring Serbia and
Montenegro, which stayed together. The very succes-
sful method of work we used until then in the basketball
area has changed. Now, we have a much smaller base
of players to choose from, and the requirements of com-
peting on the highest level are increasing.
When I became a coach of youth teams, I decided to use
the same training approach for all the different age
national teams.

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SERBIA AND
OFFENSE

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FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - FUNDAMENTALS AND YOUTH BASKETBALL

D.1 D.2 D.3

Our staff for the Under 19 World Championship ▼ 1 zone offense and 1 zone press offense.
in Tunisia 2005 consisted of: This is the description of one of the man-to-
▼ One Head coach. man offense sets we used (diagr. 1). 2 and 4
▼ Two assistant coaches. form a stack on the left side of the half court,
▼ One strength and conditioning coach. while 1 is in the low post position and 5 in the
▼ One psychologist. high post on the right corner of the free-
▼ One physiotherapist. throw area. 3 passes the ball to 2, and if she
is open, she shoots. If she cannot shoot, 4
We created team offense sets that will be sets a screen for 3, who goes to low post,
explained further. where she will back down her defender, if
D.4
she gets the ball. If she isn’t open for the pass
TEAM DEFENSE (diagr. 2), 2 passes the ball to 4, while 5 sets a
Let’s now briefly review our defense, which is screen for 1, who is trying to get in position to
always at the base of a winning team. receive a pass from 4. If 3 cannot receive the
ball (diagr. 3), 4 passes the ball to 1, 3 uses
Basic rules of our man-to-man defense are: the screen of 5 on the other side of the court,
1. Force the opposing players to the sideline and tries to receive a pass, going outside of
or baseline. the lane. After the pass to 1, 4 sets a lateral
2. When the opposing team reaches our half screen for 2 (diagr. 4), and 1 has four options:
court, we force the ball handler to one side pass to 4 or 5 in the three-second lane, to 2 or
in order to determine the weak side. to 3 for a jump shot from outside (diagr. 5).
3. Do not allow the opponent to play their D.5
regular offense sets. ZONE OFFENSE
4. Force the point guard to use weaker hand The start positions are shown
to dribble the ball. in diagr. 6, with 5 on the low
5. Do not allow the penetration to the middle post on the left side of the
and make inside passing extremely difficult. court, 3 and 4 forming a stack
on the right side, and 1 and 2
We split our defense to six areas of the half playing at the same level in
court, so that the players could easily com- the guard positions. 3 opens
prehend the defense set. up to receive the ball from 2,
and, if free, takes the shot. If
In addition to this basic defense, we also used she cannot take the shot
these other defenses: (diagr. 6), 3 passes the ball
a) 2-1-2 zone. back to 2, uses the screen of 4
b) Two versions of 1-1-2-1 half court zone press. and cuts in the three-second
lane, also using the screen
TEAM OFFENSE from 5. 2 passes the ball to 1
MAN-TO-MAN and 1 passes to 3 (diagr. 7). If
This offense is based on the great individual 3 cannot shoot, 4 sets a
technical and tactical knowledge of the small screen for 2, and goes to the
forward, 3. This player could play the point high post position at the cor-
guard in some situations against the aggressi- ner of the free-throw lane. 2
ve defense, and she could play at center, continues her cut to the
while being guarded by a shorter player. We strong side, uses a screen
used these sets during the course of the tour- from 5 (diagr. 8). 3 now has
nament: four options: she can pass to 2
coming off the screen of 5;
▼ 3 plays against man-to-man defense. pass to 5 in the low post; pass
▼ 2 zone offenses. to 4 in the high post, or pass to
▼ 3 out of bounds plays (2 from the baseline, 1 in the middle of the court
1 from the sideline). (diagr. 9).

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BASELINE OUT-OF-BOUNDS
Here is one of our out-of-bound plays. 2 is the
inbounder, and 4 and 5 form a stack on the ball side
of the court. 1 fakes to cut in the three-second lane
and then using the double screen of 4 and 5, goes
outside to receive the ball from 2, while 3 goes low
(diagr. 10).
After the pass, 2 uses the stagger screen of 4 and
5 and goes high (diagr. 11). Right after the stagger
screen, 4 and 5 make another baseline stagger for D.10
D.6
3, who cuts baseline and goes in the opposite cor-
ner (diagr. 12). Finally, 5 screens for 4 (diagr. 13).

This method of training provided us another great

result: after only 15 days, 10 players from the
Under 19 team, which won the silver medal at FIBA
World Championships, played in the Under 18 FIBA
European Championship, and they went ton to win
the gold medal.

D.7 D.11

D.8 D.12

D.9 D.13

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FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - FUNDAMENTALS AND YOUTH BASKETBALL

SHOOTING
by Francis Denis
DRILLS
After a twenty-year career as a player, Francis
Denis started coaching in 1975 with the
Abidjan (Ivory Coast), then with the Ivory Coast
National team, where he won the gold medal
at African Championship in 1985. In 1986 he
came back to France, coaching Grenoble for
two years. In 1991 he became coach of the
French Women's national team A, winning the
silver medal at the 1993 FIBA European
Championships. From 1997 to 2002 he coached
the French Women's Under 16 national team,
winning the bronze medal at the 1999 FIBA
European Championship and the gold medal at
the 2001 FIBA European Championship. He is
the current head coach of the French women's
Under 20 national team, which won the gold
medal at the 2005 FIBA European
Championship.

The preparation for a competition such as the

FIBA Youth European Championships requires
perfect organization and precise rules. The pre-
paration was extended over a period of six
weeks before the beginning of the competition,
and was made up of different practice sessions,
followed by internal friendly games and exhibi-
tion games in different tournaments. The teams
played one game a day as a way to prepare for
the mental and physical challenge of the FIBA
European Championships.
We dedicated a good amount of time to indivi-
dual skills improvement, with drills based on the
spot of the floor, the roles of the players and the
game strategies we decided to adopt. These dril-
ls, along with goals to achieve, were used as an
evaluation index both for the coach and for the
players. Described below are some of the many
examples of drills we used during the summer of
2004, before the FIBA European Championships
played in France, where our national team won a
silver medal. They were also used in the 2005
FIBA Under 18 European Championship, where
we won the gold medal.

DRILLS
LAY-UP DRILLS
Straight lay-up: 6 running lay-ups, 3 from the
right, 3 from the left side (diagr. 1).
Finish the drill with 10 free throws for each
player.
Reverse lay-up: The same move, but this time it
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must end with a reverse lay-up. It's necessary

to make sure the move is made by changing
hands (diagr. 2).
Finish the drill with 10 free-throws for each
player.

JUMP SHOT DRILLS

One count stop. If a passer is available, 8 jump
shots are taken at a 45° angle to the basket
after receiving the ball, 4 from the right, 4 from D.1
the left side. If there is not a passer, jump shots
are made off the dribble. 8 jump shots off the
dribble are taken from inside the three-second
lane (diagr. 3). For this drill, the coach must take
care of these technical details:
▼ When finishing the dribble, the legs must be
flexed, lowering the center of gravity.
▼ The heels must first touch the floor to make a
good stop and help maintain body balance.
▼ The body must immediately spring up to
reach the ideal height needed to execute
the shot. D.2
▼ The technical sequence must be repeated
with a good base and proper flow.
Finish the drill with 10 free-throws for each
player.

Change of direction and flare on a back pick. 8 GUARDS AND FORWARDS

shots, 4 from the right and 4 from the left side 20 three-point shots (10 from the right and 10
(diagr. 4). Again, the coach must take care of from the left side), after coming out of horizon-
these technical details: tal and vertical stagger screens (with the chan-
▼ When finishing the dribble, the legs must be ce to come out on the left or on the right side),
flexed, lowering the center of gravity. always paying attentions to foot position and
▼ The heels must first touch the floor to movement (diagr. 6). D.3
make a good stop and help maintain body ▼ On the horizontal stagger screen (with the
balance. exit on the right or on the left side of the
▼ The body must immediately spring up to court): the player must make a two-count
reach the ideal height needed to execute stop.
the shot. ▼ On the vertical stagger screen (with the exit
▼ The technical sequence must be repeated on the left or the right side of the court): the
with a good base and proper flow. player must make curl around the screen
▼ For making a good stop on the left side, the and make a count stop.
heel of the left foot touches the floor first, Finish the drill with 10 free-throws for each
followed by the heel of the right foot (the player.
sequence is reversed, when the player is
D.4
on the on the right side of the floor). For versatile guards and forwards to develop
Finish the drill with 10 free-throws for each post-up skills. 10 shots (5 from the right and 5
player. from the left side) in the following situations
(diagr. 7):
Change of pace. 16 shots, 4 from the right and 4 ▼ After taking position in the low post (taking
from the left side of the floor, for each of these and reading the physical contact);
two different situations (diagr. 5): ▼ After going up to the high post (to play dif-
▼ After a pass from inside to outside, the ferent situations);
player comes out on the short corner (pre- ▼ After a back-door cut in the low post (cut-
ferable situation). ting along the baseline), an action that
▼ After a pass from inside to outside, the begins with a teammate's drive to the
player comes out vertically, after using a basket on the same side of the court (to D.5
screen, faking the different defensive situa- clear out an area of the court).
tions and making a curl or flaring out. Finish the drill with 10 free-throws for each
It would be preferable to change the order of player.
the shots and situations during this drill.
Finish the drill with 10 free-throws for each CENTERS
player. 10 three-point shots (5 from the right side and
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FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - FUNDAMENTALS AND YOUTH BASKETBALL

5 from the left side), after the following situa- CONCLUSIONS

tions (diagr. 8): These drills can also be used with players
▼ A screen under the basket. with different levels of skills. To obtain the
▼ Taking position in the low post. best results, it's better for a coach to check
▼ To shoot after a normal exit to the three- out the execution of the technical moves,
point line, or after a fake, or after a fake insisting on technical corrections where it's
and dribble. needed (one or two counts stops before
Finish the drill with 10 free-throws for each shooting, the right flow to shoot, etc.). The
player. coach should also evaluate the success of
every single drill. After completing all the dril- D.6
For versatile centers. 20 shots (10 from the ls, a player will have taken a total of 124 shots
right and 10 from the left side), after the fol- (including 60 free-throws), but it's possible to
lowing situations (diagr. 9): modify the quantity of shots for every practi-
▼ After taking position in the low post (taking ce, as well as changing the number of shots
and reading the physical contact). from each spot on the court. With our natio-
▼ After going to the high post (to play diffe- nal team, once the players learned the order
rent situations). of the drills, the number of shots increased to
▼ After a back-door cut in the low post 174, and then to 214. Considering the eventual
(cutting along the baseline), an action high shooting percentages of our players in
that begins with a teammate's drive to the championships, my advice is to increase
the basket on the same side of the court the number of shots in the practice sessions.
(to clear out an area of the court). This is especially true for the inside players, D.7
Finish the drill with 10 free-throws for each who must be particularly efficient for this part
player. of the game.

D.8

D.9

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FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - OFFENSE

THE HIGH-POST
by Geno Auriemma

AND THE TRIANGLE

OFFENSEs
Geno Auriemma, 2006 inductee in the
Basketball Hall of Fame, was women's team
assistant coach at the University of St.
Joseph's, and then at the University of Virginia.
As head coach of the University of Connecticut,
he won five NCAA women's titles. This Italian-
American coach was chosen as Women's
National Coach of the Year five times by diffe-
rent organizations, and coached six collegiate
Women's National Players of the Year. He also
won a gold medal as assistant coach of the
U.S. Women's National team at the Sydney
Olympic Games, and a bronze medal as the
head coach of the women's team at the 2001
FIBA Junior World Championship.

The basic move from which we start to teach

this offense is the split cut, which is a cut of two
players around the high post. The first one, who
passed the ball, cuts first (diagr. 1). The center
can pass the ball to one of the two cutters, or
she can turn, face the basket, and shoot the
ball herself.

When I was young, the players were not indi-

cated as 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, but simply as two
guards, two forwards, and one center. So many
times I will mention the two guards, who cross
the mid-court line practically at the same time,
and one center, who goes in the high-post posi-
tion whenever it's possible. The reason we
cross the mid-court line with two guards is that
it's difficult for the defense to double team
when the offense moves this way.

After the ball is passed to 1, 2 makes a cross

cut and, if she is free, receives the ball from 1
(diagr. 2). If not, 1 goes to the middle of the
court. She cannot be trapped here, because
there is always a teammate near her, who will
punish the trap.

If 1 is overplayed, she makes a backdoor cut

going towards the mid-court line, or, if she
receives the ball, she can pass to 2 or dribble,
crossing towards the mid-court line (diagr. 3).
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FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - OFFENSE

2's defender cannot trap, because there is immediately a

pass back or 2 can easily go behind the ball line and help
the dribbler. Besides, we can send the center away from
the ball, after the inbound pass, because we do not need
her as a safety. In this way, we can avoid to have the cen-
ter dribbling the ball.

A basic detail: the guard without the ball does not cross the
mid-court line until the dribbler herself: she can be a safety
valve and receive a pass from 1 (diagr. 4), when the defen- D.1
se gets tight.

When we dribble over the mid-court line and are able to

pass the ball to the post, we make the split action with the
first passer, who cuts first.
Here are the various options:

▼ Pass and cut.

▼ Pass and make a screen.
▼ Pass, fake a cut, and come back.
▼ The center can pass to one of the cutters, or else fake
D.4
a pass, and then play one-on-one.

The key point of this action is that we want the defenders

of the two guards to turn their heads and watch the ball as
it reaches the high post. It's difficult to play good defense
in this situation because the defenders do not know where
the offensive players will go.

I would like to underline that the success of this play does

not depend on the quickness of the two guards, because
they can beat the defenders even if they are slower: they
can count on reading the defense on different options and D.2
on the two different cuts.

THREE PLAYER SET

We start to build the split simulating a situation of a
rebound, baseline out-of-bound, and then the split at the
beginning a 3 vs 0 and then a 3-on-2 (diagr. 5).

We set the players in three lines, with a guard, who

brings the ball on offense starting from over the mid-
court. There is also one mid post player and one at the
free-throw line extension. 1 crosses the mid-court line
D.5
and then changes direction. She must pass the ball to
the forward before going out with both feet from the
center court circle: this is the time for deciding where
to pass the ball (diagr. 6).

We set the players in three lines: 1 passes the ball (again,

before going out with the feet of the center court circle),
and then cuts and goes in the corner on the ball side
(diagr. 7).

2 passes the ball to the mid post and then 1 and 2 make the
split cut (diagr. 8). The center must be active and smart to D.3
read the defenders' moves and capitalize on their
mistakes. It's a must to read the defense, both for the cut-
ters, as well as for the center with the ball. D.6
It's also very important to have a good alignment between
the forward and the center (diagr. 9):
▼ The forward must be outside the three-point line, at the
free-throw line extension.
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▼ The center must be at the mid post position, with

enough space between her and the baseline for
the cut of a teammate. There should also be enou-
gh room to let her play one-on-one as a final
option.

We say to the players that no move is prearranged,

but, again, they must read the defense and let that
set up determine what will work best.

Here, for example, are two other options after the

pass to the mid post:
D.7 D.12 ▼ 1 can anticipate the cut (diagr. 10) or
▼ Makes a curl cut around 5, without going in the
corner (diagr. 11).

Let's now assume that the forward 2 is overplayed:

here are the different solutions:
a. Backdoor. 5 comes high at the corner of the free-
throw area, facing the midcourt line, and automa-
tically 2 will make a backdoor cut to receive the
ball (diagr. 12).

In short, when the ball crosses the mid-court line, the

D.8 D.13 play becomes a three-player collaboration: 5 must
read the defense and see if her teammate is over-
played. Then she must offer the choice of the entry
pass to 1.

b. Hand off. If 2 goes backdoor, 1 can receive a hand

off pass and shoots, or drives to the basket, or 5
can always play one-on-one (diagr. 13).

c. UCLA cut. 1 passes to 2, makes a cut on 5, and

then goes on the opposite corner. 5 then does a
D.9 D.14 pick-and-roll with 2: 2 can shoot, pass to 5 on the
roll, or make a skip pass to 1 for a three-point shot
(diagr. 14).

d. Post up. After the pass to 2 and the UCLA cut, 1

can also stop at the low post position (diagr. 15). 2
goes down to pick 1, after the pass to 5 (diagr. 16).
2 then comes high to back screen 5, after 5 has
passed the ball to 1 (diagr. 17).

FOUR PLAYER SET

Let's now add another player, playing with three
D.10 D.15 guards and a center. The beginning of the play is the
same, with the ball passed from 1 to 3, and from 3 to 5,
with 1 going to the corner on the ball side. 2 replaces
1 in the middle of the court, after faking a cut in the
other direction (diagr. 18).

If 5 is aggressively guarded, 3 passes the ball to 1, and

1 passes to 5, who has faked a high cut (diagr. 19). If 1
cannot pass to 5, 5 comes out, makes a back screen
for 3, and then plays pick-and-roll with 1 in the corner
(diagr. 20).
D.11 D.16
Spacing is always very important, staying especially
outside of the three-point line.

FIVE PLAYER SET

We start with two guards on the line, one forward at
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FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - OFFENSE

the free-throw line extension, one mid-post on the

forward side and the other forward at the mid-post
position on the other side of the court (diagr. 21).

The play starts when the two guards cross the mid-
court line, and the players move based on the
defenders' reactions.
When there is an offensive overload in the corner,
2 must always come in the middle of the court. They
D.17 D.22 can now play three-on-three on one side, and two-
on-two on the other side of the court (diagr. 22).

If 3 has the ball and cannot pass to 1 or 5, 3 makes

a dribble weave, difficult to defend, going towards
1 and then passes to 1. 1 passes to 5, while 2 recei-
ves a back screen from 4, and then flares out (diagr.
23). Then, 1 and 3 make a split cut on 5 (diagr. 24).

If we cannot pass directly to 5, we reverse the ball

from 3 to 2, who is set in the middle of the court and
D.18 D.23 outside of the three-point line. 2 can pass inside to
5 (diagr. 25).

If nothing happens, 4 and 2 play two-on-two on the

other side of the court. 2 passes to 4, who comes
high, and then 2 moves, based on the reactions of
the defense, making a hand off, or a pick-and-roll,
using different fakes (diagr. 26).

If 2 is overplayed, 4 comes high, 3 passes the ball to

4, 2 makes a backdoor cut and receives the ball
from 4 (diagr. 27).
D.19 D.24

DIFFERENT OPTIONS
Based on the previous premises, we can build any
play. For example, if 3 is overplayed, 5 comes up to
the elbow, and receives the ball from 1, who, after
the pass, screens for 2, who goes on the forward
spot. At the same time, 3 cuts in the lane and goes
to the opposite corner (diagr. 28). 5 can make a
pass to 2 or 1. We now form a new triangle on the
other side of the court, the left side (diagr. 29).

D.20 D.25 On this side we can create a new three-on-three

play, with 1, who passes to 3 in the corner, and then
receives a back screen from 4, who then plays
pick-and-roll with 3. In the meantime, 5 screens for
2 (diagr. 30).

Another option is the entry pass to 4 on the weak

side post, with 2, who immediately makes a back-
door cut to receive the ball and goes to the basket
(diagr. 31). It's important to underline that 1, the ball
handler, must make the entry pass right away,
D.21 D.26
when she crosses the mid-court line.

If 1 does not have any entry pass options to 3, to 5,

or 4, she will pass to 2. 4 will pop out at the forward
position, and 5 will come out for a back pick for 3,
who will cut in the lane, heading in the opposite
corner (diagr. 32).

We can also form a triangle with 3, 4 and 5, who,

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D.27 D.32

after the pick, opens up. 4 can pass to 3, or to 5,

who can pass to 1 on an automatic back-door cut,
right after 5 receives the ball (diagr. 33).
In short, this play can have many options, always has a
triangle on one side, and a two-on-two play on the
other side.
D.28 The keys are:
▼ Read the defense.
▼ Proper spacing.
D.33 ▼ Patience.

D.29

D.30

D.31

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FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - OFFENSE

THE MARYLAND
by Brenda Frese
OFFENSE

Brenda Frese started her coaching career as an assistant coach The three perimeter players stay outside the three-point line,
at Kent State, followed by positions at Iowa State and Ball State. while the two inside players are set up with one at the corner of
She became head coach at the University of Minnesota in 1998, the free-throw area and the other opposite to her in the low post
where she earned National Coach of the Year honors, and two position.
years later became head coach at the University of Maryland. In
2006, she guided her team to the NCAA Women's Championship CREATING A TRIANGLE
and she again won the Coach of the Year award. 1, the point guard, has two choices for starting this play:
▼ If she dribbles towards 2, it means that 2 must go to the deep
I would like to share with you some of our offensive sets that corner (diagr. 1).
helped Maryland win the 2006 NCAA Women's national title. ▼ If she can pass to 2, 1 will cut and go in the deep corner
(diagr. 2).
In this way we start to form a triangle on one side of the court.
MAN-TO-MAN OFFENSE
SET UP ENTRY PASS
We initially line up in a three perimeter and two inside player set. Once the triangle is loaded, we are looking for a quick pass to

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D.1 D.2 D.4

D.3 D.5

the low post 5, from 1, in this case, or from 2, if 1 is able

to pass the ball to 2 on the wing.
On this pass, 4 will dive hard down to the low post,
on the same side of the court, while 3 will slide up
(diagr. 3).
If we cannot pass the ball to 5, because she is over-
played on the side, 1 will pass to 2 and 2 will pass the
ball to 5.
If 1 passes to 2 and 2 cannot pass to 5, 1 will cut in the
lane and will go on to the opposite side of the court,
outside of the three-point line to clear out the ball side
side of the court. 5 will come out and screen on the ball
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FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - OFFENSE

for 2. 2 will attack the defender and 5 will roll to the

basket. As this action is taking place, 4 will screen
for 3 (diagr. 4).

If there is no chance of shooting, 2 can come off the

screen, dribble towards 3 and pass her the ball,
while 5 goes to the low post position (diagr. 5).

3 will now be able to set a new triangle on the other

D.6 D.11 side of the court: she will dribble the ball to the wing
position, 4 will go in the low post area, while 5 will
come up in the high post position, opposite of 4
(diagr. 6).

If 3 passes the ball to 5, 5 can look to pass to 4, who

has cut inside the three-second lane. As an option,
we can also do a hand-off pass between 5 and 2
(who must set up her defender before going
towards 5 to receive the ball). This offensive play is
very hard to guard against and gives a chance to 2
D.7 D.12
to get open for a shot (diagr. 7).

ZONE OFFENSE
With this offense we want to create maximum
players movement that will enable us to use the
same basic attack versus various zones and
match-ups. I want our team to be able to use
dribble penetrations, posts-ups, screens, over-
load, and slides into the open areas. You can
initiate the offense from various sets, such as
the 1-4, the 1-3-1 or 2-1-2 set, or out of the tran-
D.8 D.13 sition, with the guards at about 4 meters apart
to ensure easy passes between them, if neces-
sary.

ENTRY PASS
On the entry pass, from 1 to 2, in this case, the
weak side post 4 cuts to the ball on the short side
corner, in an open area on the baseline in the
gap of the zone (diagr. 8). The other post, 5, hunts
the ball and is in line with the ball and the basket
(diagr. 9).
D.9 D.14
RULE 1
On any point guard to wing pass, the offside post
curls to the ball side short corner. The strong
side post gets in line with the ball and the basket
(diagr. 10).

On a pass to the weak side (diagr. 11 and 12), 5 fla-

shes hard to the ball side and 4 loops to the strong
side short corner (it's also possible to start with one
of the post players in the short corner).
D.10 D.15
RULE 2
On any pass from the wing back to the point guard,
or from a wing to a wing, the passer makes a skip
pass and cuts to the basket, becoming the next
short corner player on whichever side the ball is
passed. The short corner player replaces the wing
that cut, and 5 continues to stay in line with the ball
and the basket (diagr. 13).

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From here, if 1 swings the ball to 3, then 2 beco-

mes the short corner player on the ball side. 5
stays in line with the ball and the basket (diagr.
14).

If 1 had passed the ball back to 4, 2 would be the

short corner player on 4's side, and again 5
would be in line with the ball and the basket
(diagr. 15).
D.16 D.21
BASIC MOVEMENT RULES
When a wing passes to the point guard, or to
another wing with a skip pass, that wing first
cuts to the basket and becomes the next short
corner on the ball side. The short corner player
replaces the wing, while the post stays in line
with the ball and the basket (diagr. 16 and 17).

RULE 3
On any pass to the short corner, the wing that
made the pass cuts to the middle of the lane and D.17 D.22
becomes the next short corner player on the ball
side (diagr. 18).

Rule 4
The short corner player must catch the pass,
face up to the basket, shoot, drive, or drag the
ball back out to the wing. If a player is double
teamed, she should look for the diagonal pass to
the point guard or across the baseline to the
wing, who has dropped (diagr. 19, 20, and 21).

SCREENING THE ZONE OR MATCH-UPS D.18 D.23

Anytime the wing passes to the point, she may
screen the strong side back line player in the
zone, or match-up. After the screen, 2 slides into
the short corner and 4 replaces 2 at the wing
(diagr. 22).

Or, the short corner player can back screen the

back line of the zone for the alley-hoop pass to 2,
cutting to the basket. If the pass is not thrown,
then 4 slides out to the wing to replace 2, and 2
slides to the short corner on the ball side (diagr. D.19 D.24
23 and 24).

RULE 5
When a pass is made into the post, everyone spots
up to shoot. The short corner player changes sides
of the floor, looking for the ball (diagr. 25).

OFFENSIVE REBOUNDING
Offensive rebounding is quite effective because
the cutters are in excellent position to "get to the
glass." In addition, the short corner players have D.20 D.25
good angles for sneaking in for rebounds.
Obviously, we always rebound with both the
wings and the posts, while the point guard goes
back defensively to prevent the fastbreak.

Against the odd front zones, simply tilt the offen-

se by dribbling the ball off the center court, while
everyone keeps the proper spacing.

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FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - OFFENSE

THE RATIONAL GAME

by Tamas Sterbenz

Tamas Sterbenz is a former player of the RATIONALITY should be multiplied by 0.44 to get the cor-
Hungarian National Team. He was A behavior is considered rational if it rect number of possessions for a whole
appointed head coach of the Hungarian helps achieve a definite goal. So, first we season (for fast post game analysis 0.5
Women’s National Team in 2004. He tea- need to determine the goals in basketball. can be used).
ches economics and management at the For example, the goal can be to win a
Hungarian University of Physical championship, to beat a specific oppo- Possession = Field Goal + (Free-Throw
Education. His Ph.D. topic was “Bounded nent, or in the short term, to score a 0.44) + Turnover - Offensive Rebound
Rationality in Decision Making in Sports basket. These goals are simple but they
Management”. are not the same. Therefore, we need to Offensive rebounds have to be deducted
select one unit to analyze the rationality. from the equation, because they are still
Smart play is a goal of coaches and In competitive basketball this unit should part of the same possession; only the
players in every sport. The winner is be the game because performance can be offensive time starts over. This ensures
always proud of his strategy and emphasi- best compared at the game level. During that both teams have equal number of
zes the correct execution. The loser criti- the game the teams alternate possession opportunities to score. This does not
cizes the game plan or blames the coach of the ball. Both teams have equal oppor- mean that offensive rebounds are not
or players for neglecting that. Indeed, do tunity to score points and the team that important, as is described in the next sec-
the sportspeople know what should they scores more will win the game. We can tion.
have done? Do they know how rational see the better performance within a
strategy should be built the next time? game, but if we want to compare several CRUCIAL FACTORS
Unfortunately, in most cases they do not games we need to look at the ratio That team that wins is one whose offensi-
know. In this short article, I will analyze between points made and number of pos- ve rating is higher than its own defensive
the rationality of basketball and describe sessions. To analyze the performance, rating, which is equal to the opponent’s
some strategic principles. final score itself is not good indicator. The offensive rating. Both offensive and
score should be weighted by defensive ratings are good tools for analy-
the total number of attempts, sis by the coach. Yet, to make the best
which also shows the rhythm rational strategic decision, the coach
of the game. needs to find which elements are the most
critical to increase the offensive rating
EFFICIENCY and decrease the defensive rating.
To measure efficiency of According to Dean Oliver, the four basic
defense and offense, methods aspects of a game include:
have been created and used
for several decades. Histo- 1. Shooting percentage from the field.
rically, famous coaches such 2. Offensive rebounding.
as Dean Smith and Frank 3. Committing turnovers.
McGuire and analysts like 4. Going to the foul line a lot and making
Dean Oliver and John the shots.
Hollinger have worked on
developing a measure of To better understand these crucial
offensive rating: aspects, a good guide is that in professio-
nal men’s basketball the offensive rating is
Offensive Rating = Score around 1, so a team usually makes 1 point
Points / Possession in average per possession (in 1991-92, the
NBA’s Chicago Bulls reached the highest
Current statistics do not keep seasonal offensive score of 1.155 in).
count of the number of pos-
sessions, but this can easily 1. If the team finishes all its offenses with
be counted or estimated. a 2-point shot, a 50% shooting percen-
Offense ends with either a tage ensures an offensive score that is
field goal or a free-throw higher than 1. In case of 3-point shots,
attempt or turnover. Obviously, the team has to have a 33% shooting
a free-throw will not count for percentage to reach the same.
1 possession. According to the 2. Increasing the number of free-throws
NBA’s estimation, a free-throw helps the team reach an offensive
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Time: there are 24 seconds to finish the

possession, and the quarters are 10
minutes long. The remaining time left in
the 24-second period or the quarter will
always influence the decisions. Rational
behavior must take this into considera-
tion. The same shot in the beginning of
the possession is irrational compared to
the shot at the end of the period, which is
necessary.

Space: moves are differentiated by

where they take place on the court.
Shooting percentage depends on how far
the player is from the basket. Rational
strategy should increase the expected
value of the shooting. The opponent’s
position on defense affects what the
offense should do (rational strategy must
differ when playing against press or zone
defense).

Personal fouls: the offense must be

aware of how the defense can stop the
team from scoring. If the defensive team
has less than 4 personal fouls, the offen-
sive team should know that rational deci-
sion might be to commit a foul.

Result: at all times the actual score will

influence tactical decision. Rationality of
all tactical decision depends on how it
impacts the final score. Decisions throu-
ghout the game can be evaluated based
on time and score, and risk taking must
consider the same factors.

RISK AND UNCERTAINTY

All decision contains risk and uncer-
tainty. Nothing is certain, situations are
ambiguous, decisions depend on multiple
criteria, and execution depends on the
whole team. Even though all these are
score higher than 1. Other than extre- were missed on purpose, the team rational factors, there will be the oppo-
me cases, all players make free- would have a chance to make a 2- nent that will impact the outcome.
throws above 50% success rate. or 3-point shot.
3. High number of field scoring attempts In basketball, there are only rational deci-
shows that the team does not commit BOUNDARIES IN BASKETBALL sions, but not optimal decisions. One
turnovers. Also, low number of turno- Every sport is surrounded by rules to must know that success is relative, and it
vers decreases the defensive rating, make the game more difficult and intere- is often affected by good fortune.
because the opponent could not sting. These rules, or boundaries, impact Rational strategy ensures only long-term
make many easy baskets. the strategies and the decisions in the efficiency but single actions depend on
4. Increase in offensive rebounds will execution. The following boundaries exist intuition and anticipation. In a game, both
lead to more chances to make a in basketball. teams have 80 to 90 possessions and
close attempt or to get to the free- sometimes even irrational behavior can
throw line. Often at the end of the Opponent: in basketball, the goal is not lead to success.
game, following an offensive to make many baskets, but to make
rebound, the team will get a new 24- more baskets than the opponent. The During practices, coaches should build
seconds on the shot clock, which moves don’t have to be fast, but faster boundaries into the drills to teach players
can lead to winning the game. than the opponent. In decision making, to be rational. If both teams play smart
Offensive rebounds would also can’t neglect the opponent. Success and use correct strategy, there still will
increase the offensive rating, and doesn’t only depend on a team’s deci- be a winner and a loser, but basketball
save the game. If the free throws sion, but also on the opponent’s choice. will advance!
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FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - DEFENSE

1-3-1 ZONE TRAP

by Aldo Corno

by Mario Buccoliero

Aldo Corno is the head coach of Taranto,

the Italian Serie A1 women's team. He
was the head coach of many Serie A1
women teams: Viterbo, Vicenza (where
he won 4 Italian titles and 4 European
Championships), Como (where he won 8
Italian titles, 5 Italian Cups, 1 Italian
Supercup, 1 World Cup for clubs and 2
European Championships), and Schio (2
Ronchetti Cups). As the head coach of
the Italian Women's National team, his
team won a silver medal at the 2001
Mediterranean Games and at the 2003
University Games.

Mario Buccoliero has been the assistant

coach of Taranto since 2000, and his team
won a Serie A2 title, the 2003 Italian title,
an Italian Cup and an Italian Supercup. He
started his career in Taranto as the coach
of the men's youth teams.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF 1-3-1-ZONE

I am not at all a "defensive" coach, but I
am convinced that without a great defen-
se you cannot build a great team. I star-
ted to apply my defensive philosophy
more than 20 years ago, and I have used
this 1-3-1 zone with most of my teams,
either with the clubs, as well as with the
Italian National team.
There are different types of 1-3-1 zones:
▼ Regular: without traps.
▼ Half court with the traps only in the
deep corners.
▼ Three-quarters court, with the traps in
the four corners of the defensive half
court.

In this article, I will focus on the last two

types.

ADVANTAGES
Here which are the advantages this
defense can offer:

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FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - DEFENSE

1. The most important advantage is that requires players with specific skills in
this defense is unique in "influencing" order to play it well.
D.1 the movement of the offense, forcing
them to play an unconventional offen- PLAYERS' SKILLS
se, a style of play that is risky and ▼ This defense requires players, who are
moves them out of their usual offensive able to sacrifice themselves and, from
spots. my experience, I find that women will
2. It can quickly change the direction of often guarantee that this happens most
the game and offer decisive breaks for of the time.
the defense. ▼ Players must totally believe that what
3. It's a spectacular defense, that crea- they are doing is the best for the team.
tes excitement with its aggressive A coach must be able to sell this defen-
traps. se to the team in order to make it work.
4. It "pumps up" the defense, when well- ▼ Players have to be quick and have
made stops and steals occur and excellent athletics skills.
"shakes" the defense, when players are ▼ Very important aspect: players must be
lazy and not playing aggressive basket- skilled in aggressive man-to-man
ball. defensive tactics.
5. It creates great problems for the offen- ▼ You will need months of practice and
se to move the ball, forcing them to use plenty of patience to build this defense
lob and bounce passes, slow passes so it can be regularly applied.
that can easily be stolen.
6. It creates extreme pressure on the INITIAL SET
offensive perimeter players. There are not fixed rules for where the
7. It will often create a "paralyzing" effect players should play. Each coach knows his
on the opponents, causing them to players best and will have to make individual
make bad passes and force their shots. decisions when assigning positions. Here,
for example, is how I set the players when I
D.2
DISADVANTAGES coached the Italian National team (diagr. 1):
This is a very risky defense (wide spaces ▼ X1, Zimerle, the point guard: quick,
to cover, traps), and a little mistake will strong, with quick hands.
allow the offense to easily beat you. ▼ X4, Balleggi, the power forward: fast,
There is no balance when blocking-out on with a great arm span, very agile.
defense and on the help-side rebounding. ▼ X3, Macchi, the small forward: similar
It requires a lot of energy, so this zone can- to X4, with a good elevation.
not be used throughout the game. In addi- ▼ X5, Paparazzo, the center: tough, good
tion, it's a very technical defense and on the passing lanes, intelligent.

D.3

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▼ X2, Masciadri, the guard: quick and the middle of the lane. This forces the
powerful, the "playmaker" of the offense to make slow (lob or bounce) pas-
defense, who is positioned in the last ses. It's very important that the defense
row of the defense, sees the entire relies on their arms and hands.
court, constantly talks with his team- Sometimes, we let the defenders jump to
D.4 mates and alerts them to movements. put more pressure on the offense.
She is the key for the 1-3-1 defense.
X5 must always be behind the ball, and in
TRAPS ON THE FOUR CORNERS front on the high post. In addition, he must
If we decide to use the three-quarters 1- be ready to slide down and front the low
3-1 trap, we will double team on the four post (diagr. 7).
corners of the defensive half court
(diagr. 2). TRAPS IN THE LOW CORNERS
These moves are fine when you play
GLOBAL TEACHING METHOD defense that double teams in all four cor-
For teaching this defense, I show how ners of the half court.
this defense works for all the players (glo-
D.5
bal method), and then I divide the defense X4 and X1 jam the lane if an opponent is in
into the five parts, so each player will shooting range or tries to drive (diagr. 8).
know her role (analytical method), and X4 must be aggressive on the ball. The
then go back again to all total defense player must not slide on the pass fake. X2
(global method). covers the low post and goes outside only
when a pass is made.
After a free-throw, we run the defense
high and we trap right after the half court If the ball reaches the player in the cor-
line (diagr. 3). ner, we run the double team and rotate as
in diagr. 9.
Here the individual tasks: First option: if 3 has both feet facing
▼ X1 forces the ball handler on one side towards the basket, X2 and X4 aggressi-
of the court, and does not let any drib- vely double team. X5 runs down to cover
ble penetration in the middle of the 5 in the low post, X1 guards the high post,
court. and X3 jams in the middle of the lane,
D.6 ▼ X4 slides down and double teams only covering the basket and all lob passes.
behind the mid-court line.
▼ X5 always plays behind the ball and Second option: if 3 is with his shoulders
fronts the offensive player, keeping towards the basket (diagr. 10): X1 goes in
her from receiving the ball. the passing lane nearest the ball, X3
▼ X2 covers the player in the corner or comes high to anticipate 4 at the high
the low post. post. We only leave a passing choice to 2
▼ X3 slides down to steal the potential on the other side of the court. This forces
diagonal pass. the offense to make a long and slow (lob
or bounce) pass to this player, who is the
If the double team is successful, we will most distant and least dangerous offensi-
be in the situation described in diagr. 4. ve player.
D.7
We will try to intercept the pass with X3
or X2, leaving 2 open, who is the least Important tips:
dangerous of all the offensive players. ▼ Convince the players - and coach
If we decide to continue with the high them with the appropriate drills - that,
traps (diagr. 5): if 1 passes the ball to 2, X3 while they are trapping, they must
runs to cover 2, X1 double teams 2, X5 fol- force a mistake or cause a bad pass to
lows the movement of the ball, and fronts be made while applying pressure on
5. X2 covers 3 on the opposite corner, and the trapped opponent.
X4 slides down, looking to steal a possible ▼ Do not ever let the ball enter on the
pass to 4 and to protect the basket. high post area, which is the most dan-
gerous spot on the floor. Once it
D.8
1-3-1 ZONE WITH TRAPS IN THE CORNERS makes it to the high post, the ball can
When and how to run it (diagr. 6): be passed on both sides of the floor.
If there are no "desperate" situations and
we do not want to run too many risks. PASS FROM GUARD-TO-GUARD
After the first trap, we double team only in If the ball is passed from one guard to the
the corners. The main aspect of this other, the defenders, who are always
defense is to "cover" the passing lanes. covering the passing lane, rotate as
This defense then "invites" penetrations in shown in diagr. 11.
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FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - DEFENSE

D.9 D.13

D.10 D.14

D.11 D.15

D.12

THE DANGEROUS SIDES Blocking Out

Skip Pass If the shot is taken from the corner before
If there is a skip pass from 3 to 2, the defense the double team, we have great problems
is placed in a very difficult situation (diagr. 12): because X5 is facing 5, who is now free to
▼ X3 must run to aggressively guard 2 go in for the rebound (diagr. 14).
with his arms up. We will react in this way:
▼ X1 must go around the high post 4, until ▼X3 goes on 3.
X5 recovers on him. ▼X1 is of a basic importance on the help-
▼ X5 goes on 5 and X2 runs in the lane, side and blocks out on 4 or on 2.
ready to cover 5. At the same time, X4 ▼ X4 recovers on 4 or 2, who is on the D.16
moves towards the ball. wing.
We will always be with one less defender,
The following moves are then made but quickness and collaboration between
(diagr. 13): the players should erase this problem.
▼ X1 recovers on the passing lanes.
▼ X4 guards 5 in the low post. Double Posts
▼ X5 recovers on the high post. The most difficult offense to face is one
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with two high posts (we also use this row of the zone, and must force 1 towards
offense versus the 1-3-1 trap). one side of the court. The defender must
We move in this way (diagr. 15): absolutely prevent the ball being returned
▼ X5 anticipates 5, who is the "inside" to the right side, in this case, of the diagram.
post.
▼ X3 anticipates 4, who is the "outside" Two-on-Two Drill
post. 2 is the most dangerous player, We increase the difficulty for the defender,
and can hardly be trapped. playing two-on-one, and two-on-two
(diagr. 18).
If the ball is dribbled in our defensive half X1 must push the ball handler on one side D.17
court by 2, we will move in this way (diagr. of the court, and also force 1 to make a lob
16): X3 will close and go on the passing line. pass to 2.
X5 must recover on 4. X2 will stay behind, X3 helps, closing on 2, letting X1 recover.
ready to guard a post if this player moves
down low. X4 closes on 5 or 3 under the Contesting the Post Drill
basket. If 4 goes low, he will be guarded by Contesting the pass for low post is basic
X2. Naturally, when we are in this situation, work (diagr. 19).
we do not make the first high trap. We will The perimeter players pass the ball to each
only make the traps in the corners. other, and X5 runs to contest the post,
always staying between the ball and basket.
ANALYTICAL TEACHING
D.18
Now we start to teach in an analytical way TRAPS
to build up the 1-3-1 trap (diagr. 17). One-on-two Trap Drill
Drills for teaching the proper double
One-on-One Drill teams: 2 vs 1 at three-quarters court
This drill is run for X1, who plays in the first (diagr. 20).

D.19

D.20

FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 20 2006 | PAGE 27

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FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - DEFENSE

D.21

D.22

D.23

At the beginning, we facilitate the defen- situations, aggressively contesting the "Goalkeeper"
se by playing two defenders against one pass to the second offensive player This is for the defensive forwards X4
offensive player, giving two or three (diagr. 21). and X3. After a trap and a skip pass,
seconds for getting over the mid-court they must "dive" behind and recover,
line. X1 and X4 must force the ball hand- Three-on-Three Trap possibly stealing the "diagonal" pass.
ler towards the sideline and then double We work three-on-three to improve the Although this is a very dangerous move
team. The defenders must use their legs timing of the traps (diagr. 22). for the defense, it is a key moment in
and arms without making a foul, covering We put limitations on the offense, our 1-3-1 zone trap.
the ball, and trying to force a 5-seconds which now cannot use the post in the
violation. middle of the court. Besides, the offen- BACK TO THE GLOBAL TEACHING
se must get over the mid-court line by At the end of the session, we work
Two-on-Two Trap having one of the guards dribble the four-on-four, and finally we play five-
We now work two-on-two on different ball. on-five.
PAGE 28 | 20 2006 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE
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20_030.qxd 31-05-2006 12:15 Pagina 30

FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - HOOP MARKET

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL In this section, we introduce the latest books, videos, CDs, and
other tools that are primarily aimed at coaches, but certainly useful
for all of our readers. Please send your suggestions and comments
by Raffaele Imbrogno about our basketball-related media for review in this section.

Raffaele Imbrogno has been coaching since 1980. He is an how to best play against zone defenses, such as the 3-2 and 1-3-
Instructor for the Italian National Coaches Committee of the 1. He offers plays for getting a quick shot and plays developing
Federation and has been Director of the Italian Basketball from from inbounds passes, both from the baseline and the side-
Federation Study Center. Imbrogno is also the author of se- line.
veral technical basketball publications. The head coaches of the two teams that played against each
other for the 2006 NCAA women's title have published technical
FIBA Europe has created a special material that is now available. The national champion, Maryland,
program to promote women's basket- is coached by Brenda Freese, a young rising star of college ba-
ball over the course of the next 18 sketball. After only four years at the University of Maryland, the
months. Here are the main goals: 35-year-old Freese brought Maryland to the highest levels of wo-
▼ To increase the popularity of the men's basketball by employing her particular defensive and of-
game fensive ideas. These coaching concepts have been captured in
throughout Europe for women. videos produced several years ago. The first, "The 2-3 Match-up
▼ To increase interest and encourage Zone" was released by Coaches Choice in 2001. In 42 minutes,
the recruiting of players of all ages. Frese covers all the principles and techniques needed to create
▼ To increase number of women refe- an effective 2-3 zone with match-up principles. Several drills are
rees and coaches, in the European described to create the zone defense with particular attention
championships and International paid to proper player positioning based on their individual skills.
championships as well. The second of Freese's videos, "Championship Shooting Drills",
To study in depth the women's basket- was released by Championship Production in 2002, and it is dedi-
ball, we will now review some of the cated to all aspects of shooting, free-throws in particular. She
most popular womens' videos, DVDs, recommends a variety of drills and practice sessions using three
and books. players. The coach of the last NCAA tournament runner up team,
Geno Auriemma, a 2006 inductee to Gail Goestenkors, head coach of Duke University, is author of
the Basketball Hall of Fame, is the two interesting works: "Team Chemistry & the Complete to Sco-
head coach of the women's basketball ring Opportunities" and "Transition Offense & Quick Hitters". In
team of the University of Connecticut. the first DVD, the coach shows how certain practice drills could
An Italian-American who emigrated to be useful to the team. The second DVD focuses on options for
the U.S. from Montella, Duke's famous fastbreak and the main solutions that
Italy when he was seven can be employed after the transition .
years old, Auriemma is Here some other interesting DVD titles: Doug Bruno
one of the most famous and successful U.S. wo- of DePaul University has "Eight Interchangeable Of-
men's college basketball coaches. His teams fensive Sets"; Kay Yow, the coach of the U.S. Olympic
have won the NCAA Women's championships fi- champion women's team (1988), Hall of Fame Induc-
ve times. He has produced several DVDs over tee, and coach of North Carolina State has "13 Indivi-
the years and Champioship Productions recently dual and Team Drills for Improvement"; Tara Vender-
released two interesting selections: "Geno Au- veer, coach of Stanford University, winner of two
riemma-70 minute Players Development NCAA Championships, and elected three-timeNatio-
Workout" and "Geno Auriemma-The Simplified nal Coach of the Year, has "25 Offensive Practice Dril-
Zone Offense" . ls for Success"; and Harry Perretta, coach of Villano-
In the first disc, Auriemma explains his ideas va University women's basketball team, released
about how a coach can help to develop a skilled "The Unscoutable Zone Offense", “The Wildcat
offensive player by using 20 specific drills. He Spread Offense" and "The Unstoppable, No Mistake
begins with full-court drills, focusing on opening 5-Out Motion Offense". Finally, Sylvia Hatchell, a col-
fastbreak passes, long passes, and running lege coach for 30 years, has accumulated more than
layups. He stresses that for a player to be suc- 400 career wins at the University of North Carolina. In
cessful, there must be effective communication 2006, her Tar Heels made the NCAA Final Four and
on the court between teammates. The disc ends Hatchell was named the Associated Press's Coach of
with half-court drills featuring jump shots, run- the Year. She was inducted into the Women's Basket-
ning lay-ups, proper use of pick-and-rolls, low ball Hall of Fame in 2004. This July, her 256-page book
post moves, and how to properly use a screen. entitled, "The Complete Guide to Coaching Girls' Ba-
In the second DVD, UConn's coach describes sketball”, will be published by McGraw-Hill.
PAGE 30 | 20 2006 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE
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20_032.qxd 31-05-2006 12:15 Pagina 32

REFEREES AND GAME ADMINISTRATION

THE IMPORTANCE
by Nancy Ethier
OF MENTORSHIP
Nancy Ethier is a Canadian referee reeing, and expressed confidence in these words: "Whatever you want to
since 1992, and FIBA referee since my abilities to officiate at the interna- accomplish and wherever you want
1999. She officiated one Pre-Olympic tional level. I decided, after discus- to go in the basketball officiating
Tournament, one Olympic Tourna- sion with Pierre, to commit myself to world is waiting there for you to gra-
ment, one FIBA World Championship refereeing. I stopped coaching, and sp hold off". At first, I didn't believe a
for Women and one Junior Women, began participating in camps to im- word he said. Less than a year later, I
one FIBA Asian Women's and Junior prove my skills and to get to know was in Australia refereeing the final
Women's Asian Championships and other referees across the country. In of the pre-Olympic tournament. I ha-
two Championships of the Americas. 1999, there was a certification clinic ve since come to know Bill as a tru-
in Canada which I attended, and it sted friend, and have watched as he
Mentorship is a word that has been was there that I received my FIBA continues to promote women offi-
used to mean many different things. card. Had it not been for Pierre's cials, not just with words but by the
For me, it is as simple as a process of council to make some choices and assignments he gives as coordinator,
on-going exchange between indivi- apply myself to my choices, I am not and how he models equality in his
duals that allows for one to support sure that I would have developed the every day interactions. He has no to-
the development of another. It is less r e q u i s i t e s k i l l s s o q u i c k l y. W h o lerance for anyone treating another
about deliberate influence, or "power knows, this opportunity may have as less than an equal in all aspects.
over" another, and more about ac- passed me by. The decisions were His motto is "Get on the floor and do
companiment, or "empowerment" of mine and the effort was mine, Pierre the job, male or female". This has an
another. had simply provided a little push ac- incredible trickle effect on everyone
companied by a big dose of support. with whom he comes in contact. Bill
Mentorship has been both a means of It was a small action with a big ef- is still one of the first friends and fel-
professional and personal develop- fect. I only listened to him because low referees I call to debrief after my
ment for me, as well as a way to con- we had previously established a sen- best and my worst games (admit it,
tribute to the development of others se of trust. I knew that there was we all have challenging games at ti-
in the great sport of basketball. It has nothing he stood to gain by offering mes, otherwise known as great lear-
played a very important role in my de- his perspective, he was doing so only ning opportunities!).
velopment as a basketball official. I for what it could mean for me. In my
have had many mentors over the opinion, this is a critical condition for When on assignment for FIBA, I have
years; however two have had signifi- effective mentorship. Pierre has sin- since found myself mentoring other
cant impact at critical times in my ca- ce followed my development as an in- female officials who haven't received
reer: Pierre Marion and Bill Crowley. ternational referee and is still one of the support that was offered me and
I have been involved in refereeing for my biggest supporters and most of all that so contributed to my journey so
fifteen years now, seven of those at a great friend. far. Often times we spend evenings
the international level. It is hard to after games chatting about situations
believe how fast time passes when My second mentor that has accom- we are experiencing, sharing stories,
we start to look back and tell our sto- panied me in recent years has been laughs and ideas. We leave for our
ries! I started working with Pierre in perhaps one of the biggest suppor- respective countries richer for our ti-
1998, my seventh year of refereeing. ters of female officials in Canada. Bill me together, and stronger for the
Canada had decided to identify and and I came to know each other at the support extended to one another.
fast-track young and promising offi- first national referee camp in Canada My international road began by
cials in order to be able to offer suita- in 1999, four months before I received others sharing their belief in me, whi-
ble candidates to FIBA for internatio- my FIBA card. At the time, he was the ch helped anchor my belief in myself
nal carding selection. At the time, I President of the Canadian Associa- and inspired me to act, thank you
was both coaching and refereeing tion of Basketball Officials. He came Pierre, and thank you Bill. But I think
basketball. Pierre, one of the best re- to see me referee a game, and after the best thank you I can give is to do
ferees in Canada, encouraged me to the game, he walked onto the gym for others what you both chose to do
choose between coaching and refe- floor, looked at me directly and said for me.

PAGE 32 | 20 2006 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE

20_033.qxd 31-05-2006 12:17 Pagina 33

REFEREES AND GAME ADMINISTRATION

A WOMAN
by Chantal Julien
ON THE REFEREEING
WORLD
Chantal Julien, the first FIBA female refe- and in games where conflicts arise and with chauvinism often. When I referee a
ree, has been a French Men's professio- sometimes even a fight erupts. Besides women's game, it is easier to establish a
nal league referee since 1995, and a FIBA tough times that come with the actual re- respectful rapport and exchange with
international referee since 1997. She offi- sponsibility of a game, there are also tho- both players and coaches alike.
ciated one Olympic Women's final, one se times when an assignment that you are The keys to success at the higher levels
FIBA Women's World final, one FIBA Wo- hoping for is eventually not offered. of officiating in both women's and men's
men's Junior World Championships, one games are to have a strong character, to
FIBA European Women's Junior and two REFEREEING MEN'S COMPETITION - A MUSTTO face players and coaches directly, not to
Women's Championships, three FIBA IMPROVE show doubt or fear, and to work hard for
Asian Junior and Senior Women's and Refereeing a men's game is different respect. It is important to establish a
one Asian Men's Championships, one Fi- than a women's game. The satisfaction is good relationship with players and coa-
nal Four Women's Euroleague, and one the same; however, the approach requi- ches by demonstrating your understan-
FIBA Men's European Championship. She red to date has not been. Since starting ding of the game, and your appreciation
also received the 2005 Italian Oscar of to referee internationally in 1997, I have for the flow of the game. There is also no
Basketball, special FIBA Award. also been officiating at the Pro A level shame in recognizing one's mistakes;
(first division) in France, the highest level this simply shows honesty.
MY BASKETBALL HISTORY of men's basketball in my country. I attri-
My father was a division one player for bute much of my improvement as a refe- THE SACRIFICES REQUIRED FOR SUCCESS AT
many years. He started bringing me to his ree to this involvement. Whether one re- THE HIGHEST LEVEL
games at the tender age of four years old. ferees male or female athletes, one must A career as a high performance referee
It was he who inspired in me a passion respect both games. I have found the fe- does not come without sacrifice at both
for the game of basketball. I went on to male game to be more technical and tac- professional and personal levels. I am a
play for eight years in the first division in tical, and it is a pleasure to see the rich- physical education teacher in the city of
France, and then decided in 1993 to swit- ness of the game grow, particularly at the Mandelieu-la-Napoule. The city awards
ch to refereeing in order to remain invol- higher levels and as the women's game a special status to those involved in high
ved in high-performance basketball. evolves. Physically, the men's game sees level sport; in my case, a replacement
more contact and more play in the air teacher is assigned for me whenever I
THE UPS AND DOWNS OF REFEREEING (plays at the rim or when the ball is in the need to leave to referee in Europe or in-
Refereeing at the highest level of basket- air). Decision-making must therefore be ternationally. The teacher is hired to tea-
ball (World Championships and Olympic faster because there is less time availa- ch the curriculum that I have planned.
Games) brings with it an incredible sense ble to make a judgement. Women's ba- On the personal front, it is hard to recon-
of satisfaction. Though we don't win a me- sketball has been closing the gap for so- cile life on the road as a referee and a
dal for our efforts, the reward for being in- me time now with regard to the physical normal family life. I spend every
volved as an official in such an event is in- aspect of play; female players block, fight weekend travelling in France during the
valuable. To be offered the opportunity to for position in the key, and dunk. More regular season and two games a month
referee the best players in the world is a and more, the approach is similar. The elsewhere in Europe as well. Time must
great honor, and to have had the chance to criteria used for refereeing, however, ha- also be invested in preparation and pro-
officiate the final game at these competi- ve always been and remain the same. fessional development. To be effective
tions has represented for me a proof of It is still a challenge to be on the floor as a referee requires dedication and
confidence in my abilities that I cherish. with men. Some players have never been goal setting. To stay current and sharp
Though the rewards are many, there are refereed by a woman and assume that I one needs to watch video, study rules,
also "downs" from time to time that come will be weaker, slower, and more error- and train to stay in shape. To progress,
with high-performance refereeing. Many prone than my male counterparts. It also one must stay humble and spend time in
examples can be found in games where seems that a mistake made by a woman critical reflection after every game. A
one makes more errors in judgement than is worse than one committed by a man. I good referee is one that makes the least
one would like; in games where players, seem to constantly have to prove that I mistakes, not the one that believes he or
coaches or spectators get out of hand; merit my place on the floor. I have to deal she makes none!
FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 20 2006 | PAGE 33
20_034.qxd 31-05-2006 12:16 Pagina 44

REFEREES AND GAME ADMINISTRATION

RIGHT OR WRONG?
QUESTIONS
1. During the last two minutes of the 4th period,
A4 shoots a successful final free throw, after
which team B is granted a time-out. Following
the time-out, shall play resume with a team B
throw-in at the free-throw line extended,
opposite the scorer's table?
2. On a throw-in by A2, the ball passes through
the team B basket. Shall team B be awarded a
throw-in at the free throw line extended nea-
rer the team B basket?
3. After the ball has been placed at the disposal
of A5 for two free throws, B8 asks to enter the
game as a substitute for B4. Following A5's
successful first free throw, a technical foul is
charged to a team A player. Shall B8 be per-
mitted to enter the game immediately after the
technical foul has been reported to the scorer?
4. The ball has not yet touched the frontcourt
when A3 ends the dribble while straddling the
centerline. A3 then fumbles the ball, after
which the ball lands in the backcourt and is
again controlled by A3. Has the ball been ille-
gally returned to the backcourt?
5. A2 accidentally scores a field goal in the
wrong basket. Shall two points be recorded as
having been scored by the team B captain?
6. A3 is awarded two free throws, both of which
are successful. Following the final free throw
but before the ball is at the disposal of a team
B player out-of-bounds for the resulting throw-
in, team A requests a time-out. Shall the time-
out be permitted immediately?
7. Must an unsportsmanlike foul always involve
contact with an opposing player?
8. Following a successful field goal during the
last two minutes of play, team B is granted a
time-out. Following the team B time-out, team
A is granted another time-out. Shall play resu-
me, following the team A time-out, with a team
B throw-in at the centerline extended opposi-
te the scorer's table?
9. During a dead ball, a jump ball situation occurs.
ANSWERS 5. Yes (Art. 16.2.2)
Team A is entitled to the next alternating pos-
1. Yes. (Changes to Official 6. Yes (Changes to Official
session throw-in. Before the ball is placed at Basketball Rules, October 2005) Basketball Rules, October 2005)
the disposal of a team A player for the resulting 2. No. The throw-in shall be admi- 7. Yes. (Art. 36.1.1)
throw-in, B4 fouls A4. This is the third team A nistered at the sideline or endli- 8. Yes. (Changes to Official
foul in that period. Shall play resume with the ne place where the original Basketball Rules, October 2005)
team A alternating possession throw-in? throw-in occurred. (Art. 17.3.1, 9. No. Play shall resume with a
10. After the ball has been placed at the disposal 17.4) team A throw-in resulting from
of A3 for the alternating possession throw-in 3. No. B8 may not enter the game the B4 foul. Team A shall not lose
that will begin the 2nd period but before the until following the completion its right to the next alternating
ball has touched a player on the court, B4 fouls of A5's final free throw (Art. possession throw-in in the next
A4. Has the B4 foul occurred during an interval 19.4.1) jump ball situation. (Art. 12.4.8)
of play? 4. Yes. (Art. 30.1.1, 30.1.2) 10. No. (Art. 12.4.8)

PAGE 34| 20 2006 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE

20_035.qxd 31-05-2006 12:39 Pagina 37

SPORT MARKETING AND MANAGEMENT

FIBA EUROPE'S
by Esther Wender

YEAR OF WOMEN'S
BASKETBALL
Esther Wender is the FIBA Europe The goal of this 18-month campaign launching the Year of Women's Ba-
Year of Women's Basketball Project is to bring focus to women's basket- sketball, which took place on Inter-
Manager. A former player at the club ball in order to improve recognition national Women's Day (8th March)
and national level with the Nether- and respect for the sport in Europe at the EuroLeague Women All-Star
lands, she has 10 years of experience and all female participants in ba- Game in Pecs, Hungary.
in public relations with various ba- sketball. Russian national team captain Ilona
sketball organizations. She is curren- That means working with the natio- Korstin unveiled the logo at the laun-
tly the Head of Communications and nal federations and clubs to gain ch and she will be the "face" of the
Public Relations at the Netherlands more ex- campaign until the climax of the
Basketball Federation and a member po- project at the 2007 EuroBasket Wo-
of the FIBA Europe Women's Commis- men in Italy.
sion. We had the top 24 players in the Eu-
roLeague Women at the All-Star
It is an interesting time for Game and they not only
women's basketball in Euro- showed their skills on the
pe. There is more money court, but took time to
than ever before in ba- speak to the media, parti-
sketball clubs and the cipated in a photo shoot
EuroLeague Women and conducted auto-
can boast some of the graph sessions for
top players in the young fans.
world among its The EuroLeague Wo-
ranks. National team men All-Star Game
competition has also was a great spring-
prospered from the board for the Year of
rise in the level of Women's Basketball,
play at the club level, but there will be plenty
as was witnessed at more to come in the
last year's EuroBasket next 18 months.
Women in Turkey. Throughout the project,
In one regard, the wo- the Year of Women's Ba-
men's game has come sketball will be promoted at
along way since I stepped on FIBA Europe events and at a
to the court with the Dutch na- more localised level through
tional team over 20 years ago. collaboration with national fede-
While there are many positives, it is rations. Various organizational cli-
clear that women's basketball does nics, conferences and educational
not enjoy the same standing as the sure activities will be held throughout the
men's game, in the eyes of basketball for our top duration of the project.
fans and organizing bodies. players in their communities and en- We will do everything possible to
That is why FIBA Europe has decided couraging young girls to take to the promote the game and our top fema-
to launch the Year of Women's Basket- courts and play basketball. le players with the goal of attracting
ball. One of the main goals of the Wo- This also entails collaborating with a new generation of stars to wo-
men's Commission is to raise the profi- our partners to increase participa- men's basketball.
le of the women's game. The Commis- tion in all areas that make up basket-
sion came up with the idea for the Year ball, such as coaching, refereeing For more information, visit the wo-
of Women's Basketball and FIBA Euro- and administration. men's basketball section on fibaeu-
pe agreed to fund the project. The first step in this process was rope.com.
FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 20 2006 | PAGE 35
20_036_037 31-05-2006 12:17 Pagina 36

SPORT MARKETING AND MANAGEMENT

the past and the

future of the wnba
The Women's National Basketball Asso-
ciation, or WNBA, is the organization
governing the professional basketball
league for women in the United States.
Formed 10 years ago as the women's
counterpart by the NBA, the official lea-
gue play began June 21, 1997, shortly af-
ter the NBA championships had fini-
shed. Eight teams were involved that fir-
st season and the best women players in
the world signed on to play. Ten years la-
ter, the professional league has 14 fran-
chises playing from May through Augu-
st. David Stern, NBA Commissioner, is
confident the WNBA will succeed in this
tenth season and for many seasons to
come. "We are determined - and this is
why it's going to succeed - to make this
a successful business proposition. This
is not an altruistic endeavour. This is a
business model, and we think the busi-
ness model is in the right time and the ri-
ght place." There are many reasons why
the Commissioner is right, among them:
▼ The WNBA will host their 20 millionth
fan this season.
▼ A random poll conducted by ESPN bers to begin with. Our daily traffic is up
reported that the WNBA is the most 20 percent on the website. People are
popular women's sport, ahead of calling us about new franchises. We have
tennis, golf, and volleyball. a number of new corporate partners,
▼ In-arena fans are 80% women and among them Toyota, T-Mobile, and Mc-
girls, while TV viewership is closer to Donald's. This is in addition to the long-
50-50 male/female. standing partnerships we have had with
Of the tremendous fan support, WNBA Coke, Gatorade, Nike, America Online, se different groups, and we know that
superstar Lisa Leslie, center of the Los Spalding, and Southwest Airlines. There they're there in great numbers, we've
Angeles Sparks (one of the few players is a lot going on that is very positive for only begun to scratch the surface in
able to execute a slam dunk) said, "Just the WNBA. I think what we've really been terms of how much broader our base
watching the growth of the league, we able to get our arms around is what moti- can be. We will continue to be very bul-
can see the league is still growing up in vates people to be aligned with and parti- lish about this property of ours."
a good way. It's also letting professional cipate with the WNBA. Interest in the Marketing and advertising campaigns
women athletes become role models for WNBA spans across all demographics over the years have allowed the WNBA
little girls and boys." and genders. We're really focusing on to catch the attention of the American
Donne Orender, the President of the this whole idea of being inspirational. You sports fan. Community initiatives have
WNBA, is very happy about the growth can be a 9-year old girl, who gets inspired played a large role here. For its tenth
of the League and of future prospects. by the WNBA. You can be a 50-year old season, the WNBA has launched a sea-
"In the case of the WNBA, you have to guy, who loves this pure brand of basket- son-long campaign called "10 Years of
look at the overall fan base. It's up and ball. You could be a woman, who loves Caring," with events scheduled throu-
continues to show signs of greater sports. You could be a teacher, coach, or ghout the country. This campaign cele-
growth. Our ratings were up last year, parent, who loves the accessibility of our brates the WNBA's ten seasons of
particularly in the playoffs. Our draft players and the role model nature of our commitment to creating programs that
traffic doubled, and we had large num- players. When you look across all of the- improve the quality of life for all people,

PAGE 36 | 20 2006 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE

20_036_037 31-05-2006 12:17 Pagina 37

with a special emphasis on promoting a games were televised in 193 countries

healthy lifestyle and positive body ima- and heard in 31 languages, in countries
ge, raising awareness for women's ranging from China to the Middle East,
health, family development, and educa- throughout Europe and Australia. This
tion. year, the WNBA TV partners include Di-
This program is tailor-made for the WN- sney, the American Broadcasting Com-
BA because its teams are already extre- pany, and ESPN, with a total of 36 games
mely active in their respective markets telecast nationally. NBA TV will also te-
engaging with fans in a variety of pro- levise an additional 54 games.
grams, including "WNBA: Be Smart, Be The WNBA is like the NBA in a lot of re-
Fit, Be Yourself" clinics; "Read to Achie- spects, but still has its own particular
ve Reading Rallies;" Junior WNBA cli- rules and regulations. The league uses
nics; "Habitat for Humanity" community a 30-second clock, a 19-foot, 9-inch th-
building efforts; and school visits by lo- ree-point line (6,02 m), two 20-minutes
cal team members. halves, 11-player team rosters, and a
"We take pride in the role that WNBA collegiate-regulation size ball. The
teams and players have undertaken in WNBA's signature orange-and-oat-
their communities," said Donna Orender. meal basketball by Spalding is 28,5 in-
"Our athletes are strong, passionate, ches (77,5 cm) in circumference, which
and determined individuals, who are po- is slightly smaller than the NBA's regu-
sitive role models for people who aspire lation ball.
to great things. Through the "10 Years of "I'm thrilled about the WNBA," said the
Caring" initiative, players will demon- NBA's David Stern. "We are setting up a
strate off the court the very same funda- new model for young women to partici-
mentals that make them special on the pate in sports and really have their own
court: teamwork, dedication, and deter- gender role models. We couldn't be
mination." happier about this new frontier that we'-
The growth and popularity of the WNBA ve opened up."
has also increased greatly, thanks to in- Yes, as league president Donna Orender
ternational television and the excellent noted, it's been a long, but steady climb
TV partnerships that have been formed for the league, with all signs of a bright
in the United States. Last year, WNBA future still ahead.

FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 20 2006 | PAGE 37

20_039_040.qxd 31-05-2006 12:18 Pagina 39

FIBA RESEARCH AND STUDY CENTRE

BEHIND
by Karen Strahl
FIBA Study Centre
THE STAGE
The basketball court is the stage for ▼ Interview area backdrops.
the final showdown of this sport, but
behind the stage there are people and ▼ Anti-slip stickers for the court
companies that work to make the floor.
show a success, an entertainment
that will satisfy and meet the needs of This innovative company also pro-
the spectators, players, and coaches. duces supports and printings in sta-
dium and arenas for dynamic adver-
I would like to introduce some of the tising systems (rotor) for graphical
FIBA Study Centre partners which are fitting. A FABRIC FOR BETTER PLAYER
not as visible to spectators or as PERFORMANCES
spectacular as a dunk or a fancy pass, Thanks to its many outstanding I n t h e s p o r t s w o r l d t o d a y, h i g h
but they are equally important mem- efforts for basketball, football, and performance gear is in constant de-
bers of the basketball family. volleyball games and tournaments, mand. For this reason the research
Bresciani Visual is acknowledged and development departments of
A PERSONALIZED COURT for its high-quality products, both in most companies work intensely to
For many years, Bresciani Visual has Italy and abroad. satisfy this ongoing need.
offered a wide range of solutions for The company specializes in high-
outdoor and indoor sports event per- quality megaprints and large format The Fillattice Group is one of the
sonalization. Among their contribu- digital printing. most important producers of elasto-
tions include: meric and stretch fabrics. The Ita-
▼ Tyvek and PVC materials for dyna- They make use of advanced and lian company has created Feeltex, a
mic systems. state-of-the-art technologies for the new stretch fabric with high resi-
production of innovative printing stance levels; light, anti-allergenic
▼ Fixed systems. products and can meet any need for and antibacterial, it is ideal for
advertising, exhibitions, point-of- sportswear.
▼ Perspective carpets made of sales, shop windows, postings, mo-
synthetic grass, moquette, and bile communication on vehicle and, Feeltex is available in two new ver-
trample on stickers. sports event venues. sions, Feeltex PRO and Feeltex ME-
SH: the percentage of raw material
composition makes MESH articles
stretcher and lighter.

The high quality content, its light-

ness and comfort make this fabric
specific for basketball, thanks to a
high transpiration that assures a
pleasant sensation of freshness on
the skin.

A SPECIAL SOUND
The Fox 40 whistle premiered at the
1987 Pan American Games, and sin-
ce then the Fox 40 Pea-less Whistle
FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 20 2006 | PAGE 39
20_039_040.qxd 31-05-2006 12:18 Pagina 40

FIBA RESEARCH AND STUDY CENTRE

A RANGE OF the sports sector.

SERVICES
Oiko Service is a Today, Oiko Service consults with
dynamic com- marketing managers and related
pany with a track firms to set a strategy and then invi-
record of suc- gorate their brands, employing a full
cess in the deve- range of integrated vehicles, from
lopment of inte- corporate identity and pitch-books
grated communi- to corporate brochures and event
cations. services.

The company Their creative work with professio-

works closely nal leagues and teams, host cities,
with its clients to sporting and entertainment events
differentiate spans a range that includes interna-
their firms and tional basketball tournaments,
products with re- Olympic Games, music festivals,
gard to target and a variety of sports champion-
audience, com- ships.
petition, and
company vision. BASKETBALL BACKSTOPS
Porter's research and development
The firm entered team has been instrumental in the
the market in introduction of the Fair-Court‚ rim
1999 as an Inter- testing device to fairly and accura-
net company tely measure the rebound perfor-
specializing in mance of the flexible rim and entire
new media basketball support system.
areas, such as
web site stra- Basketball rim testing is essential in
tegy and con- order to begin solving the problem
has become the whistle choice for inter- tent, Internet marketing, and Intra- of inconsistent rebound performan-
national sports federations and confe- net. ce found in inferior or worn equip-
rences across the world. ment.
Due to their background, they This helps minimize the home court
The unmistakable, penetrating sound of worked increasingly with clients in advantage and improves the inte-
the Fox 40 can be heard in over 140 grity of the game of basketball.
countries around the world. Fox 40 Inter-
national has continued to exceed its re- Porter Athletic Equipment Company
putation for outstanding design and qua- is a worldwide supplier of profes-
lity products. sional and top collegiate basketball
backstops for arenas, colleges,
Fox 40 can be recognized by its piercing schools, parks, and recreation faci-
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The harder you blow this whistle, the Porter manufactures backboards,
louder the tone. The ingeniously desi- rims, and portable backstops; cu-
gned Fox 40 whistle doesn't use a pea to stom gymnasium equipment; gymna-
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In fact, there are no moving parts what-
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Fox 40's patented design moves the air contributes immensely to their abi-
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The Fox 40 family of whistles includes grow at all age and skill levels
the traditional Fox 40 Classic, Pearl & around the world.
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Visit www.fox40world.com to review the services unmatched by anyone.
complete line of whistles.

PAGE 40 | 20 2006 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE

20_041_043.qxd 31-05-2006 12:35 Pagina 41

DOCTORS, TRAINERS AND CONDITIONING COACHES

THE "OPALS"
STRENGTH
AND CONDITIONING
by Donna O'Connor

Donna O'Connor is the Associate Dean sise the role they play in supporting the will briefly comment on two of the issues
(Learning & Teaching) at the University opals player within the club environment. as examples of our approach.
of Sydney, and has been with the Aus- We now disseminate information on
tralian Women's Basketball team strength and conditioning, testing and The intermittent nature of basketball and
(Opals) since October 2003. relevant sport science issues. During the the restricted court size is reflected in
pre-season and WNBL season I will con- the energy demands of this game. Al-
My role with the team is to assist the sult with the strength and conditioners to though there are a few studies (McInnes
head coach by developing training pro- collectively design programs for opals et al., 1995; Rodriquez-Alonso et al., 2003)
grams to enhance player performance players. We have started to have period- that have quantified these physiological
and advise on sport science issues relat- ic telephone conference calls to discuss requirements we have decided to con-
ed to player preparation. This involves progress of squad members. I will also duct our own research that will then di-
keeping up-to-date with current re- regularly communicate with players ei- rectly inform our training practice. We
search and continually communicating ther by phone or email during the season. have monitored heart rates, lactates and
with the coaching and medical staff in movement patterns during international
planning and implementing training pro- Due to the limited time the squad is able games, scrimmages and training ses-
grams. to train together, clear and consistent sions. Interpretation of this data gives an
communication is imperative. This is par- indication of player response to the de-
AUSTRALIAN CONTEXT ticularly paramount outside the WNBL mands imposed on them. This informa-
The "Opals", the nickname of the Aus- season where large physical improve- tion provides insight into where each
tralian women's national team, are cur- ments can be made. For players not com- player's level of fitness is at for any given
rently ranked third in the world. Of the 25- peting overseas, I receive weekly emails time and assists in individualising player
30 players in the National squad, approx- that include loads lifted in the gym, times preparation and recovery strategies.
imately 70% of players will be located in or distances for conditioning drills, and However, when interpreting these re-
Australia, while 30% of players will com- RPE [rate of perceived exertion] etc. sults it must be considered that the inten-
pete overseas at some stage during the From this information I am able to moni- sity of the game will be influenced by the
year. This situation makes long term peri- tor and adjust individual training pro- quality of opposition, the style of play
odised programming difficult for individ- grams. used by the coach and the physiological
ual players but in recognising that this capacity of the players. By also monitor-
situation will only increase, we have at- Players based overseas have been more ing these parameters during practice
tempted to put systems in place to sup- difficult to support. We are slowly form- sessions we are able to categorise vari-
port player preparation regardless of ing relationships with various clubs and ous training drills and activities as 'light,
where they are located. their trainers so we can communicate medium or heavy', which is helpful when
and have an integrated approach to the determining training demands during dif-
In the first instance, the respective play- overall development of the player. ferent phases of training. This will be par-
er, head coach and myself collaborative- ticularly pertinent in relation to court
ly decide general goals and specific fit- SPORT SCIENCE ISSUES work in the lead-up to major champi-
ness targets for the year. Ideally, pre-ha- Sport science issues that have been re- onships.
bilitation and rehabilitation programs are searched and influenced Opals training
devised in consultation with the player's prescription include energy demands of With the previous Olympics in Athens
club personnel as well as Opals staff. I basketball, concurrent training, cross and the next world championships in
now have contact with all WNBL training, warm up (static stretching), hy- Brazil issues such as acclimatisation, jet
strength and conditioners and empha- dration, jet lag, and recovery strategies. I lag and hydration are very important.
FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 20 2006 | PAGE 41
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DOCTORS, TRAINERS AND CONDITIONING COACHES

Due to the amount of air travel we must

do, educating players of the importance
of hydration is paramount. To assist with
this we will monitor urine specific gravity
(USG) levels as an indication of hydra-
tion status. Because you cannot rely on
the colour of urine as an indicator of hy-
dration levels (due to influence of multi-
vitamins etc) we have found using a re-
fractometer for USG to be a very simple
and quick measure. For example, when
we are in training camps we can take a
sample after training and then monitor
the amount of fluid that is consumed pri-
or to the next training when a further
sample is taken. Over time each player
then has a guide on the amount of fluid
that is required to return a reading of <
0.01. We have also been able to make
recommendations on how much water
should be consumed on various flights.
Prior to these initiatives some players
were coming to training or games in an
already dehydrated state.

STRENGTH
AND CONDITIONING
PERIODISING TRAINING
Due to the different needs and playing
commitments of squad members a vari-
ety of different programs are devised.
For example, the majority of the 28 play-
ers in the current Opals squad would be
following one of seven different pro-
grams. Consequently, both the frequen-
cy and type of training session sched-
uled for each squad member is deter-
mined depending on the background of
the player, their role within the Aus-
tralian team, and their strengths and
weaknesses.

During the WNBL (the Australian Divi-

sion I Women's league), from October to
February, players participate in weight
training that is tailored to incorporate
their club commitments. In consultation
with club strength and conditioners, two
weight sessions a week are devised. At
a player's request I may also add an ex-
tra conditioning or cross-training ses-
sion to their weekly schedule. Players
flexibility are components in all phases of sist with preparation training camps and
generally will have a short transition
training. August-September has a greater international tours are scheduled where
phase after the season (active recovery
number of court sessions with combined possible.
and rehabilitation). For players not com-
acceleration, agility and ball activities (in-
peting in the WNBA (the US professional
dividual and team). Research indicates In reality, there are always a number of ob-
women's league) training during April to
that loss of strength and power can occur stacles and difficulties encountered in
June emphasises either strength or hy-
within two-three weeks if resistance train- planning and implementing these training
pertrophy while continuing to build an
ing ceases. We maintain strength and programs. Depending on international
aerobic foundation. During July the fo-
power levels with short, regular training commitments in any given year, a number
cus will move to power and repeated
sessions throughout the lead-up to the of different training camps and travel will
sprint-ability. Agility, core stability and
major championships. To monitor and as- mean that there will be deviations from the

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above planning. Difficulties in periodised cal ergometers (10 x 3 min at level 8 with STABILITY
planning and group cohesion occur with 30-60s recovery at level 4). Pool ses- In consultation with the team physiother-
the unavailability of different squad mem- sions involved deep-water running, apist, core stability is assessed at each
bers at each of these camps while taking kicking, underwater swimming and six- training camp. If there is inadequate core
into consideration the travel and playing packs (6 x 15m maximal sprints with 5 stability, rotation & tilting of the pelvis will
commitments of other players when inte- sec recovery). occur which results in poor technique &
grating training sessions or testing into inefficient force application. Conse-
the annual plan. RESISTANCE TRAINING quently, a slower athlete will be the re-
Players participate in 2-4 resistance- sult. Prone, supine and lateral holds
CONDITIONING training sessions a week depending on (straight arms and forearms) are exam-
Training sessions are prescribed to focus the time of year and macrocycle. To en- ples of increasing pelvic stability using
on the following outcomes: aerobic fit- hance training adaptations I manipulate the athlete's own body weight. Emphasis
ness, repeated sprint ability, speed and the choice of exercise, volume, intensi- is placed on contracted abdominals &
agility. Examples of training sessions are ty, rest and training system every 2-3 gluts throughout the exercise as well as
outlined in the Table below. weeks. Training systems that are incor- having the body in correct alignment (stiff
porated in different cycles include su- as a board). These exercises were initial-
Table 1: Examples of conditioning ses- persets (assisted chins (seated row), gi- ly 'held' for 3 x 20 s and eventually pro-
sions ant sets (DB lat raises (Front DB raises gressed to 60 s holds for each of the eight
(reverse flyes: 3 x 8/8/8), matrix (curls: 3 exercises (8 mins in total). Other exercis-
Session A: Hill runs x 21), cluster sets (Bench Press: 3 x es that I have prescribed incorporate the
▼ 8-12 reps x 150m 4/max/max), eccentric (Bench Press: 2 x Swiss ball and include the bridge (double
▼ 2 min recovery between reps 6, 2 x 4, 2 x 4(eccentric), pyramids and single leg), "jacknifes", hamstring
(Squat: 2 x 6, 2 x 4, 2 x 2) and complex rolls, divers pike, hip extension, Russian
Session B: training (squats to jumps). At times I will twist, alternate superman and kneeling
▼ progressed from 4 to 7 reps x 800m video sessions so I can give players vi- (see Collins, 1998).
▼ HR> 85%maxHR sual feedback on their technique. This
▼ 4 minute recovery has assisted their learning of the more SPEED AND AGILITY
complex lifts and stability exercises. Due to court dimensions there is a sub-
Session C: beep shuttles When the players have learnt correct stantial focus on acceleration (0-10m)
▼ 2 min shuttles (L11 & 12) skills/shoot- technique I include lifts such as power as players generally do not reach maxi-
ing clean, hang clean, high pull, push press, mal speed during competition. Speed
▼ 1 min shuttle (L 13) skills/shooting press jerk and squat to push press. In drills (marching, butt kicks, alternate
▼ 2 min shuttles (L11 & 12) skills/shoot- the power phase I will also include 3-5 high knees, bounds etc) aimed at train-
ing medicine ball exercises. ing the nervous system are incorporat-
▼ repeat above ed in the warm up at least three times-
a-week. For variety 10 mins of ladder
Session D: work can also be included (e.g. cario-
▼ 5 sets 10 x 35m on the 30 seconds (jog ca, zig-zag 2 foot jumps, slalom). Re-
back recovery) search indicates that speed off the
▼ 5 mins recovery between sets mark is closely correlated to leg power.
Consequently, I combine plyometric
Session E starts with acceleration runs during
▼ 3 x 4 agility runs (aim at 40-44s) with this phase of training. Examples in-
1:3 work: recovery ratio clude 10 pitter-patters and sprint; 6
▼ work HR > 85% max HR with recovery straight leg bounds and sprint; 90(jump
HR 100-120 bpm to left, return to start and sprint 10m
(repeat jumping right). An intensity of
CROSS TRAINING 95-100% is the target for each repeti-
Cross training is incorporated for a num- tion. Agility involves the need to decel-
ber of reasons: to increase aerobic and erate, adjust stride pattern and body
anaerobic fitness without the additional position and then accelerate again.
impact on the body of continual running Young et al. (1996) demonstrated that
and jumping, and to assist with addition- speed and agility training are specific
al energy expenditure for players aiming and only produce a 25% transfer to the
at reducing skinfold readings. Training other exercise mode. From this, two
sessions include the utilisation of row- agility/footwork sessions are incorpo-
ing on a concept 11 rowing ergometer rated in the pre-season with at least
(20 min aim at >4500m or 3 x 10 x 60s (aim one session in-season. These were
> 275m) with 60 sec recovery between short maximal efforts that involved a
reps and 5 min between sets), cycling (3 number of changes of direction in the
sets of pyramid: 15 sec - 30 sec - 45 sec - one repetition. The duration of each
60 sec - 75 sec - 90 sec - 75 sec - 60 sec - repetition ranged from 3-15 seconds,
45 sec - 30 sec - 15 sec; 15 sec between within a 3-5 minute set followed by bas-
reps and 5 min between sets) and ellipti- ketball specific skill work.

FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 20 2006 | PAGE 43

20_044-045.qxd 31-05-2006 12:34 Pagina 44

NEWS

Recalcati
expects more
One-on-one competitive
USA
A new Italy will be unveiled at the FIBA World Champi- gets underway in August. When do you expect to an-
onship 2006 in Japan (19th August - 3rd September) and nounce your team?
veteran coach Carlo Recalcati's aim is to mould the
“Azzurri” (light blue), as the Italian national teams are RECALCATI: I will make a selection of 16 players at the
nicknamed, into one of the most competitive national end of the Lega A season and I will announce my final
sides in international basketball. 12-man squad just days before we travel to Japan.

Having won bronze at the EuroBasket 2003 in Sweden FIBA: One player who has really captured the imagina-
and silver at the Athens Olympics a year later, Italy tion of basketball fans in Europe this season is Andrea
needed a wild card to play for the world title in Japan Bargnani. Can you tell us if he is a certainty for Japan?
later this year after failing to qualify outright.
RECALCATI: I will include young players and Bargnani is
Some experienced players are set to travel to the Far one of them. He has a good chance to make it to Japan.
East, but Recalcati has
also revealed that
youngsters will get
their chance, includ-
ing Benetton Treviso's
2,13 (7ft) sensation An-
drea Bargnani - a 20-
year-old who has cap-
tivated the Lega A and
Euroleague fans in his
first season as a
starter.

In a candid interview
with FIBA's Cindy Gar-
cia-Bennett, Recalcati
took a break from his
duties as coach of
Montepaschi Siena to
discuss the Azzurri
and offer his thoughts
on the squad an-
nouncement made by
Group D rivals Team
USA.

FIBA: There is a lot of

interest in Italy and
the players who will
represent the country
at the FIBA World
Championship which

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Bargnani will be very useful to us, he is a modern play- knew their talent while they didn't
er, who is a strong forward and can play the game. know much about us.

FIBA: Bargnani is just one promising youngster. Marco

Belinelli and Stefano Mancinelli of Climamio Bologna FIBA: Are you surprised by the ex-
have played important roles for clusion of former co-captain Allen
the club this season. Are you Iverson from Team USA, especially
happy with how these players are as he had so much experience
progressing? and also wanted to play?

RECALCATI: I'm happy that young play-

ers are doing very well for the respective
clubs and that they are playing at a competi-
tive level. We need young players, who are
strong physically and mentally.

FIBA: One of the teams that you will coach against is

the United States. USA Basketball announced the 23
players that are available for national team selection RECALCATI: I
for Japan. Do you have the impression that the US is think you have to ac-
missing a dominating center like Shaquille O'Neal? cept the choices,
ideas and philoso-
RECALCATI: A team always needs a great center. But phy of a coach. If
the problem that Team USA had at the last World he has made that
Championship and in Athens is not that of missing one decision there
player or two players but rather the fact that they un- must be a reason
derestimated the other teams. It is no longer sufficient behind it. As a
for them to be just competitive, they now need to work coach, you al-
at it, to prepare for this competition just like the rest of ways look at
the teams have done in the past and continue to do. what is best
for the team,
FIBA: Considering the players, who have been named, sometimes
like 2,13 (7ft) center Brad Miller of Sacramento and you make
Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, do you see a mistakes or
different approach being taken? Additionally, former your deci-
Benetton Treviso coach Mike D'Antoni is an assis- sions might
tant to head coach Mike Krzyzewski so surely this be questioned but you have to
will be a problem for Italy since he is familiar with take difficult decisions when
your players? dropping players.

RECALCATI: I think they have recognized their mistakes FIBA: The last time you coached
and proof of this is the fact that they have included Italy was in Serbia & Montenegro
Mike D'Antoni in their coaching squad. Mike is a per- at the EuroBasket and Croatia
son that has a lot of knowledge of international bas- beat your team in the elimination
ketball, especially of the European game. After the round. Are you looking forward to
disappointment in recent years, one thing that I ex- getting back together with the na-
pect from Team USA is that they will be hungry for tional side to set the record
success. Their players will show more pride to regain straight?
the leadership that they always had but have failed to
show in recent years. RECALCATI: I think the World Cham-
pionship will allow our young play-
FIBA: Italy beat the USA in a warm-up game staged in ers to gain experience at the high-
Germany before the Athens Olympics. What was the est level. Of course, they will not
secret behind that win? have the maturity due to their age,
but this tournament will allow them
RECALCATI: We played a great game against Team to gain confidence and it will be
USA, we had nothing to lose. There were 10,000 fans beneficial for the national team in fu-
waiting to see the Dream Team and it was their first ture competitions such as the 2007
appearance in Europe that year so the pressure was EuroBasket.
really on them. The difference was that we knew all
the players, my men knew who they were facing and
that was not the case with Team USA. The majority of Find more stories on
their players compete in the NBA and are watched all
www.fiba.com
over the world including in Europe so we obviously
FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 20 2006 | PAGE 45
20_046-049 .qxd 31-05-2006 12:19 Pagina 46

NEWS

the world
Planet
basketball
in brief
dore Clippers), Aaron Nowell (Manawatu I don't seem to understand how it all began.
Jets), Aaron Olson (NZ Breakers), Miles The height of it all being at the Common-
Pearce (Otago Nuggets), Kirk Penney (Mac- wealth Games". "They have me listed at 5'10
cabi Tel Aviv), Tony Rampton (Taranaki but I am 6'0 ft which is about 1.88/1.90cm. I
Mountain Airs), Lindsay Tait (Auckland guess they mistakenly confused my height
Stars), Mika Vukona (Nelson Giants), Paora with one of my teammates. I do hope that the
Winitana (Bay Hawks). The final pieces to the right people will take note," she said. In the
Tall Blacks' FIBA World Championships absence of team captain Mfon Udoka the
preparation are in place with a tour to South Turkey based player led the Lady Tigers to the
America and a further domestic series Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games
against Qatar confirmed for July/August. where Nigeria finished fourth behind Aus-
"Visiting South America and playing that tralia, New Zealand and England.
brand of basketball against some of the
world's top teams will be a new experience NOCIONI CAUTIOUS AHEAD OF JAPAN
for our team," enthuses Tall Black coach Tab Argentina forward Andres Nocioni (pictured)
Baldwin. "We would expect to see players is worried soaring expectations of his coun-
like Ginobili, Oberto and Nocioni from Ar- try's title chances at the FIBA World Champi-
gentina, and Barbosa and Varejao from onship in Japan could hurt the team's bid for
Brazil, who are playing very well in the NBA." a medal. The Chicago Bulls star helped Ar-
gentina win gold at the 2004 Olympics and the
ON THE MIND OF NIGERIA'S MERCYOKORIE country is among the favourites to win the
NEWZEALAND SQUAD NAMED On the road to the FIBA World Championship world title. He accepts that one of several
New Zealand Head Coach Baldwin has re- in Brazil (12- 23 September) there are so teams could win the gold in Japan, though.
leased a 29-man extended squad to prepare many items on the mind of Nigeria's small "We're going to have to work very hard if we
for Japan, featuring several in-form players forward Mercy Okorie (pictured). Aside from want to do well at the championships be-
from the National Basketball League. NBA thinking of a solution to the double-headed cause we are on a similar level to Spain,
performer Sean Marks (pictured), who with- task of facing the USA and Russia in the pre- France and team USA (United States)," said
drew from the national programme last year, liminaries, the Lady Tiger is also Nocioni. The South American giants, in
is not listed at this stage, pending further dis- worried about the public percep- fact, will do well to win all of their Group
cussions over his availability. The squad will tion of her height. A games. Argentina will face France,
be trimmed to 20 in mid-June for a training The former Houston Stealth Venezuela, Lebanon, Nigeria and
camp beginning July 3. Thomas Abercrombie player in the WNBA explains reigning world champions Serbia &
(Washington State University), Aaron that even though she has taken Montenegro in the group."It's a dif-
Baynes (Washington State University), time to fill in her correct statis- ficult group because there are so
Calum Baynes (Bay Hawks), Ed Book (Nel- tics but the errors in some offi- many good teams, but we must
son Giants), Dillon Boucher (Auckland Stars), cial publications across the make sure we win it to
Gerard Bowden (Savannah College of Art & world have become a avoid getting a tough tie
Design), Craig Bradshaw (Winthrop Universi- source of worry to her. "I in the next round," he
ty), Pero Cameron (Banvitspor), Brent just wish somebody said. Nocioni recently
Charleton (Harbour Heat), Mark Dickel (Loko- can help me sort met up with national
motiv Rostov), Mike Fitchett (Nelson Giants), this out; it has be- team coach Sergio
Casey Frank (Auckland Stars), Jason Greig come worrisome. Hernandez and dis-
(Otago Nuggets), Paul Henare (Bay My height is cussed the build-
Hawks/Banvitspor), Leon Henry (Southern recorded wrong- up to Japan. "We
Idaho Junior College), Ben Hill (Waikato Pis- ly on many publi- didn't talk about
tons), Mike Homik (Harbour Heat), Phill cations that I what position he
Jones (Nelson Giants/Cantu), Jeremy Kench have come wants me to play
(Canterbury Rams), Calum Macleod (Val- across in re- in," he said. "We
paraiso University), Zane Meehl (Maroochy- cent times and talked about the

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20_046-049 .qxd 31-05-2006 12:19 Pagina 47

training camps: Guards: Vidas Ginevicius, Si- committed to the Boomers FIBA World
monas Serapinas, Mantas Kalnietis, Renaldas Championship campaign, however, and will
Seibutis, Darius Pakamanis, Vytenis Jasikevi- combine with Bogut and Lietuvos Rytas' Eu-
cius, Martynas Pocius; forwards: Arturas Jo- roleague star Matthew Nielsen to give Aus-
mantas, Stepas Babrauskas, Aurimas Kieza, tralia a formidable frontcourt presence.
Vladimiras Severovas, Jonas Maciulis, Valdas
Vosylius; centers: Darius Silinskis, Povilas Ciuki- ARGENTINA GATHERS PLAYERS FOR
nas, Marijonas Petravicius, Antanas Kavali- BRAZIL 2006
auskas. Players invited to second stage of train- Five foreign-based players will join up with
ing camps: Guards: Sarunas Jasikevicius, Arvy- the Argentina squad in preparation for the
das Macijauskas, Rimantas Kaukenas, Giedrius forthcoming South American Championship
Gustas, Mindaugas Lukauskis, Tomas and the FIBA World Championship for
Delininkaitis; forwards: Simas Jasaitis, Linas Women. Gisella Vega, Carolina Sanchez,
Kleiza, Ramunas Siskauskas, Mindaugas Alejandra Chesta and guards Natalia Rios
Zukauskas, Darius Songaila; centers: Darjus and Valentina Maggi will all link up with Ed-
Lavrinovic, Paulius Jankunas, Ksystof Lavri- uardo Pinto's (pictured) squad for training in
novic, Robertas Javtokas. Buenos Aires. "We do not know when the
players will arrive here, but the most impor-
BOGUT CONFIRMED FOR JAPAN, tant thing is they seemed happy with the
forthcoming friendly games and training SCHENSCHER UNDECIDED project," Pinto said. "Aside from these five,
camps. In the national team, I play in the posi- Australians Andrew we are thinking about other players who
tion he (Hernandez) needs me." Bogut (pictured) and play abroad. Besides the FIBA World Cham-
Luke Schenscher pionship, the
WAITING GAME WITH SARAS have both complet- girls also
Lithuania are still in the dark over the avail- ed their NBA sea- want to be
ability of national team guard Sarunas sons with the first part of the
Jasikevicius (pictured) for the FIBA World round defeats of the South Ameri-
Championship.The Baltic giants are hoping Milwaukee Bucks can tourna-
the 30-year-old, who just finished his first and Chicago Bulls. ment." Vega,
NBA campaign with the Indiana Pacers, will In good news for who plays for
play in Japan and recently named him in their Australian basket- Spanish sec-
preliminary squad for the tournament. "We ball, both players ond division
(federation and Jasikevicius) talked in Hous- emerged from the side Real ca-
ton at the (NBA) All-Star Weekend and playoffs uninjured noe, will ar-
agreed to talk after the season, but that has and in good form. rive at the end
yet to happen," national team general manag- Bogut in particular of May while
er Algis Pavilonis told FIBA. "We has impressed this season with his solid work Chesta, of Olesa in Spain could also arrive in
start from June 8, on the ethic at both ends of the floor. The number 1 pick three weeks. Sanchez will join up in July
seashore of the Baltics," Pavilo- in the 2005 NBA Draft averaged 9.3 points and while Rios and Maggi, who are without
nis said. The second phase of 7.0 rebounds per game, shooting at an clubs at the moment, could link up sooner
preparations will get underway impressive 53% from the field across The members of the squad
on June 28 with the more experi- all 82 regular season games. De- who play domes-
enced players taking part, which is spite the wishes of the Milwau- tically will
when Jasikevicius would show if he is kee Bucks, Bogut has committed meet up
willing to play. Play- to play for Australia at the FIBA on May 27.
ers invited to World Championship in Japan,
first stage of and will begin his drive for a WIN FOR
medal on June 19th at the PUERTO
Boomers first camp in Canberra. RICO
The story for Luke Schenscher Team Puerto
may be quite different, however, Rico ham-
with the Bulls keen for him to mered Team
stay in the United States to polish BSN 108-92 in the
his skills and add muscle to his wiry All-Star Game of the
frame. The 23 year old South Australian domestic BSN league.
is yet to announce his intentions for the Au- The national team edged
gust tournament, a decision that will be eagerly the first quarter 22-21
awaited by Australian basketball officials and but extended that lead
supporters alike. Luke faces a similar choice to to 54-45 at the interval.
countryman Chris Anstey, who refused a Bulls After the break, Puerto
request to remain in Chicago for the summer of Rico tightened control
2000, instead competing for his country in the with Larry Ayuso (pic-
Sydney Olympics. Anstey has not returned to the tured) and Angel
NBA since declining the Bulls offer. Anstey has 'Buster' Figueroa seal-

FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 20 2006 | PAGE 47

20_046-049 .qxd 31-05-2006 12:19 Pagina 48

NEWS

ing the win. Alejandro 'Bimbo' Carmona was ma (Bulleen Melbourne Boomers), Jacinta turn to Beijing. His apology and recall are
elected the night's MVP. The centre, who Hamilton (Dandenong Rangers), Shelley crucial to China given the uncertainty over
plays for Bayamon-based Vaqueros, poured Hammonds (Dandenong Rangers), Kristi Yao's situation. Following Wang's return,
in 20 points, grabbed six rebounds and hand- Harrower (Valenciennes, France), Katrina the CBA released a provisional squad of 18
ed out four assists in 14 minutes. Ayuso con- Hibbert (Bulleen Melbourne Boomers), players - not including Yao - to take part in
tributed 14 points and Wilfredo Pagan added Lauren Jackson (Seattle Storm, USA), the national team's preparations. Squad:
13 but the BSN Team had the match's top- Kathleen Macleod (Dandenong Rangers), Xie Libin (Beijing), Sun Yue, Zhang Songtao,
scorer in Corey Benjamin, who netted 34 Emily McInerny (Dandenong Rangers), Huang Haibei (Aoshen), Yang Ming (Liaon-
points while Lee Benson managed 27. Else- Michelle Musselwhite (Sydney Uni ing), Liu Wei, Wang Yong (Shanghai), Tang
where, Leones' Robert Lazor won the three- Flames), Erin Phillips (Adelaide Lightning), Zhengdong (Jiangsu), Yi Jianlian, Du Feng,
point contest, while Criollos' David Anderson Natalie Porter (Sydney Uni Flames), Alicia Zhu Fangyu, Wang Shipeng (Guangdong),
prevailed in the dunk contest. Poto (Sydney Uni Flames), Emma Randall Wang Lei (Henan), Gong Songlin (Fujian),
(Dandenong Rangers), Sam Richards (Dan- Mo Ke, Chen Ke, Wang Zhizhi, Hu Ke (Bayi).
OPALS SQUAD RE-STACKED FOR BRAZIL denong Rangers), Jennifer Screen (Ade-
The Australian women's basketball team, the laide Lightning), Deanna Smith (Perth Lynx), CSKA WIN EUROLEAGUE FINAL
Price Attack Opals, have re-stacked their Belinda Snell (Sydney Uni Flames), Penny CSKA Moscow played a game for the ages
Taylor (Phoenix Mercury, USA), Laura Sum- to beat Maccabi Tel Aviv 73-69 in Prague's
merton (Adelaide Lightning), Kristen Veal sold-out Sazka Arena on Sunday in the Eu-
(Sydney Uni Flames), Jenny Whittle (Can- roleague title game. Huge underdogs going
berra Capitals), Carly Wilson (Dandenong into the contest, CSKA's defense reigned
Rangers). supreme as Italian coach Ettore Messina
celebrated his third title in the competition.
WANG BACK IN CHINA SQUAD He also won twice as the head coach of
Wang Zhizhi Virtus Bologna. Greece's Theo Papaloukas
(pictured) has (pictured), who scored 18 points and
been recalled to dished out seven assists, was voted Most
the China na- Valuable Player. It caps a magnificent sev-
tional team after eral months for Papaloukas, who last au-
issuing an apol- tumn led his country to the EuroBasket title
ogy for his pre- in Belgrade. "It's important for everyone,"
vious refusal to Papaloukas said to FIBA, when asked
accept a call- about the impact for CSKA and for Greece.
up. The former Just before on Greek radio, Papaloukas
Miami Heat told people back home: "It feels great. It re-
center, who minds me of last September when we won
was the first the EuroBasket. Of course, that was better,
Asian to play in because it was Greece." "I feel so happy,"
the NBA, will Messina said. "Excuse if I get a bit emotion-
now hope to al. Today my son got better and we won the
represent his final against a great
squad ahead of the 2006 FIBA World Champi- country at the Maccabi. "Messina's 16-
onships for Women in Brazil this September. FIBA World month-old son on Thurs-
The Commonwealth Games gold medallists Championship day was tak-
have added international players, Penny Tay- this summer. en to hospi-
lor (pictured), Suzy Batkovic and Kristi Har- The importance to China of securing his re- tal in
rower to the mix, and Olympians Alicia Poto turn has been increased by an injury to Hous-
and Natalie Porter have rejoined the squad ton Rockets All-Star Yao Ming, which has put Pra-
after overcoming injuries. Along with stars his own participation in doubt. Wang re- gue with
from the Price Attack WNBL, the Opals squad turned to Beijing from Los Angeles three a serious in-
now stands at 28 ahead of the team's first weeks ago to discuss a possible return to fection. He had
four-day training camp in Geelong on June the China team, having not played for his even been uncon-
11. "This is a high quality squad that will be a country for four years. China have been scious but was re-
real force at the World Championships in keen to get their strongest team together as vived by Maccabi
September," Price Attack Opals head coach they begin long-term planning for the 2008 Tel Aviv physio-
Jan Stirling said. A team of 12 will be chosen Olympics on home soil. Securing the return therapists upon
after the first camp in June to tour China from of the 7ft 1in Wang has been a priority for the their return to
June 28 to July 6. CBA for some time. The CBA initially ap- the Marriott
2006 Price Attack Opals squad: proached the former Dallas Mavericks and Hotel after a
Suzy Batkovic (UMMC Ekaterinburg, Rus- Los Angeles Clippers man in 2002, but he practice. The
sia), Tully Bevilaqua (Canberra Capitals), was unresponsive, sitting out the FIBA win has giv-
Renae Camino (Townsville Fire), Rohanee World Championship and Asian Games that en CSKA
Cox (Townsville Fire), Jae Cross (San Anto- year, as well as the 2004 Olympics. However, their first
nio Silver Stars, USA), Desiree Glaubitz he made moves of his own to contact the title in 36
(Bulleen Melbourne Boomers), Hollie Gri- CBA beginning in 2005, culminating in the re- years.
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20_046-049 .qxd 31-05-2006 12:20 Pagina 49

YAO COULD STILL MAKE WORLDS tional friendlies tia Santos (Le Schio Club - Italy), Jucimara
China star Yao Ming (pictured) could yet be fit in Europe and Dantas 'Mama' (Maddaloni - Italy), Kelly San-
to play for his country at the FIBA World Asia in early Au- tos (Santo Andre), Graziane Coelho (Penta
Championship in Japan. Yao's NBA season gust, before the Faenza - Italy), Soeli Garvao 'Ega' (Santa
with the Houston Rockets was cut short by a World Champi- Maria/Sao Caetano).
broken foot on April 10, and it was feared that onship, to begin
the injury would jeopardise his chances of in August 19. BETTER LATE THAN NEVER
playing in the tournament this August. How- Vecchio man- FOR NIGERIA'S UDOKA
ever, after the 2.29m (7ft 5in) center under- aged Argentina Breaking into the NBA is not an easy thing to
went surgery end of April, Zhang Mingji, in the 1996 At- do, but Nigeria international Ime Udoka (pic-
leader of Team Yao, has told China Radio In- lanta Olympics tured) has taken a longer road than most.
ternational that Yao could recover in time to and has also Six years after attending a training camp with
pull on a China jersey. "I believe there is still a managed Venezuela and Mexico. Vecchio is the Portland Trail Blazers, the 28-year-old has
possibility for Yao to participate in the world currently managing Grises in the Puerto Ri- finally begun clocking minutes in the league
championships," Zhang said. After the sur- can BSN league and will be assisted by Regi- after signing a short-term contract with the
gery, Yao must now begin a long period of re- nald and Enrique Grenald, who have each New York Knicks. Udoka is determined to
habilitation. First he must rest following the had spells at the national team. The new hang around for as long as possible.
coach will take over on June 5, according to "It took a little longer than I expected but I'm
the Federation. Panama are in the FIBA World here trying to take advantage of this opportu-
Championship's Group B, alongside Spain, nity," he told Hoopsworld.com. "It feels good."
Germany, Angola, Japan and New Zealand. Udoka, whose sister Mfon also plays interna-
tional basketball for Nigeria, remains passion-
BARBOSA NAMES SQUAD ate about representing his country, and while
Head coach Antonio Carlos Barbosa (pic- he will spend the summer doing all he can to
tured) has named a 21-strong squad for earn a return to the NBA next season, he is
Brazil's games in the build-up to the FIBA committed to playing at the FIBA World
World Championship for Women. "These 21 Championship in August. It will give him a
players form a powerful group," said Barbosa. chance to pay back Vincent for his help in re-
alising his NBA dream. "I'm going to play this
summer in Japan for the national team," he
said. "My coach in the D League (Vincent)
coached so that is the reason I went to Fort
Worth anyway. Then I ended up here. So
hopefully we'll have a successful summer."

operation, but will then have physiotherapy "We managed to mix experienced with young
before returning to China for conditioning. Yao players, so it's guaranteeing a permanent re-
is hoping to be back in Beijing by mid-June, newal. We've got a very balanced group."
and will base himself at the National Training Barbosa added: "To host a World Champi-
Bureau during his rehabilitation. Yao's injury onship carries a great motivation, but also a
prevented him from accepting an invitation responsibility. I think the candidates to win the
from the White House to attend the banquet title, apart from Brazil, are the United States,
which welcomed Chinese President Hu Jin- Australia, Russia and the Czech Republic."
tao to Washington over the weekend. Brazil squad: Point-guards: Adriana Moises
'Adrianinha' (Penta Faenza - Italy), Helen Luz
NEW COACH FOR PANAMA (Barcelona - Spain), Claudia Maria 'Claudin-
Guillermo Vecchio (pictured) has been ap- ha' (Lattes Maurin Montpellier - France).
pointed as the new coach of the Panama na- Shooting guards: Vivian Lopes (Santa
tional basketball team ahead of the upcoming Maria/Sao Caetano), Iziane Marques (Seattle
FIBA World Championship. The Argentinian Storm - WNBA), Lilian Goncalves
coach's appointment was announced by the (Unimed/Ourinhos). Forwards: Janeth Arcain
Board of Directors of the Panamanian Bas- (Ros Casares Valencia - Spain), Jaqueline Sil-
ketball Federation (FEPABA). He will work vestre (Sao Joao/Jundiai), Micaela Jacintho
with the team for three months, from June to (MTK Polfa Pabiance - Poland), Palmira Mar-
August, in which time Panama will host the cal (FIB/Semel/Bauru), Karen Gustavo
Centrobasket Championship (July 4-8), a qual- (Unimed/Ourinhos), Silvia Cristina (Ponte Pre-
ifier for the 2008 Olympics. ta), Tayara Pesenti (Yaya Maria Porta XI -
They will also play the Central American and Spain). Centers: Isis Nascimento (Catanduva),
Caribbean Sport Games in Cartagena, Colom- Alessandra Oliveira (Ros Casares Valencia -
Find more stories on www.fiba.com
bia, from July 24-30, as well as some interna- Spain), Erika Cristina (Barcelona - Spain), Cin-
FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 20 2006 | PAGE 49
20_050 31-05-2006 12:37 Pagina 50

NEWS

THE ODD -
THE FUNNY -
Off-the-court

DUENAS UNHURT AFTER BREAK-IN

THE UNUSUAL
SURPRISE ENTRY BOL WALKING TALL FOR SUDAN CAMPAIGN
Spain international Roberto Duenas ATTHE 2006 DRAFT Former NBA star Manute Bol is walking the
escaped unharmed after burglars broke A student sportswriter has suc- 300 miles between New York and Washington
into his house in the middle of the night cessfully entered his name for to lend his support to a campaign promoting
and tied him up. the NBA draft. David Isaacs, a junior at the freedom in his homeland of Sudan.
The 2.21m (7ft 3in) Akasvayu Girona center University of California at Santa Cruz, has Bol has joined the Sudan Freedom Walk, a
had money stolen but was eventually able put his name forward despite never playing campaign initiated by former Sudanese slave
to free himself and contact the police. at a level higher than his intramural league Simon Deng. The
Duenas spoke of his ordeal in the Spanish at college. The 1.68m (5ft 6in) Isaacs appears walk aims to raise
press on Thursday. in Section B of the NBA's official list of early awareness of mod-
"I didn't hear anything because the intrud- entrants for the draft. How he got there is the ern forms of slavery
ers entered my house downstairs and I subject of a column Isaacs has written for and oppression in
was upstairs" he said. "I only noticed their Sports Illustrated website cnnsi.com. the country.
presence when they came into my room. I "My official basketball career is very short," It takes an extra spe-
got very scared but the important thing is Isaacs wrote. "I played throughout high cial effort from the
that I'm fine." school - at lunchtime, but there aren't any 43-year-old, who can
Duenas played for Spain in the Athens statistics. I played in an intramural league at only walk with the
Olympics but did not take part in their college, but no stats were kept for that, ei- aid of a cane after
EuroBasket campaign last year. ther. The day I realized I was going to de- suffering serious neck injuries in a car acci-
He is averaging 5.4 points and 4.2 clare for the NBA Draft was like any other. I dent in 2002.
rebounds in 15 minutes had finished playing a series of pickup Bol, who at 2.31m (7ft 7in) became the tallest
per contest for games at the gym on campus, and the com- player to appear in the NBA when he was
Akasvayu, who is in petition was tough as always. I matched up drafted by the San Diego Clippers in 1983, is
sixth place in the against a shooting guard, who was about 5ft known for his charity work, and has frequent-
S p a n i s h 10in, 180 pounds. This guy tried to pop some ly visited Sudanese refugee camps. In 2001,
League outside shots, but couldn't do it with my his visits got him in trouble when he was held
ACB. hand in his grill. He tried to post me up, but is custody by the Sudanese government for
couldn't back me down. After three consec- his support of the Sudanese People's
utive wins, it dawned on me: I was ready for Liberation Army. He was only released after
the show". Isaacs initially placed calls to the intervention of United States Senator
both the NBA Players Association and the Joseph Lieberman.
NBA Headquarters in New York, but did not He has given much of his NBA earnings to
get a response. However, after hiring San Sudanese refugees via his Ring True
Francisco-based agent John Domantay, Foundation. In a string of appearances to
Isaacs began to make progress. Domontay raise money for the cause, Bol has demon-
showed Isaacs the sections of the league's strated his abilities in other sports, beating
Collective Bargaining Agreement which former NFL star William "The Refrigerator"
made it possible for him to enter (Article X), Perry in a boxing match, as well as suiting up
and put him in touch with Ned, a member of for an ice hockey game and enjoying a brief
staff at the NBA Operations Department. "It stint as a jockey.
was late at night, when I called, so I left a Notoriously, his agent used to mention one
message for Ned on his voicemail. I woke up unusual accomplishment when negotiating
the next morning and imagined Ned had sat his contracts. At 15, the Dinka herdsman killed
down at his desk, laughed at my pathetic a marauding lion with his spear as it laid
voicemail and gleefully deleted it" Isaacs sleeping. It's not clear if any of his clubs paid
said. Instead, Ned called back and asked a premium for this particular talent.
Isaacs to put his declaration in writing. A
quick fax later, and Isaacs was on the list, al-
beit filed under "unknown individuals". Find more stories on www.fiba.com

PAGE 50 | 20 2006 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE