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miércoles, 18 de octubre de 2017

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Inicia la Temporada 2017-2018 de la NBA por ESPN Deportes
  • Cobertura completa de la temporada regular 2017-18 con más de 100 juegos
  • Juegos de marquesina y rivalidades durante toda la temporada 
  • Cuatro juegos el día de Navidad, con el gran encuentro entre los campeones de la temporada del año pasado entre los Golden State Warriors y los Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Álvaro Martín y Coach Carlos Morales se reúnen como equipo para su 19ª temporada 

La transmisión de ESPN Deportes de la temporada 2017-2018 de la NBA comenzará mañana miércoles 18 de octubre con una cobertura especial de partidos de doble tanda entre Philadelphia 76ers vs. Washington Wizards a las 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT, seguido por el encuentro entre Minnesota Timberwolves vsSan Antonio Spurs a las 9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT. Los partidos también estarán disponible en vivo via streaming  por ESPN3 y por ESPN App.

Destacados de la NBA por ESPN Deportes 
  • En total, ESPN Deportes transmitirá 103 juegos de la temporada regular, 58 en televisión y 45 vía streamingen vivo en ESPN3. Todos los partidos estarán disponibles vía streaming por el ESPN App.
  • La cobertura exclusiva en español de los cuatro juegos del día de Navidad comenzará al mediodía con el juego entre los Philadelphia 76ers y los New York Knicks seguido por el tan anticipado re-encuentro de los finalistas del año pasado, los Golden State Warriors y los Cleveland Cavaliers a las 3 p.m. ET. A las 5.30 p.m. ET los Boston Celtics jugarán el primer juego, de su historia, de Navidad en casa contra los Washington Wizards y la cobertura concluirá con los Houston Rockets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder, el primer encuentro entre el ganador del MVP 2017, Russell Westbrook  (Oklahoma City) y el MVP subcampeón, James Harden (Rockets) a las 8 p.m. ET.
  • Cobertura en vivo del NBA All-Star Game (Febrero 18, 2018), los playoffs (Abril 14 – Mayo 28, 2018) y The Finals (Mayo 31-Junio 17, 2018).  
  • NBA Esta Noche, el programa dedicado a las noticias, análisis y estadísticas de la NBA, se emitirá previo a cada uno de los partidos de las Finales de la NBA. El programa será conducido por Alfredo Lomelí con la contribución de Tony Cherchi,  Fernando Tirado y el resto del equipo de NBA. 
  • Álvaro Martín y Coach Carlos Morales en su 19ª temporada como equipo – encabezarán el grupo de comentaristas, juntos a: Ernesto JerezFernando ÁlvarezLeonardo Montero y Jorge Pérez Navarro(narración); el ex jugador de NBA Fabricio ObertoSebastián Martínez Christensen Pablo Viruega (análisis). Claudia Trejos y Martínez Christensen reportarán desde la cancha de juego.
ESPN Deportes Radio trasmitirá 46 juegos de la temporada regular. También transmitirá los eventos de NBA All-Star 2018, al menos 10 playoffs y The Finals. El equipo de comentaristas estará formado por Kenneth GarayDiego CoraRenato Bermúdez y Marcelo Bousquet. Claudia Trejos Alfredo Lomeli estarán reportando desde la cancha.

ESPNDeportes.com complementará las transmisiones de los partidos regulares de la temporada con noticias e información de los juegos liderados por los periodistas de ESPNDeportes.com, Gonzalo Aguirregomezcorta y Martínez-Christensen. El sitio brindará highlights minuto a minuto, análisis después de los partidos con los comentadores de ESPN Deportes, expectativas de la temporada 2017-18, contenido multimedia de las jugadas más representativas de todos los partidos y percepciones basadas en estadísticas y posiciones. El equipo realizará videos adicionales con comentarios que serán entregados por los periodistas de ESPNDeprotes.com. El contenido adicional incluirán una serie de webisodes de ESPiaNdo la NBA, Atención al Coach, Costa a Costa and Players to Watch.

Información adicional: 
  • Grandes estrellas regresan a enfrentar sus anteriores equipos: Paul George regresa a Indianápolis (13 de diciembre), Jimmy Butler regresa a Chicago (9 de febrero) y Gordon Hayward regresa a Utah (28 de marzo).
  • Las estrellas más populares de la NBA y los jugadores top, serán el centro de atención a lo largo de esta temporada regular, entre ellos LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, James Harden, Isaiah Thomas, Kawhi Leonard, Anthony Davis, Chris Paul, Paul George, y muchos más.
  • Los Boston Celtics se han armado con las llegadas de Gordon Hayward (Utah Jazz), Kyrie Irving (Cleveland Cavaliers) y Al Horford (Atlanta Hawks), que son candidatos a interrumpir el reinado de los Cleveland Cavaliers de James en la Conferencia Este.
  • LeBron James y Dwyane Wade se han reunido una vez más, esta vez en Cleveland. Ambos ganaron 2 anillos juntos cuando jugaban en Miami.
  • Los campeones de la NBA que defenderán el título, los Golden State Warriors, con Stephen Curry y Kevin Durant, buscan regresar a The Finals por cuarto año consecutivo para repetir el título del campeonato.
Calendario de juegos de la NBA Por ESPN Deportes:
 
FechaHorarioEventoCanal
Miércoles, 18 de oct.7:00 p.m.Philadelphia 76ers vs. Washington WizardsESPN3
 9:00 p.m.Minnesota Timberwolves vs. San Antonio SpursESPN3
Viernes, 20 de oct.7:00 p.m.Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Milwaukee BucksESPN Deportes
 9:30 p.m.Golden State Warriors vs. New Orleans PelicansESPN Deportes
Miércoles, 25 de oct.8:00 p.m.San Antonio Spurs vs. Miami HeatESPN Deportes
 10:30 p.m.Washington Wizards vs. L.A. LakersESPN Deportes
Miércoles, 1 de nov.8:00 p.m.Houston Rockets vs. New York KnicksESPN3
 10:30 p.m.Dallas Mavericks vs. L.A. ClippersESPN3
Viernes, 3 de nov.7:00 p.m.Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Washington WizardsESPN Deportes, ESPN Deportes Radio
 9:30 p.m.Boston Celtics vs. Oklahoma City ThunderESPN Deportes, ESPN Deportes Radio
Miércoles, 8 de nov.8:00 p.m.L.A. Lakers vs. Boston CelticsESPN Deportes, ESPN Deportes Radio
 10:30 p.m.Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Golden State WarriorsESPN Deportes
Viernes, 10 de nov.  9:00 p.m.Milwaukee Bucks vs. San Antonio SpursESPN Deportes, ESPN Deportes Radio
Miércoles, 15 de nov.8:00 p.m.Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Charlotte HornetsESPN Deportes
 10:30 p.m.Philadelphia 76ers vs. L.A. LakersESPN Deportes
Viernes, 17 de nov.  8:00 p.m.Oklahoma City Thunder vs. San Antonio SpursESPN Deportes, ESPN Deportes Radio
 10:30 p.m.New Orleans Pelicans vs. Denver NuggetsESPN3
Miércoles, 22 de nov.8:00 p.m.Golden State Warriors vs. Oklahoma City ThunderESPN3, ESPN Deportes Radio
 10:30 p.m.L.A. Lakers vs. Sacramento KingsESPN3
Miércoles, 6 de dic.8:00 p.m.Golden State Warriors vs. Charlotte HornetsESPN3, ESPN Deportes Radio
 10:30 p.m.Minnesota Timberwolves vs. L.A. ClippersESPN3
Viernes, 8 de dic.7:00 p.m.Golden State Warriors vs. Detroit PistonsESPN Deportes
 9:30 p.m.Boston Celtics vs. San Antonio SpursESPN Deportes, ESPN Deportes Radio  
Jueves, 12 de dic.7:00 p.m.L.A. Lakers vs. New York KnicksESPN Deportes
 9:30 p.m.San Antonio Spurs vs. Dallas MavericksESPN Deportes,, ESPN Deportes Radio
Miércoles, 13 de dic.7:00 p.m.Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Indiana PacersESPN Deportes
 9:30 p.m.Charlotte Hornets vs. Houston RocketsESPN Deportes, ESPN Deportes Radio
Viernes, 15 de dic.7:00 p.m.Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Philadelphia 76ersESPN Deportes
 9:30 p.m.San Antonio Spurs vs. Houston RocketsESPN Deportes, ESPN Deportes Radio
Viernes, 22 de dic.8:00 p.m.L.A. Clippers vs. Houston RocketsESPN Deportes
 10:30 p.m.L.A. Lakers vs. Golden State WarriorsESPN Deportes, ESPN Deportes Radio
Lunes, 25 de dic.12:00 p.m.Philadelphia 76ers vs. New York KnicksESPN Deportes, ESPN Deportes Radio
 3:00 p.m.Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Golden State WarriorsESPN Deportes
 5:30 p.m.Washington Wizards vs. Boston CelticsESPN Deportes
 8:00 p.m.Houston Rockets vs. Oklahoma City ThunderESPN3
Miércoles, 3 de enero8:00 p.m.Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Boston CelticsESPN Deportes, ESPN Deportes Radio
 10:30 p.m.Oklahoma City vs. Los Ángeles LakersESPN Deportes
Viernes, 5 de enero7:00 p.m.New York Knicks vs. Miami HeatESPN Deportes, ESPN Deportes Radio
 9:30 p.m.Washington Wizards vs. Memphis GrizzliesESPN Deportes
Miércoles, 10 de enero8:00 p.m.Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Minnesota TimberwolvesESPN Deportes
 10:30 p.m.L.A. Clippers vs. Golden State WarriorsESPN Deportes, ESPN Deportes Radio
Viernes, 12 de enero8:00 p.m.Golden State Warriors vs. Milwaukee BucksESPN3
 10:30 p.m.Houston Rockets vs. Phoenix SunsESPN3, ESPN Deportes Radio
Domingo, 14 de enero9:00 p.m.Portland Trailblazers vs. Minnesota TimberwolvesESPN3
Miércoles, 17 de enero8:00 p.m.Los Ángeles Lakers vs. Oklahoma City ThunderESPN Deportes, ESPN Deportes Radio
 10:30 p.m.Denver Nuggets vs. L.A. ClippersESPN Deportes
Viernes, 19 de enero8:00 p.m.Washington Wizards vs. Detroit PistonsESPN Deportes
 10:30 p.m.New York Knicks vs. Utah JazzESPN Deportes
Sábado, 20 de enero3:30 p.m.Oklahoma City vs. Cleveland CavaliersESPN
 8:30 p.m.Golden State Warriors vs. Houston RocketsESPN
Miércoles, 24 de enero8:00 p.m.Houston Rockets vs. Dallas MavericksESPN Deportes, ESPN Deportes Radio
 10:30 p.m.Boston Celtics vs. L.A. ClippersESPN Deportes, ESPN Deportes Radio
Viernes, 26 de enero8:00 p.m.Houston Rockets vs. New Orleans PelicansESPN3, ESPN Deportes Radio
Sábado, 27 de enero8:30 p.m.Boston Celtics vs. Golden State WarriosESPN
Domingo, 28 de enero6:00 p.m.Philadelphia 76ers vs. Oklahoma City ThunderESPN3
Miércoles, 31 de enero8:00 p.m.New York Knicks vs. Boston CelticsESPN Deportes, ESPN Deportes Radio
 10:30 p.m.Dallas Mavericks vs. Phoenix SunsESPN Deportes, ESPN Deportes Radio
Viernes, 2 de feb.8:00 p.m.Miami Heat vs. Philadelphia 76ersESPN3, ESPN Deportes Radio
 10:30 p.m.Golden State Warriors vs. Sacramento KingsESPN3, ESPN Deportes Radio
Sábado, 3 de feb.8:30 p.m.Houston Rockets vs. Cleveland CavaliersESPN
Domingo, 4 de feb.2:00 p.m.Los Ángeles Lakers vs. Oklahoma City ThunderESPN
Miércoles, 7 de feb.8:00 p.m.Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Cleveland CavaliersESPN3
 10:30 p.m.San Antonio Spurs vs. Phoenix SunsESPN3, ESPN Deportes Radio


NBA ANNOUNCES CHANGES TO LAST TWO MINUTE REPORTS

– Officiating Reports to Be Released for Games Within Three Points in Last Two Minutes 

NEW YORK, Oct. 17, 2017  The NBA today announced changes to the criteria and structure of its Last Two Minute Reports for the 2017-18 season, which tips off tonight with a TNT doubleheader featuring the Boston Celtics visiting the Cleveland Cavaliers (8 p.m. ET) and the defending champion Golden State Warriors playing host to the Houston Rockets (10:30 p.m. ET).

Officiating reports will now be provided for all games in which the score is within three points at any time in the last two minutes of the fourth quarter or the last two minutes of any overtime period.  Previously, Last Two Minute Reports were shared for all games within five points at the two-minute mark of the fourth quarter or any overtime period.

The NBA is also introducing a new structure for Last Two Minute Reports that better depicts game situation.  For the 2017-18 season, all calls and material non-calls will be grouped by possession (see an example here).  In the past, all officiated events were listed in a play-by-play format.   

Overseen by the NBA’s League Operations senior management team, Last Two Minute Reports have created a more specific protocol for commenting on the most scrutinized calls in games.  This marks the third full season that the NBA will release Last Two Minute Reports regarding all calls and material non-calls in the last two minutes of the fourth quarter or the last two minutes of any overtime period for all games that meet designated criteria. 

The reports, which debuted in March 2015, are one of several transparency initiatives undertaken by the league to help build greater awareness and understanding of the rules and processes that govern the game.

Last Two Minute Reports are posted on NBA.com/official by 5 p.m. ET the day after each game.  A complete archive of reports is available at NBA.com/official.

NBA ROSTERS FEATURE 108 INTERNATIONAL PLAYERS
FROM RECORD 42 COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES

- Fourth Consecutive Year League Has at Least 100 International Players and
All Teams Feature at Least One International Player -

NEW YORK, Oct. 17, 2017 – The National Basketball Association (NBA) announced today that 108 international players from a record 42 countries and territories are on opening-night rosters for the 2017-18 season.  This marks the fourth consecutive season that opening-night rosters feature at least 100 international players and that all 30 teams have at least one international player. 

The record for international players (113) and previous record for countries and territories represented (41) were set at the start of the 2016-17 season. 

In addition to the 108 international players on 2017-18 opening-night rosters, there are five international players on “two-way” contracts.  Beginning this season, NBA teams can sign up to two two-way players to NBA contracts.  These contracts allow two-way players to be with their NBA parent team for up to 45 days, spending most of the season in the NBA G League. 

The most-represented countries among the 108 international players on opening-night rosters are Canada (11 players), France (10 players), Australia (record-tying eight players) and Spain (seven players), followed by Brazil, Croatia, Germany, Serbia and Turkey (five players each).  Opening-night rosters also feature a record number of European players (64). 

The Toronto Raptors and Utah Jazz have an NBA-high seven international players each.  The Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers and San Antonio Spurs each have six.  The Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks and Orlando Magic field five each.  

The NBA’s 72nd season begins tonight with a doubleheader on TNT as part of Kia NBA Tip-Off 2017.  In the opening game, the Cleveland Cavaliers host the Celtics in a rematch of last year’s Eastern Conference Finals at 8 p.m. ET.  In the second game, the Houston Rockets visit the defending NBA champion Golden State Warriors at 10:30 p.m. ET

A number of international players are scheduled to make their NBA debut during opening week, including:

  • Lauri Markkanen (Finland; Basketball without Borders 2014 and 2015), the seventh overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, will make his NBA debut when the Chicago Bulls visit the Raptors on Thursday, Oct. 19 at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBA LEAGUE PASS.
  • Frank Ntilikina (France; Basketball without Borders 2015 and 2016), the eighth overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, will make his NBA debut when the Knicks travel to Oklahoma City to take on the Thunder on Oct. 19 at 8 p.m. ET on TNT.
  • Zhou Qi (China), the 43rd overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, and the Rockets take on the Warriors tonight at 10:30 p.m. ET on TNT.
  • Ben Simmons (Australia), the first overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, will make his NBA debut when the 76ers visit the Washington Wizards on Wednesday, Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN.
  • Milos Teodosic (Serbia; Basketball without Borders 2001), who was voted the best international player not in the NBA in the 2016-17 NBA.com GM Survey, will make his NBA debut when the LA Clippers play the Los Angeles Lakers on Oct. 19 at 10:30 p.m. ET on TNT. 

Below please find the full list of international players on 2017-18 opening-night rosters
(active and inactive):

Country
First Name
Last Name
Team
Argentina
Nicolas
Brussino
Atlanta Hawks
Argentina
Manu
Ginobili
San Antonio Spurs
Australia
Kyrie
Irving
Boston Celtics
Australia
Aron
Baynes
Boston Celtics
Australia
Andrew
Bogut
Los Angeles Lakers
Australia
Matthew
Dellavedova
Milwaukee Bucks
Australia
Ben
Simmons
Philadelphia 76ers
Australia
Patty
Mills
San Antonio Spurs
Australia
Dante
Exum
Utah Jazz
Australia
Joe
Ingles
Utah Jazz
Austria
Jakob
Poeltl
Toronto Raptors
Bahamas
Buddy
Hield
Sacramento Kings
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Ivica
Zubac
Los Angeles Lakers
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Mirza
Teletovic
Milwaukee Bucks
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Jusuf
Nurkic
Portland Trail Blazers
Brazil
Cristiano
Felicio
Chicago Bulls
Brazil
Nene

Houston Rockets
Brazil
Bruno
Caboclo
Toronto Raptors
Brazil
Lucas
Nogueira
Toronto Raptors
Brazil
Raul
Neto
Utah Jazz
Cameroon
Luc
Mbah a Moute
Houston Rockets
Cameroon
Joel
Embiid
Philadelphia 76ers
Cameroon
Pascal
Siakam
Toronto Raptors
Canada
Tristan
Thompson
Cleveland Cavaliers
Canada
Dwight
Powell
Dallas Mavericks
Canada
Jamal
Murray
Denver Nuggets
Canada
Trey
Lyles
Denver Nuggets
Canada
Cory
Joseph
Indiana Pacers
Canada
Tyler
Ennis
Los Angeles Lakers
Canada
Dillon
Brooks
Memphis Grizzlies
Canada
Kelly
Olynyk
Miami Heat
Canada
Andrew
Wiggins
Minnesota Timberwolves
Canada
Khem
Birch
Orlando Magic
Canada
Nik
Stauskas
Philadelphia 76ers
China
Zhou
Qi
Houston Rockets
Croatia
Ante
Zizic
Cleveland Cavaliers
Croatia
Bojan
Bogdanovic
Indiana Pacers
Croatia
Mario
Hezonja
Orlando Magic
Croatia
Dario
Saric
Philadelphia 76ers
Croatia
Dragan
Bender
Phoenix Suns
Czech Republic
Tomas
Satoransky
Washington Wizards
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Emmanuel
Mudiay
Denver Nuggets
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Bismack
Biyombo
Orlando Magic
Dominican Republic
Al
Horford
Boston Celtics
Egypt
Abdel
Nader
Boston Celtics
Finland
Lauri
Markkanen
Chicago Bulls
France
Guerschon
Yabusele
Boston Celtics
France
Nicolas
Batum
Charlotte Hornets
France
Alexis
Ajinca
New Orleans Pelicans
France
Frank
Ntilikina
New York Knicks
France
Evan
Fournier
Orlando Magic
France
Timothe
Luwawu-Cabarrot
Philadelphia 76ers
France
Tony
Parker
San Antonio Spurs
France
Joffrey
Lauvergne
San Antonio Spurs
France
Rudy
Gobert
Utah Jazz
France
Ian
Mahinmi
Washington Wizards
Georgia
Zaza
Pachulia
Golden State Warriors
Germany
Dennis
Schroder
Atlanta Hawks
Germany
Daniel
Theis
Boston Celtics
Germany
Paul
Zipser
Chicago Bulls
Germany
Maxi
Kleber
Dallas Mavericks
Germany
Dirk
Nowitzki

NBA AR on the App Store:
NBA LAUNCHES AUGMENTED REALITY APP

– Fans Can Play Virtual Pop-a-Shot from Any Point in the World with New NBA AR App –

– First Augmented Reality Game by a U.S. Sports League –

NEW YORK, Oct. 16, 2017 – The National Basketball Association (NBA) announced today the launch of the NBA AR app, a new augmented reality (AR) experience that allows fans to play virtual pop-a-shot from any point in the world through AR technology.  This marks the first augmented reality game by a U.S. sports league.  NBA AR for iPhone is available for free on the App Store.

Using the iPhone camera and ARKit technology, the app captures a player’s surroundings, pins an authentic NBA backboard and court into the real-world environment, and then uses the accelerometer in the iPhone to flick shots at the hoop before the 30-second shot clock expires.  Players can share their shooting sessions with friends (through iMessage, email or social media) or see how they stack up globally on the overall leaderboard.

Fans also have the option to select their favorite NBA team to brand their environment and receive updates on the team’s upcoming games.

“We’ve always said that basketball can be played virtually anywhere – and today that takes on an expanded meaning,” said Melissa Rosenthal Brenner, NBA Senior Vice President, Digital Media.  “Augmented reality presents a variety of fascinating engagement opportunities, so we hope our fans download the app and try out their skills wherever they might be.”

NBA AR is available on iPhone 6s and later running iOS11, and was developed using ARKit.  Later this season, the NBA plans to introduce additional augmented reality experiences through the app.

PORTLAND’S McCOLLUM SUSPENDED

NEW YORK, Oct. 14, 2017 – Portland Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum has been suspended one game without pay for leaving the bench area during an altercation, it was announced today by Kiki VanDeWeghe, Executive Vice President, Basketball Operations.

The incident occurred with 9:33 remaining in the fourth quarter of Portland’s 113-104 preseason win over the Phoenix Suns on Oct. 11 at Talking Stick Resort Arena.

McCollum will be suspended for the first game of the 2017-18 NBA regular season for which he is eligible and physically able to play.

To view the incident, click on the following link:


GRAND OPENING

The NBA will tip off its 72nd season on Tuesday, Oct. 17 with a doubleheader on TNT.

In the opener, Boston will visit Cleveland as 2017 All-Stars Gordon Hayward and Kyrie Irving make their Celtics debut and 2010-11 MVP Derrick Rose and 12-time All-Star Dwyane Wade play their first game with the Cavaliers.

In the second game, defending champion Golden State will receive its championship rings before facing Houston in nine-time All-Star Chris Paul’s first regular-season appearance with the Rockets.

Below are some start-of-season resources as well as notes on all 30 NBA teams. Please visit Media Central for more information.

Season Tip-Off Information Packet | Official NBA Guide | Team media guides
Team logos | Player head shots | Referee head shots | Officiating staff | Key dates

ATLANTIC DIVISION

http://cms.nba.com/pr/wp-content/uploads/sites/46/2017/10/Gordon-Hayward-News.jpg 
Gordon Hayward (right) has improved his scoring average every season. (NBAE via Getty Images)

http://pr.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/46/2016/10/ball.jpg BOSTON CELTICS: Gordon Hayward, who scored a career-best 21.9 points per game with Utah in 2016-17, is one of three active players to increase his scoring average in each of his first seven seasons. The others are Orlando’s Arron Afflalo and the LA Clippers’ DeAndre Jordan.
http://pr.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/46/2016/10/ball.jpg BROOKLYN NETS: D’Angelo Russell, acquired in a June trade with the Lakers, averaged 18.5 points and 5.0 assists in 21 games after the All-Star break last season.
http://pr.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/46/2016/10/ball.jpg NEW YORK KNICKS: Kristaps Porzingis was the only NBA player to have at least 1,100 points, 450 rebounds, 125 blocked shots and 100 three-pointers last season.
http://pr.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/46/2016/10/ball.jpg PHILADELPHIA 76ERS: J.J. Redick made 200 three-pointers in 2014-15, 200 again in 2015-16 and 201 last season, making him one of five players to hit at least 200 threes in three consecutive seasons. He is joined by Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson with five each and Ray Allen and James Harden with three each.
http://pr.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/46/2016/10/ball.jpg TORONTO RAPTORS: The three winningest seasons in franchise history have all come in the last three seasons: 49-33 in 2014-15, 56-26 in 2015-16 and 51-31 in 2016-17.

CENTRAL DIVISION

http://pr.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/46/2017/10/Myles-Turner-News.jpg 
Indiana’s Myles Turner is coming off a strong second NBA season. (NBAE via Getty Images)

http://pr.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/46/2016/10/ball.jpg CHICAGO BULLS: Rookie Lauri Markkanen is set to become the second player from Finland to play in the NBA, joining Hanno Möttölä, who spent two seasons with Atlanta (2000-02).
http://pr.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/46/2016/10/ball.jpg CLEVELAND CAVALIERS: Cleveland made 1,067 three-pointers last season, the third-highest total in NBA history. Houston converted an NBA-record 1,181 three-pointers last season, and Golden State ranks second all time with 1,077 threes in 2015-16.
http://pr.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/46/2016/10/ball.jpg DETROIT PISTONS: Andre Drummond has led the NBA in total offensive rebounds in each of the last four seasons, the first player with a four-year streak since Dennis Rodman from 1990-94.
http://pr.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/46/2016/10/ball.jpg INDIANA PACERS: In 2016-17, Myles Turner (14.5 ppg/7.3 rpg/2.1 bpg) became the second player in franchise history to average at least 14.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 2.0 blocks in his second season. He shares the distinction with Herb Williams, who averaged 16.9 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.2 blocks in 1982-83.
http://pr.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/46/2016/10/ball.jpg MILWAUKEE BUCKS: Giannis Antetokounmpo, a first-time All-Star and the NBA Most Improved Player in 2016-17, became the fifth player to lead his team points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks for a season. The other four are Dave Cowens (1977-78), Scottie Pippen (1994-95), Kevin Garnett (2002-03) and LeBron James (2008-09).

SOUTHEAST DIVISION

http://pr.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/46/2017/10/Elfrid-Payton-News.jpg 
Elfrid Payton is Orlando’s all-time leader in triple-doubles. (NBAE via Getty Images)

http://pr.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/46/2016/10/ball.jpg ATLANTA HAWKS: Atlanta has made the playoffs in 10 consecutive seasons, the longest streak in the Eastern Conference and the second-longest in the NBA behind San Antonio’s 20 seasons.
http://pr.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/46/2016/10/ball.jpg CHARLOTTE HORNETS: Charlotte has committed the fewest turnovers in the NBA in each of Steve Clifford’s four seasons as head coach.
http://pr.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/46/2016/10/ball.jpg MIAMI HEAT: The Heat’s 30-11 finish last season after an 11-30 start – a 41-41 overall record – made Miami the first team in NBA history to have been at least 19 games under .500 and reach the .500 mark at any point that same season.
http://pr.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/46/2016/10/ball.jpg ORLANDO MAGIC: In three seasons with Orlando, Elfrid Payton has recorded eight of the franchise’s 28 all-time triple-doubles. He is the only player with more than three triple-doubles as a member of the Magic.
http://pr.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/46/2016/10/ball.jpg WASHINGTON WIZARDS: Last season, the Wizards won their first division title since 1978-79 and became the first team in NBA history to reach 49 victories (49-33) after starting a season 2-8.

NORTHWEST DIVISION

http://pr.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/46/2017/10/KAT-News.jpg 
Karl-Anthony Towns’ numbers as a second-year player were comparable to those of Shaquille O’Neal. (NBAE via Getty Images)

http://pr.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/46/2016/10/ball.jpg DENVER NUGGETS: All six of Nikola Jokic’s career triple-doubles through two NBA seasons came after Feb. 1 of last season as the Serbian center helped the Nuggets finish with the league’s fifth-best offensive rating in 2016-17.
http://pr.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/46/2016/10/ball.jpg MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES: Last season, Karl-Anthony Towns (25.1 ppg/12.3 rpg) became the first player to average at least 25.0 points and 12.0 rebounds in his second season since Shaquille O’Neal (29.3 ppg/13.2 rpg) in 1993-94.
http://pr.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/46/2016/10/ball.jpg OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER: After an NBA-record 42 triple-doubles last season raised his career total to 79, reigning NBA MVP Russell Westbrook is 21 triple-doubles from reaching 100. Three players have done it: Oscar Robertson (181), Magic Johnson (138) and Jason Kidd (107).
http://pr.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/46/2016/10/ball.jpg PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS: Damian Lillard (27.0 ppg) and CJ McCollum (23.0 ppg) combined to average 50.0 points per game in 2016-17, the most by two Portland teammates in franchise history.
http://pr.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/46/2016/10/ball.jpg UTAH JAZZ: Utah has improved from 25 to 38 to 40 to 51 victories in the last four seasons, making the Jazz one of five teams in NBA history to record a win total in the 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s in four consecutive seasons.

PACIFIC DIVISION

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Devin Booker, 20, has averaged 18.0 points in two seasons. (NBAE via Getty Images)

http://pr.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/46/2016/10/ball.jpg GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS: The Warriors have won an NBA-record 207 regular-season games over the last three seasons, surpassing the previous mark of 203 victories set by Chicago from 1995-96 to 1997-98.
http://pr.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/46/2016/10/ball.jpg LA CLIPPERS: DeAndre Jordan has led the NBA in field goal percentage for five consecutive seasons, matching a league record also shared by Wilt Chamberlain (1964-65 through 1968-69) and Shaquille O’Neal (1997-98 through 2001-02). 
http://pr.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/46/2016/10/ball.jpg LOS ANGELES LAKERS: New addition Brook Lopez, the Nets’ all-time leading scorer, led Brooklyn with 134 three-pointers last season after making a total of three in his first eight seasons combined.
http://pr.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/46/2016/10/ball.jpg PHOENIX SUNS: Devin Booker has scored more points before his 21st birthday (2,774) than all but three players in NBA history: LeBron James (4,649), Kevin Durant (3,495) and Carmelo Anthony (3,283). Booker, a third-year pro, turns 21 on Oct. 30.
http://pr.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/46/2016/10/ball.jpg SACRAMENTO KINGS: Vince Carter’s first season with the Kings is his 20th in the NBA. Carter and Dallas’ Dirk Nowitzki are joining Robert Parish (21), Kevin Willis (21), Kevin Garnett (21), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (20) and Kobe Bryant (20) as the only players to play at least 20 seasons.

SOUTHWEST DIVISION

http://pr.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/46/2017/10/Dirk-Nowitzki-News.jpg 
Dirk Nowitzki made his NBA debut with Dallas in the 1998-99 season. (NBAE via Getty Images)

http://pr.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/46/2016/10/ball.jpg DALLAS MAVERICKS: Dirk Nowitzki, set to join Kobe Bryant as the only players to play 20 seasons with the same team, is six games shy of becoming the seventh player to appear in 1,400 regular-season games. The current group is made up of Robert Parish (1,611 games), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1,560), John Stockton (1,504), Karl Malone (1,476), Kevin Garnett (1,462) and Kevin Willis (1,424).
http://pr.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/46/2016/10/ball.jpg HOUSTON ROCKETS: With Chris Paul joining James Harden, the Rockets are the second team in the last 45 years to feature two players who have led the NBA in assists in a season. The most recent instance was Utah’s 2002-03 team, which included John Stockton and Mark Jackson.
http://pr.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/46/2016/10/ball.jpg MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES: Memphis has made the playoffs and posted a winning record in each of the last seven seasons, ranking third among active teams in both categories.
http://pr.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/46/2016/10/ball.jpg NEW ORLEANS PELICANS: Anthony Davis (22.4 ppg/10.2 rpg/2.4 bpg) is one of three players to average at least 22.0 points, 10.0 rebounds and 2.0 blocks with a minimum of 300 games played, joining Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (24.6/11.2/2.0) and Shaquille O’Neal (23.7/10.9/2.3).
http://pr.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/46/2016/10/ball.jpg SAN ANTONIO SPURS: Gregg Popovich enters his 22nd season as San Antonio’s head coach with 1,150 victories, putting him six away from passing Phil Jackson (1,155) for sixth place on the NBA's all-time coaching wins list.

RETIRED AIR FORCE LIEUTENANT GENERAL MICHELLE D. JOHNSON

NAMED NBA SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND HEAD OF REFEREE OPERATIONS


NEW YORK, Oct. 12, 2017  The NBA announced today that retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Michelle D. Johnson, the first woman to lead the United States Air Force Academy, has been named Senior Vice President and Head of Referee Operations.  She will begin on Oct. 16 and report to President, League Operations Byron Spruell.

Johnson, a distinguished 1981 graduate of the Air Force Academy and one of the top women’s basketball players in school history, will direct the NBA’s officiating program with responsibility for the recruitment, training, development and evaluation of all referees.  She will also oversee the NBA Replay Center and leverage the new Officiating Advisory Council as well as manage the league’s transparency initiatives and harness advanced technologies to enhance all facets of the officiating program.

“Michelle has decades of experience successfully leading large, highly professionalized organizations and spurring growth through innovation,” said Spruell.  “With a disciplined, analytical approach to problem solving and a proven track record of building consensus and acting with the utmost integrity, Michelle has the qualities to maximize the effectiveness of our officiating program.”

Johnson will replace Mike Bantom, who is transitioning into a new role with the league after five years as Executive Vice President, Referee Operations.  Bantom, a 28-year NBA executive, will be a senior adviser on several development initiatives critical to the league’s operations.

“Mike has represented the best of the NBA during his nearly 30 years of service,” said Spruell.  “His passion and diligence are reflected in the strength of our officiating program.  We’re fortunate to continue benefiting from his expertise and counsel as he serves in a new but familiar capacity with the NBA.” 

Johnson served with distinction in various Air Force assignments before retiring in August.  Most recently, she spent four years as the Air Force Academy’s 19th superintendent – equivalent to a college president.  The first woman to hold the position, Johnson directed a four-year regimen of military training, academics, athletics and character-development programs for more than 4,000 cadets.

“My love for basketball and the opportunity to help shape the direction of a key operational group within the NBA made this position incredibly appealing to me,” said Johnson.  “In the military, I always embraced the challenge of using all available resources to design and implement an ambitious agenda.  I look forward to applying that experience to further elevate the NBA’s officiating program.” 

Johnson’s tenure as superintendent of the Air Force Academy marked her latest trailblazing accomplishment.  Previously, she was the Air Force’s first female cadet wing commander, first female Rhodes Scholar (1981-83) and first female inductee into the coSIDA Academic All-America Hall of Fame (2007).  A three-time basketball team captain and the second-leading scorer in school history, she was also the first woman inducted into the Air Force Sports Hall of Fame (inaugural class of 2007).

Before becoming superintendent, Johnson spent two years as NATO’s Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Intelligence (2011-13) and served stints at the Pentagon as the Air Force’s Deputy Director for Information and Cyberspace Policy (2007-09) and Director of Public Affairs (2005-07).  A command pilot with more than 3,600 flight hours, she was the Air Force aide to Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton from 1992-94. 

Upon retirement in August, Johnson received the Distinguished Service Medal.  Her awards and decorations also include the Defense Superior Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters and the Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster.  In addition, she earned the Aerial Achievement Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force Achievement Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

NBA DIGITAL AND NEXTVR ANNOUNCE 2017-18 NBA LEAGUE PASS
VIRTUAL REALITY SCHEDULE FEATURING ALL 30 NBA TEAMS 

– Delivering 27 Live Immersive VR Games –

– Introducing the NextVR Screening Room to Watch All NBA League Pass Games –

NEW YORK, Oct. 12, 2017 – NBA Digital and NextVR, the Official League Pass VR Partner of the NBA, today announced a schedule of 27 live games in virtual reality for the 2017-18 NBA season.  The NBA League Pass VR schedule on NextVR will feature all 30 NBA teams within NextVR’s signature immersive 3D VR experience, tipping off during a free preview on Oct. 21 with the Dallas Mavericks at the Houston Rockets.

Debuting this season, NextVR will introduce the NextVR Screening Room.  This new product will allow subscribers to watch any NBA League Pass game on a virtual movie theater-sized screen.  Every game night, fans can immerse themselves in a 360º VR environment with the opportunity to select up to 13 NBA games to livestream on a massive virtual screen.  NBA League Pass is part of NBA Digital, the NBA's extensive cross-platform portfolio of multimedia assets jointly managed by the NBA and Turner Sports, and features nearly 1,000 out-of-market live games.

International NBA League Pass subscribers will have access to every single NBA game during the 2017-18 season through the NextVR Screening Room, in addition to the 27 immersive VR productions.

After last year’s first schedule of weekly live NBA games in VR, NextVR will debut new product features including live volumetric telestration, live infographics and dynamic stats inserted into the virtual scene, and user-selected point-of-view for the 27-game schedule.  These advancements will add to last year’s innovative productions highlighted by dedicated announcers, pre- and post-game analysis, in-arena entertainment and behind-the-scenes features. 

“Following a groundbreaking first season of NBA games in VR, we will introduce new product features, including real-time graphics floating like holograms within the field-of-play, deliver sharper images, and introduce more VR devices to fans,” said David Cole, NextVR CEO.  “We are continuing to advance the realism and fidelity of our NBA broadcasts and these new features will deliver the most immersive live basketball experience to date.”

“By committing to a schedule of VR games, we’ve been able to listen to fan feedback in real-time and deploy improvements on a weekly basis,” said Jeff Marsilio, NBA Vice President, Global Media Distribution.  “The fan response has been overwhelmingly positive, and we look forward to seeing their reaction to this year’s new VR capabilities.”

How to Access NBA League Pass VR on NextVR:

Games will be available as part of NBA League Pass, whether purchased through a third-party distributor or directly through the NBA.  Fans will be able to authenticate their accounts by providing their NBA League Passlogin credentials (obtained at NBA.com or through the NBA App) through the NBA League Pass VR section of NextVR’s app.  Currently, there are seven dates (Oct. 21Oct. 24Dec. 16Jan. 16Jan. 21Feb. 24March 15) during NBA League Pass free preview windows when fans can find out what it’s like to be in the best seat in the house with NextVR.

Complimentary on-demand content within the NBA League Pass VR section in the NextVR app will feature game highlights and full-game replays of each virtual reality game.

Fans with a Samsung GearVR headset or Google Daydream, along with a compatible smartphone, can download the free NextVR app from the Oculus Store or the Google Play Store respectively.  Just in time for the season, Microsoft Windows Mixed Reality users can also experience games in VR beginning Oct. 17.  Fans can go to nextvr.com/nba for additional game details and to learn how to get started in VR.  For updates, follow @NextVR on Twitter and Instagram and /NextVR on Facebook.

New FIBA World Ranking Men presented by Nike launched

OCTOBER 11, 2017

MIES, Switzerland - FIBA on Wednesday launched the new FIBA World Ranking Men, presented by Nike.
The innovative game-based ranking factors in results from official games played by 153 national teams and will be updated after every window of Qualifiers and following the conclusion of top official FIBA competitions.
The new ranking is based on results of games ranging from regional pre-qualifiers all the way to the FIBA Basketball World Cup Final, and includes the Olympic Basketball Tournament as well as the Continental Cups. The previous ranking was purely competition-based and only took into account the final standings of tournaments.
The basic principle is simple: 1,000 basis points are awarded in each game, with the two teams earning a share of these according to the margin of victory or defeat. Weightings are added on a round basis meaning that, when a team progresses through a top official FIBA competition, its wins are worth more with every round it plays.
The ranking has revised weightings of the competitions. For the first time, it sees the implementation of a time decay rewarding teams for their most recent performances. This replaces the system in place under the previous ranking, where all games over the 8-year period received the exact same value.
Finally, the new ranking also recognizes the value of away wins and rewards facing and beating opponents that are higher in the ranking.
FIBA Secretary General and International Olympic Committee (IOC) Member Patrick Baumann said: "The new ranking was devised with our new calendar clearly in mind. We are pleased to offer more teams - 153 of them, compared to 91 previously - a ranking that can be updated after every window of the Qualifiers so that national teams, fans and their national federations can follow their progress on a more regular basis. Prior to the change, the rankings already proved to be among the most popular pages on FIBA.basketball and we expect there will be even more debating and conversations taking place following the implementation of this new one."

For now, the new FIBA World Ranking Men, presented by Nike, only applies to senior men's national teams and competitions. FIBA will work towards drawing up and implementing similar systems for the women's and youth (boys and girls) rankings at a later stage.


Click here to view the full FIBA World Ranking Men, presented by Nike, here to find out how it works and here for the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

ESPN becomes USA's home of FIBA basketball

USA v Argentina - Final of the FIBA AmeriCup 2017

OCTOBER 10, 2017

 
MIES, Switzerland/BRISTOL, United States of America - FIBA, the International Basketball Federation, on Tuesday announced it has signed a five-year agreement with ESPN for the USA over the course of the period 2017-2021.
The agreement will see ESPN broadcast all of FIBA's Men's and Women's Continental Cups during that time as well as the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Qualifiers and the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2018.

Burke Magnus, ESPN Executive Vice-President, Programming and Scheduling, said: "ESPN is excited to continue our partnership with FIBA as the popularity of international basketball continues to ascend. This is our largest deal to date with FIBA, which will expand our year-round basketball presence exponentially."
Frank Leenders, Director General of FIBA Media and Marketing Services (FMMS), said: "The USA is FIBA's top ranked country and the home of basketball and our agreement with ESPN means that fans will get to see the very best of international basketball on a regular basis. Following the conclusion of this summer’s Continental Cups, the next games in November will see the USA men’s team playing in their Qualifiers for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 as they aim to be among the 32 teams playing in China come August 2019. In addition, the USA Women's team will be fighting to retain their Basketball World Cup title in Spain in September of next year."

The agreement was brokered by FIBA Media, the 
strategic partnership between FIBA and Perform, which continues to secure multi-year agreements related to FIBA's new calendar of events.


– Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry and his mother, Sonya Curry, to Introduce New Jr. NBA Parent Initiative on Oct. 11 –

NEW YORK, Oct. 9, 2017 – The National Basketball Association (NBA) tipped off Jr. NBA Week (Oct. 9-16) today by announcing the formation of the Jr. NBA Flagship Network, to provide a more consistent and positive youth basketball experience for players, parents and coaches.  Comprised of 15 best-in-class youth sports organizations, members of the network share the Jr. NBA’s vision for how the game should be taught and played at the grassroots level, and have committed to pursuing the highest standards of operation in the industry.  This includes adhering to NBA and USA Basketball Youth Guidelines, implementing USAB coach licensing requirements and providing resources to educate coaches and parents.

Through the collective reach of the 15 organizations that make up the Jr. NBA Flagship Network, the NBA will help ensure that one million additional youth are playing basketball in an environment that promotes health and wellness, skill development and character education.

Jr. NBA Flagship Network

ALL IN Athletics
Pro Skills Basketball
Sports Academy
DME Sports Academy
Lightning Basketball – Island Garden
The Skill Factory
Gold Crown Foundation
Open Gym Premier
John Muir Health Ultimate Fieldhouse
Grand Park Fieldhouse
Point Guard College
West Coast Elite
Hoop Heaven
Slam City Management
Zero Gravity Basketball

The third annual Jr. NBA Week will focus on elevating the game by providing tools and resources to support key contributors to the youth basketball experience – parents and coaches – and will feature events for local youth hosted by all 30 NBA teams.

The new Jr. NBA Parent Initiative, developed in conjunction with the Positive Coaching Alliance, is designed to educate parents and guardians by providing resources to help them better understand the youth basketball ecosystem, while helping to create a positive, healthy experience for their young players.  At the outset, the program will feature a series of parent forums held in cities across the country, parent newsletters and educational resources and other helpful recommendations and tips.  Ultimately, the parent program will include extensive age-appropriate curriculum designed to help parents and their children navigate the youth basketball landscape.

To launch the new parent program, Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry and his mother Sonya Curry will join center Zaza Pachulia, Assistant Head Coach Mike Brown, the Jr. Warriors and the Positive Coaching Alliance to host a special Jr. NBA Tip-Off Event on Oct. 11 at John Muir Health Ultimate Fieldhouse in Walnut Creek, Calif.  The event will include a youth clinic, parent workshop and panel discussion for local kids and their families.  John Muir Health Ultimate Fieldhouse is an inaugural member of the Jr. NBA Flagship Network.

Finally, the new Jr. NBA Coach App offers coaches at all levels of experience a valuable tool to teach the game in a manner reflective of best practices around player health and wellness, skill development and character education.  The app offers Jr. NBA instructional curriculum featuring 250 demonstrational videos with NBA and WNBA players and coaches, and 48 preloaded practice plans designed for various skill levels.  The app also includes a unique tool that allows coaches to create custom practice plans by selecting their favorite skills and drills from the Jr. NBA instructional library.  The Jr. NBA Coach App is available now for iOS and Android.

The Jr. NBA presented by Under Armour teaches basketball skills as well as the core values of the game at the grassroots level in an effort to help grow and improve the youth basketball experience for players, coaches and parents. For more information, and to register for the Jr. NBA Parent Initiative, visit: https://jr.nba.com/register-now/
 NBA UNVEILS NEW OFFICIAL NBA FANTASY SCORING AND
OTHER FANTASY INITIATIVES FOR THE 2017-18 SEASON

– NBA.com to Feature Enhanced Fantasy Content in Partnership with FantasyPros –

NEW YORK, Oct. 5, 2017 – The National Basketball Association (NBA) announced today a series of new fantasy basketball initiatives for the 2017-18 season:

  • The NBA has unveiled Official NBA Fantasy Scoring, which will be embedded within NBA.com and serve as the standard across all Official NBA Games on Yahoo!, FanDuel, NBA InPlay, PlayON and Dream11.  Official NBA Fantasy Scoring is intended to make the fantasy experience consistent for NBA fans across all formats and content.  The new scoring system, which was created through data analysis and feedback from NBA partners and fans, will be:
    • Points: 1                                                    ○   Steals: 3
    • Rebounds: 1.2                                           ○   Blocks: 3
    • Assists: 1.5                                                ○   Turnovers: -1


  • As previously announced, the NBA is labeling its schedule by week this season, creating more defined contest periods for fantasy games.  The weekly regular-season schedule, consisting of 26 weeks, is available on stats.nba.com/schedule.

  • To celebrate the start of the NBA regular season, FanDuel will introduce “NBA Passport to London,” where fans can enter daily contests during the season’s opening week for a chance to win a VIP trip to NBA London Game 2018 between the Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics on Jan. 11.

NBA_GLeague_2nd_horiz

NBA G LEAGUE ANNOUNCES EXPERIMENTAL REFEREE TESTING AND RULES CHANGES FOR 2017-18 SEASON

– New Four-Round Playoff Format Features 12 Teams –  

NEW YORK, Oct. 4, 2017 – The NBA G League announced today that four-person officiating crews will be used during the entire 2017 preseason and for all regular-season games in November.  The testing follows similar experimentation last season, when nine regular-season games were officiated by either four- or five-person crews.

The league also announced a new four-round, 12-team playoff format.  The team with the best regular-season record in each division automatically qualifies for the postseason as one of six “division winners.”  The additional six playoff berths will be filled by the three “wild card” teams in each conference with the best regular-season records, other than the division winners. 

The conferences will be seeded one through six, with the division winners owning the first, second and third seeds and the wild card teams occupying the fourth, fifth and sixth seeds based on regular-season records.  The top two seeds in each conference will earn a bye into the second round.  The playoffs will begin with three single-elimination rounds before culminating with a best-of-three NBA G League Finals, which will be played in a one-one-one format.  

In addition, the NBA G League announced experimental rules changes aimed to improve game flow for the 2017-18 season:

  • Overtime periods will be two minutes, reduced from three minutes.

  • The Coach’s Challenge has been revised so that teams receive only one challenge per game, to be used at any point during regulation or overtime periods.  Only fouls called, goaltending/basket interference and out-of-bounds calls may be challenged.

  • Instant replay triggers have been reduced to the following five circumstances:
    • Flagrant Fouls: Officials have doubt if a called foul meets the criteria for a Flagrant Foul at any point in the game.
    • Two-point/three-point field goal attempts or fouls: Officials are uncertain whether a made basket was correctly scored as a two- or three-pointer or if a fouled player was attempting a two- or three-point shot.
    • Made basket at the end of a period: A field goal is made with no time remaining on the clock (0:00) at the end of any quarter.
    • Foul at the end of a period: A foul is called with no time remaining on the clock (0:00) at the end of any quarter.
    • Altercation: Two or more players are engaged in an altercation.

  • Each team will be allocated seven timeouts per game and all timeouts will be known as “Team Timeouts,” with no distinction between full and 30-second timeouts.  The following timeout structure will be implemented:
    • All non-mandatory Team Timeouts will be 30 seconds.
    • Each period will have two 90-second mandatory Team Timeouts, occurring after the first stoppage under the seven- and three-minute marks.
    • Each team may enter the fourth quarter with up to four Team Timeouts.
    • Each team will be limited to a maximum two Team Timeouts after the later of the three-minute mark of the fourth quarter or the resumption of play following the second mandatory timeout of that quarter.
    • In overtime, each team will be allotted two Team Timeouts.

The NBA G League will continue to play with rules changes already in effect:

·         Shot Clock: The 24-second clock resets to 14 seconds after an offensive rebound.

·         Reset Timeout: Teams can call a timeout to advance the ball and make substitutions but not huddle in the final two minutes of the fourth quarter and during entire overtime periods.

·         Fouls: If an away-from-the-play foul is committed at any point in the game, personal and team fouls are assessed and one free throw attempt is awarded.

Two prior experimental rules will be discontinued and standard NBA rules will be resumed in both instances.  In the first change, technical fouls for flopping infractions will no longer be assessed in-game, and a postgame warning-and-fine policy similar to that of the NBA’s will be implemented.  In addition, the team penalty foul limit will be reduced from six to five fouls in a quarter before a penalty. 

The 2017-18 NBA G League season tips off on Nov. 3 with an all-time-high 26 teams competing in a 50-game regular season.

About the NBA G League
The NBA’s official minor league, the NBA G League prepares players, coaches, officials, trainers and front-office staff for the NBA while acting as the league’s research and development laboratory.  Featuring 26 teams with direct affiliations with NBA franchises for the 2017-18 season, the league offers elite professional basketball at an affordable price in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.  An all-time-high 44 percent of all NBA players at the end of the 2016-17 season boasted NBA G League experience.  In fostering the league’s connection to the community, its teams, players and staff promote health and wellness, support local needs and interests, and assist in educational development through NBA Cares programs.  NBA G League games are available on ESPN’s family of networks and NBA TV.


NBA AND NBPA REVAMP ALL-STAR GAME FORMAT

– 2018 All-Star Captains to Draft Teams from Players Voted as Starters and Reserves;
No East vs. West Matchup for First Time in Event History 

– All-Star Teams to Play for Different Charities 

NEW YORK, Oct. 3, 2017  The National Basketball Association (NBA) and National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) announced today a new All-Star Game format for NBA All-Star 2018 in Los Angeles.  This will mark the NBA’s first All-Star Game without a matchup between the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference.

Under the revamped format, two captains will draft the 2018 All-Star teams from the pool of players voted as starters and reserves, making selections without regard for conference affiliation.  The captains will be the All-Star starter from each conference who receives the most fan votes in his conference. 

The 67th All-Star Game will be played at Staples Center on Sunday, Feb. 18 (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT), with TNT televising the midseason classic for the 16th consecutive year.

“I’m thrilled with what the players and the league have done to improve the All-Star Game, which has been a priority for all of us,” said NBPA President Chris Paul of the Houston Rockets.  “We’re looking forward to putting on an entertaining show in L.A.”

“We’re excited about the new All-Star format and appreciate the players’ willingness to try something new,” said NBA President, League Operations Byron Spruell.

In another new feature, the 2018 All-Star teams will play for charity.  Each team will select a Los Angeles-area charity or national organization where donations will be used to support local efforts.

The process for selecting the 24 All-Stars will remain the same, with 12 players from each conference earning spots.  The 10 starters  two guards and three frontcourt players per conference  will continue to be chosen by a combination of fans (50 percent of the vote), current players (25 percent) and basketball media (25 percent).  The NBA’s head coaches will still select the 14 reserves, voting for two guards, three frontcourt players and two players at any position in their respective conferences.  Specific details about the draft will be announced at a later date.

TNT will reveal the All-Star Game starters and captains on Thursday, Jan. 18 and unveil the reserves on Tuesday, Jan. 23.  NBA All-Star Voting 2018 presented by Verizon will tip off on Monday, Dec. 25 before five Christmas Day games across ESPN, ABC and TNT.

The process for determining the 2018 All-Star Game head coaches is unchanged.  The head coaches whose teams clinch the best record in their respective conferences two weeks before the All-Star Game will earn the nod, though the Golden State Warriors’ Steve Kerr and the Boston Celtics’ Brad Stevens are ineligible for the honor because they coached in the 2017 All-Star Game.  Each All-Star Game coach will lead the team that includes the captain from the same conference.

FIBA Hall of Fame's 2017 Class inducted

2017 Class of the FIBA Hall of Fame with FIBA Secretary General and International Olympic Committee (IOC) Member Patrick Baumann, FIBA Secretary General Emeritus Borislav Stankovic and FIBA President Horacio Muratore

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

MIES, Switzerland (FIBA Hall of Fame) - The 2017 Class of the FIBA Hall of Fame was inducted on Saturday night at the House of Basketball, FIBA's headquarters on the outskirts of Geneva.

Seven world class basketball personalities and, for the first time ever, a team, were enshrined in a ceremony held in the Naismith Arena, FIBA's exhibition space named after the inventor of basketball.

The 2017 Class of the FIBA Hall of Fame consists of:
FIBA President Horacio Muratore said: "It is with tremendous pride that we induct these great basketball personalities into FIBA's Hall of Fame as the Class of 2017. They have positively impacted our sport and assisted its growth in the four corners of the world for many years. 2017 is an important year as it marks FIBA's 85th anniversary and the 10th anniversary of the FIBA Hall of Fame. It also means it has been 25 years since the Dream Team amazed us all at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. We normally would not induct a team into the FIBA Hall of Fame but we are making an exception for the Dream Team because of its outstanding contribution to the development of international basketball. Congratulations to all of the inductees that make up the 2017 Class of the FIBA Hall of Fame for receiving this well-deserved honor."

* Was unable to attend the ceremony
Mickey Berkowitz (Israel)
Pero Cameron (New Zealand)
Dusan Ivkovic (Serbia)
Toni Kukoc (Croatia)
Razija Mujanovic (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Valdis Valters (Latvia)
David Robinson (USA; accepting on behalf of the Dream Team)
###
About the FIBA Hall of Fame
The primary goal of the FIBA Hall of Fame (
fiba.basketball/hall-of-fame) is to reflect the history of the sport and its personalities. The key criterion for selection into the FIBA Hall of Fame is outstanding achievement at the international level and contribution to the development of basketball.
The FIBA Hall of Fame was officially inaugurated on March 1 2007.

NBA BOARD OF GOVERNORS APPROVES CHANGES TO DRAFT LOTTERY SYSTEM


 Three Teams with Worst Records Will Have Equal Chance to Win Draft Lottery 

 NBA Also Agrees on Policy for Resting Healthy Players During Games 
NEW YORK, Sept. 28, 2017  The NBA Board of Governors today approved changes to the NBA Draft Lottery system that will reduce the odds so that the teams with the three worst records will share the same chance of receiving the No. 1 overall draft pick.  The modifications to the NBA Draft Lottery will be implemented for the 2019 NBA Draft.

Under the revamped format, the NBA Draft Lottery will ensure that the team with the worst record will receive no worse than the fifth pick.  In the current lottery system, which will remain in place for the 2018 NBA Draft, the team with the worst record picks no lower than fourth.

“NBA Draft Lottery reform is a meaningful step in our continuous effort to enhance the quality of our games,” said NBA President, League Operations Byron Spruell.  “These changes were necessary to improve the competitive incentives for our teams.”

The new system will level the odds at the top of the NBA Draft Lottery so that the teams with the three worst regular-season records will each have a 14 percent chance of winning the lottery.  In the current structure, the top seed has 25 percent of the lottery odds, the second seed has 19.9 percent and the third seed has 15.6 percent.

The odds for the remaining participants in the 14-team lottery will be reduced gradually after the top three.  For instance, the difference in lottery odds between the first three seeds (14 percent) and the fourth seed (12.5 percent) will be 1.5 percent.  The difference between the fourth seed and the fifth seed (10.5 percent) will be 2 percent, and the difference between the fifth seed and the sixth seed (9 percent) will be 1.5 percent.

After drawings are conducted for the first four picks of the NBA Draft, the other lottery teams will continue to pick in inverse order of their regular-season record.

Under the modified NBA Draft Lottery format, each team will be assigned the following odds:    

No. 1 Pick
Team 1
14.0%
Team 2
14.0%
Team 3
14.0%
Team 4
12.5%
Team 5
10.5%
Team 6
9.0%
Team 7
7.5%
Team 8
6.0%
Team 9
4.5%
Team 10
3.0%
Team 11
2.0%
Team 12
1.5%
Team 13
1.0%
Team 14
0.5%



Player Resting Policy

Also today, the NBA Board of Governors agreed on a policy for resting healthy players.  The policy, effective with the 2017-18 season, is below:

  • Teams are prohibited from resting healthy players for any high-profile, nationally televised game.  Any violation of this provision will constitute conduct prejudicial or detrimental to the NBA and result in a fine of at least $100,000.

  • Absent unusual circumstances, a team should not rest multiple healthy players for the same game or rest healthy players when playing on the road.

  • In situations when teams decide to rest healthy players, the players should be visible and available to interact with fans.

  • Any team that violates this policy, or otherwise rests a healthy player in circumstances that are prejudicial or detrimental to the league, is subject to discipline by the NBA.

The NBA’s Competition Committee recommended the NBA Draft Lottery reform and the player resting policy to the Board of Governors.


TORONTO’S LARRY TANENBAUM UNANIMOUSLY ELECTED CHAIRMAN OF THE NBA BOARD OF GOVERNORS


 Raptors Governor Becomes First Canadian Owner to Serve as Chairman 
NEW YORK, Sept. 28, 2017  NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced today that Toronto Raptors Governor Larry Tanenbaum has been unanimously elected Chairman of the NBA Board of Governors.

Tanenbaum, the longtime Chairman of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), becomes the first Canadian owner to serve as Chairman of the NBA Board of Governors.  He succeeds Minnesota Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor, who has been Chairman since April 2014.

“Glen Taylor was a terrific chairman who has a deep commitment to growing our game,” said Silver.  “Like Glen, Larry Tanenbaum prioritizes the league’s collective interest and is well respected by his fellow owners.  Throughout his nearly two decades as Raptors Governor, Larry has been an active and engaged NBA Board member.  I am grateful for Glen’s dedicated service and look forward to working with Larry as Chairman.”

“It is a great honor to have been elected as Chairman of the NBA Board of Governors, for both myself and the Toronto Raptors franchise,” said Tanenbaum.  “I look forward to working closely with Commissioner Silver, the league office and my fellow owners in this capacity to grow the game around the world and continually look for opportunities to better this great league for our teams, our players and our fans.”

Taylor, the Timberwolves’ majority owner since 1994, is completing his second stint as Chairman of the NBA Board of Governors.  He also held the position from 2008-12.    

“I am thankful for the opportunity to have served as Chairman of the NBA Board of Governors,” said Taylor.  “The Board has a wonderful spirit of cooperation and mutual respect that I know Larry Tanenbaum will continue to promote.  I wish Larry great success as Chairman and look forward to continuing my work on the Board.”

Tanenbaum has long been an active member of the NBA Board of Governors.  The Toronto native has served on the NBA Advisory/Finance Committee since 2008 and was part of the Planning Committee from 2000-14.  He also had stints on several other committees, including Labor Relations and Expansion/Realignment.

One of North America’s most influential sports figures, Tanenbaum has been Governor of the Raptors since 1998 and holds the same title with the National Hockey League’s Toronto Maple Leafs and Major League Soccer’s Toronto FC.  Tanenbaum has seen the Raptors have their four winningest seasons in the last four years, including a franchise-record 56 victories in 2015-16.

In 1996, Tanenbaum acquired an interest in the Maple Leafs and the company now known as MLSE.  Two years later, he played an instrumental role in the company’s purchase of the Raptors and Air Canada Centre, which he has helped build into one of the world’s leading sports and entertainment venues.  Tanenbaum became MLSE’s Chairman in 2003.  
     
In addition to his work as a sports executive, Tanenbaum is the Chairman and CEO of Kilmer Van Nostrand Co. Limited, a private investment holding company.  He also oversees Kilmer Capital Partners, a private equity fund.

Tanenbaum is involved in numerous charitable and health care organizations, including the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto, the Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, and the global children’s organization Right to Play.  In 2007, he was appointed to the prestigious Order of Canada for his dedication to the community and achievement in business.

Slovenia crowned European champions for the first time

SEPTEMBER 18, 2017

ISTANBUL, Turkey (FIBA EuroBasket 2017) - Slovenia have been crowned European champions, for the first time in their history, defeating Serbia 93-85 in Sunday's FIBA EuroBasket Final in front of 12,095 fans in Sinan Erdem Arena.
Led by tournament MVP Goran Dragic, whose 26 first-half points had Slovenia up 56-47 at half-time, they had to weather a second-half rally from Serbia, which began when 18-year-old wunderkind Luka Doncic limped off with an ankle injury.
With Dragic joining Doncic on the bench late in the game with cramps, Klemen Prepelic stepped up and Slovenia were able to maintain their composure, coming up with an answer for everything a desperate Serbian side threw at them.
Earlier in the day, Spanish legend Juan Carlos Navarro signed off his storied national team career with a bronze medal around his neck, as Spain held off a fast-finishing Russia, 93-85. Pau Gasol, who had earlier in the tournament become the FIBA EuroBasket all-time leading scorer, finished the game with a 26-point, 10-rebound double-double.
Gasol's fantastic play throughout the tournament did not go unnoticed, with a spot in the All-Star Five awaiting him. Doncic was also rewarded for his performances in his maiden FIBA EuroBasket, earning a spot alongside his tournament roommate Dragic on the team. Rounding out the All-Star Five were Serbian leader Bogdan Bogdanovic and Russia’s Aleksei Shved.
BALONCESTO SUPERIOR NACIONAL FEMENINO
RESISTEN LAS CAFETALERAS

Las Cafetaleras de Yauco resistieron hoy todas las reacciones de las visitantes Gigantes de Carolina para alcanzar la victoria en su coliseo y mantener así su racha de tres triunfos en línea, todos como dueñas de casa.

Tierra Henderson logró 23 puntos, Robin Murphy sumó 12 con 11 rebotes y Judyana Batíz encestó 10 para ayudar al quinteto de Yauco a salir por la puerta ancha, 76-63, frente a las Gigantes, ante una entusiasta y muy numerosa fanaticada que se dio al coliseo Raúl ‘Pipote’ Oliveras pese a la situación que enfrenta la Isla.

Con el resultado, las Cafetaleras mejoran su marca a 3-1, a solo medio juego de diferencia de las líderes Santeras de Aguada (3-0). Las tricampeonas, por su parte, siguen al fondo de la tabla con record de 0-2. Las Pollitas de Isabela le hacen compañía con 0-3.

Yauco dominó los primeros de la mano de sus importadas Henderson y Murphy, junto a la novata armadora Jacqueline Rosario. Henderson con cinco puntos consecutivos giró el marcador a favor de las Cafetaleras, 10-4, con 4:58 del primer cuarto. Rosario con seis tantos y Murphy con tres realizaron un avance 9-0 que abrió el juego de 10, 21-11, con dos segundos en el reloj.

Una tirada libre de Rodsan Rodríguez acercó de cuatro a Carolina, 28-24, con 2:54 del segundo parcial. Yauco respondió con una corrida 7-2, que completó Paola Crespo con dos tiros libres, para despegarse nuevamente de nueve, 35-26, con 23 segundos. La primera mitad terminó 35-29, a favor de las locales.

Las Gigantes volvieron a acercarse, 49-47, con dos canastas consecutivas de Yolanda Jones, restando 2:07 del tercer periodo. Pero, Elissa Ventura con cuatro puntos y Rosario con tres colocaron una vez más la pizarra con diferencia de nueve tantos, 56-47, al cierre de los 30 minutos de acción.

Carolina inició la manga final con dos bombazos de Shalonda Winton y un lance desde la pintura por parte de Diamalises Rivera tocando la puerta del mínimo, 56-55, con 8:18 por jugarse. Acto seguido, las Cafetaleras definieron el choque con una seguidilla 13-2 que las llevó a alcanzar ventaja de 12, 69-57, tras triple de Batíz, faltando 4:50.

Una jugada de tres puntos completada por Murphy registró el mayor liderazgo en el encuentro, 76-52, con 1:22 para finalizar. 

Por las Gigantes, Winton encestó 27 con 11 capturas y Jones aportó 12 unidades con 16 retenciones.

El torneo 2017 del Baloncesto Superior Nacional Femenino (BSNF) luego de la jornada de hoy queda suspendido hasta nuevo aviso por el inminente paso del huracán María por nuestra Isla.

# # # # #

Calendario del 19 al 25 de septiembre

martes, 19 de septiembre - Isabela en Aguada 8:00 p.m. coliseo Ismael ‘Chavalillo’ Delgado
Carolina en Manatí 8:00 p.m. coliseo Juan Aubin ‘Bincito’ Cruz Abreu

miércoles, 20 de septiembre - Morovis en Yauco 8:00 p.m. coliseo Raúl ‘Pipote’ Oliveras

jueves, 21 de septiembre - Aguada en Carolina 8:00 p.m. coliseo Guillermo Angulo (TV)

viernes, 22 de septiembre - Carolina en Morovis 8:00 p.m. coliseo José ‘Pepe’ Huyke
Isabela en Yauco 8:00 p.m. coliseo Raúl ‘Pipote’ Oliveras

sábado, 23 de septiembre - Aguada en Morovis 8:00 p.m. coliseo José ‘Pepe’ Huyke (TV)

domingo, 24 de septiembre - Carolina en Aguada 7:00 p.m. coliseo Ismael ‘Chavalillo’ Delgado
Isabela en Manatí 7:00 p.m. coliseo Juan Aubin ‘Bincito’ Cruz Abreu

lunes, 25 de septiembre - Isabela en Morovis 8:00 p.m. coliseo José ‘Pepe’ Huyke

* Juegos suspendidos por el paso del huracán María

BSNF 2017 (Septiembre 17)
League Standings


League

Home
Away
Team
Record
Pct.
Record
Record
Aguada Santeras
3-0
1.00
1-0
2-0
Yauco Cafetaleras
3-1
.750
3-0
0-1
Morovis Montañeras
1-1
.500
1-0
0-1
Manatí Atenienses
1-1
.500
0-0
1-1
Carolina Gigantes
0-2
.000
0-1
0-1
Isabela Pollitas
0-3
.000
0-2
0-1

Inline image 2

COMUNICADO DE PRENSA
17 de septiembre 2017


BALONCESTO SUPERIOR NACIONAL FEMENINO
SEGUNDO TRIUNFO EN LÍNEA DE LAS CAFETALERAS

Las debutantes Cafetaleras de Yauco (2-1) no permitieron canasto en los primeros cinco minutos del tercer parcial en ruta a su segunda victoria de la temporada, 78-65, frente a las Pollitas de Isabela (0-3), en choque escenificado en el coliseo Raúl ‘Pipote’ Oliveras.

Yauco e Isabela habían cerrado la primera mitad igualados a 35 puntos. Pero, las locales abrieron la tercera manga con un avance 19-0 para tomar el control del desafío de forma decisiva, 54-35. Las Cafetaleras llegaron a estar dominando de 20, 58-38.

Las Pollitas tuvieron una discreta noche ofensiva al lanzar de 44-14 en tiros de dos y de 25-6 en lances de triple mérito.

Tierra Henderson lideró al quinteto ganador con 21 puntos y 10 rebotes, Krystal Luciano añadió 17 tantos y Robin Murphy 10. En causa perdida, Adily Martucci consiguió 25 unidades, Glennys Rosa 12 y Shayra Brown 10.

El BSNF sigue mañana lunes, 18 de septiembre, con las Gigantes de Carolina (0-1) midiéndose a las Cafetaleras en el coliseo Raúl ‘Pipote’ Oliveras, desde las 8:00 p.m.

# # # # #

Calendario del 18 al 24 de septiembre

lunes, 18 de septiembre - Carolina en Yauco 8:00 p.m. coliseo Raúl ‘Pipote’ Oliveras

martes, 19 de septiembre - Isabela en Aguada 8:00 p.m. coliseo Ismael ‘Chavalillo’ Delgado
Carolina en Manatí 8:00 p.m. coliseo Juan Aubin ‘Bincito’ Cruz Abreu

miércoles, 20 de septiembre - Morovis en Yauco 8:00 p.m. coliseo Raúl ‘Pipote’ Oliveras

jueves, 21 de septiembre - Aguada en Carolina 8:00 p.m. coliseo Guillermo Angulo (TV)

viernes, 22 de septiembre - Carolina en Morovis 8:00 p.m. coliseo José ‘Pepe’ Huyke
Isabela en Yauco 8:00 p.m. coliseo Raúl ‘Pipote’ Oliveras

sábado, 23 de septiembre - Aguada en Morovis 8:00 p.m. coliseo José ‘Pepe’ Huyke (TV)

domingo, 24 de septiembre - Carolina en Aguada 7:00 p.m. coliseo Ismael ‘Chavalillo’ Delgado
Isabela en Manatí 7:00 p.m. coliseo Juan Aubin ‘Bincito’ Cruz Abreu

BSNF 2017 (Septiembre 17)
League Standings


League

Home
Away
Team
Record
Pct.
Record
Record
Aguada Santeras
3-0
1.00
1-0
2-0
Yauco Cafetaleras 
2-1
.667
2-0
0-1
Morovis Montañeras
1-1
.500
1-0
0-1
Manatí Atenienses
1-1
.500
0-0
1-1
Carolina Gigantes
0-1
.000
0-1
0-0
Isabela Pollitas
0-3
.000
0-2
0-1

Inline image 2

COMUNICADO DE PRENSA
17 de septiembre 2017


BALONCESTO SUPERIOR NACIONAL FEMENINO
SEGUNDO TRIUNFO EN LÍNEA DE LAS CAFETALERAS

Las debutantes Cafetaleras de Yauco (2-1) no permitieron canasto en los primeros cinco minutos del tercer parcial en ruta a su segunda victoria de la temporada, 78-65, frente a las Pollitas de Isabela (0-3), en choque escenificado en el coliseo Raúl ‘Pipote’ Oliveras.

Yauco e Isabela habían cerrado la primera mitad igualados a 35 puntos. Pero, las locales abrieron la tercera manga con un avance 19-0 para tomar el control del desafío de forma decisiva, 54-35. Las Cafetaleras llegaron a estar dominando de 20, 58-38.

Las Pollitas tuvieron una discreta noche ofensiva al lanzar de 44-14 en tiros de dos y de 25-6 en lances de triple mérito.

Tierra Henderson lideró al quinteto ganador con 21 puntos y 10 rebotes, Krystal Luciano añadió 17 tantos y Robin Murphy 10. En causa perdida, Adily Martucci consiguió 25 unidades, Glennys Rosa 12 y Shayra Brown 10.

El BSNF sigue mañana lunes, 18 de septiembre, con las Gigantes de Carolina (0-1) midiéndose a las Cafetaleras en el coliseo Raúl ‘Pipote’ Oliveras, desde las 8:00 p.m.

# # # # #

Calendario del 18 al 24 de septiembre

lunes, 18 de septiembre - Carolina en Yauco 8:00 p.m. coliseo Raúl ‘Pipote’ Oliveras

martes, 19 de septiembre - Isabela en Aguada 8:00 p.m. coliseo Ismael ‘Chavalillo’ Delgado
Carolina en Manatí 8:00 p.m. coliseo Juan Aubin ‘Bincito’ Cruz Abreu

miércoles, 20 de septiembre - Morovis en Yauco 8:00 p.m. coliseo Raúl ‘Pipote’ Oliveras

jueves, 21 de septiembre - Aguada en Carolina 8:00 p.m. coliseo Guillermo Angulo (TV)

viernes, 22 de septiembre - Carolina en Morovis 8:00 p.m. coliseo José ‘Pepe’ Huyke
Isabela en Yauco 8:00 p.m. coliseo Raúl ‘Pipote’ Oliveras

sábado, 23 de septiembre - Aguada en Morovis 8:00 p.m. coliseo José ‘Pepe’ Huyke (TV)

domingo, 24 de septiembre - Carolina en Aguada 7:00 p.m. coliseo Ismael ‘Chavalillo’ Delgado
Isabela en Manatí 7:00 p.m. coliseo Juan Aubin ‘Bincito’ Cruz Abreu

BSNF 2017 (Septiembre 17)
League Standings


League

Home
Away
Team
Record
Pct.
Record
Record
Aguada Santeras
3-0
1.00
1-0
2-0
Yauco Cafetaleras 
2-1
.667
2-0
0-1
Morovis Montañeras
1-1
.500
1-0
0-1
Manatí Atenienses
1-1
.500
0-0
1-1
Carolina Gigantes
0-1
.000
0-1
0-0
Isabela Pollitas
0-3
.000
0-2
0-1


BALONCESTO SUPERIOR NACIONAL FEMENINO
AGUADA SIGUE CON SU BUENA RUTA EN LA CARRETERA

Una asfixiante defensa de las Santeras de Aguada fue clave para que derrotaran hoy, 64-55, a las tricampeonas Gigantes de Carolina, en el choque celebrado en el coliseo Guillermo Angulo de la Tierra de Gigantes.

En total, las Santeras se robaron 14 balones y bloquearon cinco tiros. De igual forma, provocaron la friolera de 22 perdidas, las que aprovecharon para encestar 19 puntos productos de errores.

Aguada, con el resultado, colocó su marca en 2-0, ambos triunfos jugando como visitantes. Mientras, Carolina (0-1) perdió su primer compromiso en la recién inaugurada campaña del Baloncesto Superior Nacional Femenino (BSNF).

Tayra Meléndez fue la más destacada por las Santeras con 13 unidades y Dayshalee Salamán añadió 12. En causa perdida, Shalonda Winton marcó 17 tantos y Yolanda Jones 11.

Luego de haber empatado a 16 en el primer cuarto. Carla Cortijo selló un avance 13-4 de las Gigantes para tomar el control del choque, 29-20, con 4:05 del segundo parcial.

Carolina se llevó la mitad, 32-28.

Aguada inició la segunda parte con dos bombazos, el último fue encestado por Tabitha Wampler, para nivelar el marcador a 34, con 7:59 del tercer periodo.

Frances Lee Flores consiguió un intento desde el tiro libre para la última ventaja de las locales, 42-39, restando 4:28. Acto seguido, las Santeras ripostaron con jugada de tres puntos completada por Salamán y un tiro brincado de Quiñonez para darle vuelta a la pizarra, 44-42, con 3:02.

Una canasta de Zacha González desde la pintura marcó la mayor diferencia, 59-47, con 5:48 por efectuarse del último acto.

Por segundo encuentro consecutivo, Aguada demostró la gran calidad que tiene en sus reservas al superar 19-8 a las Gigantes en canastos productos de sus jugadoras provenientes de la banca.

PRIMER TRIUNFO DE YAUCO EN LA HISTORIA

A las Cafetaleras de Yauco (1-1) no les afectó jugar en noche consecutivas y lograron defender con su éxito su coliseo Raúl ‘Pipote’ Oliveras con un triunfo, 68-65, frente a las Atenienses de Manatí (0-1).

Tierra Henderson fue la mejor con 21 puntos y 13 rebotes, Robin Murphy y Jacqueline Rosario aportaron 10 cada una. Por Manatí, Atonye Nyingifa terminó con 23 tantos y 21 capturas, mientras Monique Reid concluyó con 21 unidades y 12 retenciones.

El BSNF sigue mañana sábado, 16 de septiembre, con las Montañeras de Morovis (1-0) midiéndose a las Santeras en el coliseo Ismael ‘Chavalillo’ Delgado y las Atenienses midiéndose a las Pollitas de Isabela (0-1) en el coliseo José ‘Buga’ Abreu, ambos desde las 8:00 p.m.

# # # # #

Calendario del 16 al 22 de septiembre

sábado, 16 de septiembre - Morovis en Aguada 8:00 p.m. coliseo Ismael ‘Chavalillo’ Delgado (TV)
Manatí en Isabela 8:00 p.m. coliseo José 'Buga' Abreu

domingo, 17 de septiembre - Isabela en Yauco 7:00 p.m. coliseo Raúl ‘Pipote’ Oliveras

lunes, 18 de septiembre - Carolina en Yauco 8:00 p.m. coliseo Raúl ‘Pipote’ Oliveras

martes, 19 de septiembre - Isabela en Aguada 8:00 p.m. coliseo Ismael ‘Chavalillo’ Delgado
Carolina en Manatí 8:00 p.m. coliseo Juan Aubin ‘Bincito’ Cruz Abreu

miércoles, 20 de septiembre - Morovis en Yauco 8:00 p.m. coliseo Raúl ‘Pipote’ Oliveras

jueves, 21 de septiembre - Aguada en Carolina 8:00 p.m. coliseo Guillermo Angulo (TV)

viernes, 22 de septiembre - Carolina en Morovis 8:00 p.m. coliseo José ‘Pepe’ Huyke
Isabela en Yauco 8:00 p.m. coliseo Raúl ‘Pipote’ Oliveras

BSNF 2016 (Septiembre 15)
League Standings


League

Home
Away
Team
Record
Pct.
Record
Record
Aguada Santeras
2-0
1.00
0-0
2-0
Morovis Montañeras 
1-0
1.00
1-0
0-0
Yauco Cafetaleras
1-1
.500
1-0
0-1
Manatí Atenienses
0-1
.000
0-1
0-0
Carolina Gigantes
0-1
.000
0-0
0-1
Isabela Pollitas
0-1
.000
0-1
0-0

      NBA

NIKE AND NBA INTRODUCE NEW STATEMENT EDITION UNIFORM,
FIRST ON-COURT HOODED JACKET
AND THE FIRST NBA CONNECTED JERSEY, THE FUTURE OF FAN APPAREL
                                                                                   
Using New NikeConnect Technology, Retail Jerseys Will Unlock Exclusive Experiences and Customized Content for Fans’ Favorite Teams and Players

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Sept. 15, 2017 – Ushering in a radical evolution of the fan experience, NIKE, Inc. and the NBA today unveiled three new innovations: the Nike NBA Connected Jersey, the first NBA jersey that gives the wearer an all-access pass into the world of their favorite team and players; Statement Edition uniforms; and the Nike Therma Flex Showtime Warm-up Jacket, the first hooded jacket to be worn on the court during gametime. The official announcements took place at an event in Los Angeles attended by players from all 30 NBA teams. 

“When you think about basketball, you think of Nike and the NBA,” said Mark Parker, Chairman, CEO and President of NIKE, Inc. “After helping fuel the sport’s impact for years, we are thrilled to now be able to push the boundaries of what’s possible directly with the NBA. From modernizing the look of the game to revolutionizing how fans can be a part of it, we can’t wait for the season to start.”

“Our Nike uniforms set a new standard for connecting our most passionate fans with their favorite NBA teams and players,” said Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner. “Nike has once again taken the game of basketball to a new level, this time with one of the most advanced jerseys in sports.”

Using new NikeConnect technology, each adult-sized Nike NBA Connected Jersey will have an embedded NFC (near field communication) chip that will launch real-time team and player content such as pregame arrival footage, highlight packages and top players’ favorite music playlists – all on the jersey owner’s mobile device. Throughout the season, a wealth of exclusive offers and experiences will bring fans closer to the game they love.

To unlock it all, fans will download the NikeConnect app and tap the jersey with their smartphone. These jerseys become available online globally on Sept. 29, rewarding the game’s fans with a revolutionary experience that creates a new point of connection between fans and the game.

“In our new connected era, Nike will lead with products that build a relationship with our consumers,” said Trevor Edwards, President, Nike Brand. “With NikeConnect, we deliver to basketball fans everywhere the personal and premium experiences we know they love.”

Nike and the NBA also unveiled the third of four core team uniforms – the Statement Edition, inspired by teams’ desire to make a bold statement the moment they step on the court. Nike’s designers worked with the teams and the brand’s roster of athletes to create new and updated uniforms for this third edition.  

The Statement Edition uniform follows the earlier unveiling of the Association and Icon Edition uniforms. As previously announced, the home teams will determine which uniforms to wear at their games. The fourth team edition will be released later this year.

In addition to the new uniforms, Nike and the NBA debuted the Nike Therma Flex Showtime Warm-up Jacket, the first on-court warm-up jacket with a performance hood. Celebrating the style of the game, Nike designers refreshed a beloved apparel staple into a new performance product for athletes on and off the court. 

The jacket, created with new Nike Therma Flex fabric, helps athletes maintain the right body temperature during pregame warm-ups and downtime during a game – a critical element for peak performance. Developed with input from top NBA athletes, the reimagined hood allows for optimal vision, hearing and warmth, delivering a greater intersection between performance and style – a key request from NBA athletes.

The Nike NBA Connected Jersey is available exclusively online starting Sept. 29, and the Nike NBA uniforms and Nike Therma Flex Showtime Warm-up Jacket will debut on-court on Sept. 30, the start of the NBA preseason. All Statement Edition jerseys will be available at retail on Nov. 20, and will begin being worn on-court on Nov. 25.

About the NBA
The NBA is a global sports and media business built around three professional sports leagues: the National Basketball Association, the Women’s National Basketball Association and the NBA G League. The league has established a major international presence with games and programming in 215 countries and territories in 49 languages, and NBA merchandise for sale in more than 125,000 stores in 100 countries on 6 continents. NBA rosters at the start of the 2016-2017 season featured a record 113 international players from 41 countries and territories. NBA Digital’s assets include NBA TV, NBA.com, NBA App and NBA LEAGUE PASS. The NBA has created one of the largest social media communities in the world, with more than 1.3 billion likes and followers globally across all league, team and player platforms. Through NBA Cares, the league addresses important social issues by working with internationally recognized youth-serving organizations that support education, youth and family development and health-related causes.

About NIKE, Inc. 
NIKE, Inc., based near Beaverton, Ore., is the world's leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Wholly-owned NIKE, Inc. subsidiary brands include Converse, which designs, markets and distributes athletic lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories; and Hurley, which designs, markets and distributes surf and youth lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories. For more information, NIKE, Inc.’s earnings releases and other financial information are available at http://investors.nike.com. Individuals can also visit http://news.nike.com/ and follow @Nike.

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COMUNICADO DE PRENSA
15 de septiembre 2017


D’ ALTURA WOMEN’S BASKETBALL LEAGUE
SE REANUDA EL TORNEO DE D’ALTURA 

Tras la obligada suspensión por el paso del huracán Irma por la Isla, el torneo femenino de D’Altura Basketball Club volverá a cancha mañana sábado, 16 de septiembre, con la celebración de tres partidos en la cancha Pedro ‘Cuco’ Ortiz de Bayamón.

La tercera semana de D’Altura Women’s Basketball League (DWBL) presentará, desde la 1:30 p.m., a las Caribeñas midiéndose a las Capitalinas, Tigresas a las Ponceñas y Playeras frente a Gigantes. El domingo, 17 de septiembre (11:00 a.m.), en el cancha Enrique ‘Kike’ Peña de Bayamón, las Tigresas retarán a las Gigantes, Ponceñas chocarán con las Capitalinas y las Playeras enfrentarán a las Lobas.

El torneo es liderado por las Caribeñas con marca de 3-0. El sábado 2 de septiembre, las Caribeñas derrotaron 70-48 a las Ponceñas. Carla Ramírez se destacó con 18 puntos y 12 rebotes, Shadira Arias agregó 16 tantos y Carla Rosario 13. Por las Ponceñas, Lanette Rosado encestó 11 unidades.

Al día siguiente mantuvieron su invicto al vencer 60-42 a las Gigantes. Arias consiguió 17 puntos y 12 rebotes, Ramírez 13 tantos con 13 capturas y Ailin González marcó 13. Por las Gigantes, Cristina Valentín logró 18 unidades con 15 retenciones y Alejandra Bustamente atinó 10.

En segundo lugar se encuentran las Capitalinas con actuación de 2-0. Las Capitalinas superaron en su último encuentro, 69-51, a las Playeras. Mileyshka Correa encabezó el ataque ganador con 16 puntos y 14 rebotes, Tatiana De la Paz aportó 15 tantos y Yaselis Santiago 12. Por las Playeras, Dianyra Morales acabó con 18 unidades.

Las Playeras regresaron a la ruta ganadora el domingo 3 de septiembre para mejorar su record a 2-1 y ocupar la tercera posición. Las Playeras lograron una cerrada victoria, 69-64, sobre las Ponceñas. Eunice Acevedo fue la mejor con 22 puntos y Joseline Quiles añadió 10. Por las Ponceñas, Karla Roche concluyó con 21 tantos  y Carmen Vega 20.

En el cuarto puesto están las Tigresas con 1-1. Las Tigresas doblegaron 74-51 a las Lobas. Shakira Rodríguez llevó la voz cantante con 15 puntos, Stephanie Colón le hizo coro con 13, Stephanie Ramo 11 con 17 rebotes y Keyla Orriols 10. Por las Lobas, Jennifer Casúl registró 17 tantos con 11 capturas y Kaelyn González 10. 

Fuera de los espacios clasificatorios se encuentran las Lobas (1-2), Ponceñas (0-2) y Gigantes (0-3).

El único triunfo de las Lobas fue, 74-53, ante las Gigantes. Fabiola Cosme guió a las vencedoras con 19 puntos, Casúl ayudó con 15 y 15 rebotes, Lisseidy Falcón con 13 tantos y Sarimar Ferrer con 10. En causa perdida, Bustamante se lució con 23 unidades, Melannie Rodríguez con 12 y Kimberly Soto con 10.

Jennifer Casúl domina el torneo con 53 puntos y promedio de 17.7 por juego. Carla Ramírez es la mejor capturando rebotes con 36. Lanette Rosado y Nashalí Casiano son las máximas bloqueadoras con tres tapones por igual. Mientras, Kaelyn González controla las asistencias con 15 y los cortes de balón con 11.  

BALONCESTO SUPERIOR NACIONAL FEMENINO
PREVALECEN LAS MONTAÑERAS

Las Montañeras de Morovis necesitaron venir de atrás para superar, 68-59, a las Cafetaleras de Yauco en la segunda jornada del torneo 2017 del Baloncesto Superior Nacional Femenino (BSNF), celebrado en el coliseo José ‘Pepe’ Huyke, de las vencedoras.

Morovis dominó los últimos 10 minutos de acción con puntuación de 25-12. La dupla de la selección de Puerto Rico, Pamela Rosado y Michelle González, con su efectiva y fina puntería fueron clave en la reacción de las subcampeonas.

Yauco había ganado todos los periodos previos, 20-18, 35-30 y 47-43, respectivamente.

La diferencia más marcada en el encuentro fue la anotación en segundas oportunidades, 18-6, y en transición rápida, 19-9, ambos reglones dominados por las Montañeras. Otro departamento que controlaron las locales fueron los tapones, 8-0.

Por su parte, las Cafetaleras tuvieron un pobre desempeño desde la línea de las tiradas libres, solo encentaron cuatro en 15 oportunidades, para un pobre 27 por ciento.

Rosado terminó la noche con 21 puntos, ocho rebotes y ocho asistencias, González encestó 20 y Mariesa Greene 18 con 19 capturas. Por Yauco, Tierra Henderson fue la mejor con 24 tantos y 11 balones atrapados.

El BSNF sigue mañana viernes, 15 de septiembre, con las Santeras de Aguada midiéndose a las Gigantes de Carolina en el coliseo Guillermo Angulo y las Atenienses de Manatí midiéndose a las Cafetaleras en el coliseo Raúl ‘Pipote’ Oliveras, ambos desde las 8:00 p.m.

# # # # #

Calendario del 15 al 21 de septiembre

viernes, 15 de septiembre - Aguada  en Carolina 8:00 p.m. coliseo Guillermo Angulo
Manatí en Yauco 8:00 p.m. coliseo Raúl ‘Pipote’ Oliveras

sábado, 16 de septiembre - Morovis  en Aguada 8:00 p.m. coliseo Ismael ‘Chavalillo’ Delgado (TV)
Manatí en Isabela 8:00 p.m. coliseo José 'Buga' Abreu

domingo, 17 de septiembre - Isabela  en Yauco 7:00 p.m. coliseo Raúl ‘Pipote’ Oliveras

lunes, 18 de septiembre - Carolina  en Yauco 8:00 p.m. coliseo Raúl ‘Pipote’ Oliveras

martes, 19 de septiembre - Isabela  en Aguada 8:00 p.m. coliseo Ismael ‘Chavalillo’ Delgado
Carolina en Manatí 8:00 p.m. coliseo Juan Aubin ‘Bincito’ Cruz Abreu

miércoles, 20 de septiembre - Morovis  en Yauco 8:00 p.m. coliseo Raúl ‘Pipote’ Oliveras

jueves, 21 de septiembre - Aguada  en Carolina 8:00 p.m. coliseo Guillermo Angulo (TV)

BSNF 2016 (Septiembre 14)
League Standings


League

Home
Away
Team
Record
Pct.
Record
Record
Aguada Santeras
1-0
1.00
0-0
1-0
Morovis Montañeras 
1-0
1.00
1-0
0-0
Carolina Gigantes
0-0
.000
0-0
0-0
Manatí Atenienses
0-0
.000
0-0
0-0
Yauco Cafetaleras
0-1
.000
0-0
0-1
Isabela Pollitas
0-1
.000
0-1
0-0


BALONCESTO SUPERIOR NACIONAL FEMENINO
EXCELENTE DEMOSTRACIÓN DE LAS SANTERAS

El torneo 2017 del Baloncesto Superior Nacional Femenino (BSNF) arrancó esta noche con una victoria de las Santeras de Aguada, 85-64, frente a las Pollitas de Isabela, en el coliseo José ‘Buga’ Abreu, de las perdedoras. 

La extensa rotación de las Santeras fue clave para vencer a un Isabela que solo contó con nueve jugadoras. El quinteto visitante dominó la puntuación de jugadoras provenientes de la banca, 35-12. De igual forma, el control de la zona pintada fue clara con un 40-18 en canastos desde la pintura y 54-44 en los rebotes.

Aguada con un excelente movimiento del balón salió al frente en el choque. Kiara Quiñones consiguió uno intento desde el tiro libre para completar una corrida 9-2, con cinco minutos en el reloj del primer cuarto.

La ventaja de las Santeras llegó a ser de nueve puntos, 26-17, tras canasta brincada de Quiñones, con 6:02 del segundo parcial. 

Un tiempo fuera del novel entrenador de las Pollitas, Giovanni Jiménez, rindió frutos e Isabela hilvanó un avance 8-2, que contó con dos bombazos y una efectiva penetración de Adily Martucci, acercando a las locales con puntuación de 28-25, restando 4:13.

La mitad cerró 40-31, a favor de Aguada, cortesía de un gancho de Zacha González y un triple de Stephanie Rodríguez derrotando el cronometro. 

El desafío se abrió en el tercer periodo. Dayshalee Salamán con un escopetazo despegó a las Santeras de 18, 55-37, con 5:01 por jugarse.

Madelyn Velázquez con dos tripletazos de forma consecutivo aumentó la diferencia a 22, 73-51, con 7:32 del último acto. Más adelante, un lance alarga distancia de Mari Plácido registró la mayor diferencia en el encuentro, 83-57, faltando 1:48 de juego.

Tabitha Wampler lideró la ofensiva ganadora con 14 tantos, Velázquez y Salamán añadieron 13 por igual y Kourtni Perry 11. Salamán también aportó 10 asistencias y Perry 10 rebotes.

Por las Pollitas, Shayra Brown consiguió 23 unidades y Martucci 18.

El BSNF sigue mañana jueves, 14 de septiembre, con las Cafetaleras de Yauco midiéndose a las Montañeras de Morovis en el coliseo José ‘Pepe’ Huyke, a las 8:00 p.m.

FBPUR confirma el equipo que irá a China
El equipo estará participando en una serie de fogueos

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO. 12 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 2017 - La Federación de Baloncesto de Puerto Rico (FBPUR) dio a conocer hoy, martes, los 12 jugadores que conformarán el equipo que viajará a China el 21 de septiembre para participar en una serie de fogueos. 
Del grupo que fue al AmeriCup en Colombia, repiten los jugadores Carlos Rivera, Carlos López, Gilberto Clavell, Christopher Gastón y Juan Ramón Rivas. 
El resto de la Selección quedó compuesta por Joseph Soto, Marcus Fillyaw, Ángel Matías, Alexis Colón, José Guitián, Guillermo Díaz y Matt López. 
“Estos jugadores son parte del listado que ya se había anunciado y que estaban disponibles es estos momentos. Es un equipo que nos da la oportunidad  de continuar evaluándolos con miras a los compromisos futuros que tiene el Equipo Nacional”, expresó el delegado del combinado nacional, Ricardo Dalmau. 
"Vamos con los jugadores que tienen proyección y que estuvieron disponibles y con el interés de trabajar en el Programa con miras de seguir mejorando nuestra proyección para el futuro", indicó por su parte, el técnico nacional, Eddie Casiano. 
Dos equipos de División I de la Liga Profesional de China (CBA), Jiangsu Nangang Dragons y Jiangsu Tongxi Kings, serán los primeros rivales de Puerto Rico el 24 y 25 de septiembre en la ciudad de Liyang y Yixing respectivamente. Ambos quintetos cuentan con jugadores con experiencia en la NBA.
Mientras que el 26, se enfrentarán a la Selección Nacional de Cuba en la ciudad de Lishui y al día siguiente viajarán a Yingtán para jugar en el Torneo 4 Naciones. En éste foguearán ante un equipo de Estados Unidos, campeón en la liga American Basketball Association (ABA), el seleccionado de Cuba y dos  quintetos de la División I de la liga CBA, Zhejiang Golden Bulls y Shangdong Golden Starts, en representación de China.
Puerto Rico jugará el 28 y 29 de septiembre, y del 2 al 8 de octubre en diferentes ciudades de China. El equipo regresará a la Isla el 13 de octubre.
La preparación del combinado comenzará este miércoles, 13 de septiembre a las 10:00 am en el coliseo Mario "Quijote" Morales de Guaynabo. 
La primera práctica abierta a la prensa será el próximo lunes, 18 de septiembre a las 10:00 am en Guaynabo. 
BALONCESTO SUPERIOR NACIONAL FEMENINO
ARRANCA EL BSNF CON EL REGRESO DE LAS POLLITAS  

Con las antiguas Pollitas visitando a las nuevas Pollitas, el Baloncesto Superior Nacional Femenino (BSNF) iniciará mañana su temporada 2017, en el coliseo José ‘Buga’ Abreu de Isabela, desde las 8:00 p.m.

Isabela estuvo sin representación en el BSNF durante el torneo 2016 cuando el quinteto fue trasladado al vecino pueblo de Aguada y se convirtieron en Santeras. Mientras, el nuevo quinteto isabelino surgió con el traslado de las Lady Cardinals desde Lajas. 

“Ya tenemos el equipo casi completo, solo me falta Sandra García”, comentó Giovanni Jiménez, entrenador de las nuevas Pollitas. “Es un equipo nuevo hay que ver en la marcha como cuadramos. Sinceramente, el equipo no estuvo completo hasta hace tres o cuatro días”.

Las ahora Santeras volverán a su antigua casa con la intención de robarse el juego y aguar la fiesta. 

“El grupo gracias a Dios está saludable, preparado y deseoso de comenzar la temporada con una victoria, claro está”, manifestó Tony Ruiz, técnico del equipo de Aguada. “Ya es momento de jugar, de ir a la cancha, demostrar lo que hemos hecho en el laboratorio. La última incorporación fue Mari Plácido, es la única que está un poquito atrás, pero es una líder, una veterana y es una jugadora que cae en su ritmo rápido”.

RELACIÓN DE PADRE E HIJO

Otro duelo interesante que presentará el choque inicial será entre los dirigentes. Ruiz fue parte del crecimiento de Jiménez como jugador, una relación que el armador de los campeones Piratas de Quebradillas catalogó como de padre e hijo.

“Conozco a Tony desde que tengo 14 años. Como yo digo, él es como mi ‘pai’. Es una persona que respeto mucho”, detalló Jiménez. “Que gane el mejor. Nosotros vamos con la intención de ganar, a defender la cancha local. Sabemos que Aguada es un buen equipo y yo sé que Tony es un tremendo ‘coach’ y las debe tener ‘ready’ y bien preparadas.

Ruiz se sintió orgulloso de poder ver a Jiménez en la línea, pero advirtió que el cariño quedará a un lado durante los 40 minutos de juego.

“Súper orgulloso de todos los logros que ha tenido. Este es otro ambiente, el ambiente de dirigir es más intenso, más fuerte que la misma disciplina del baloncesto. Acá como entrenador te tienes que exigir bastante. Tiene un gran reto, no es fácil el reto que tiene y va a ser su primera experiencia”, explicó Ruiz. “Estos equipos así son los que tienes que respetar el doble, sin nada que perder. La fanaticada de Isabela es una fanaticada excelente, que respalda a los equipos siempre, sé que estarán presente en el día de mañana, inauguración, por lo tanto nosotros tenemos que estar preparados física y mentalmente. Tenemos que jugar baloncesto independientemente de quien tengamos de frente y obtener esa victoria en la carretera”.

“(Giovanni y yo) Siempre nos mantenemos en comunicación. Pero, mañana por espacio de 40 minutos es que no tendremos ese amor y cariño en cancha. Igual, para mí es un orgullo que un jugador que tú has ayudado tanto desde sus inicios esté en el otro lado. Para mí es una satisfacción enorme y más un chamaco como él que es demasiado de humilde y que le deseo el mayor de los éxitos”, concluyó Ruiz. 

SUSPENDIDO EL CHOQUE EN CAROLINA

El encuentro programado para mañana entre las Atenienses de Manatí y las tricampeonas Gigantes de Carolina tuvo que ser suspendido debido a que todavía el coliseo Guillermo Angulo no cuenta con servicio de energía eléctrica. 

Según se explicó, el huracán Irma derribó un árbol que cayó sobre el tenido eléctrico que alimenta a la facilidad deportiva y todavía en horas de la tarde de hoy seguían trabajando para remover el árbol e instalar nuevo cableado eléctrico. 

De resolverse la situación, las Gigantes inaugurarían como local este viernes cuando reciban la visita de las Santeras de Aguada en el coliseo Guillermo Angulo de Carolina.  

Para más información del BSNF pueden visitar la página oficial en el Internet a la dirección www.bsnfpr.com, así como todas las plataformas en las redes sociales, Facebook:www.facebook.com/bsnfpr y Twitter: www.twitter.com/bsnfpr.

FIVE-TIME NBA CHAMPION KOBE BRYANT JOINS
NBA CHINA AND MISSION HILLS GROUP TO ANNOUNCE FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND NBA DESTINATION IN CHINA

- The Partnership Will Include an NBA Basketball School and an NBA Interactive Experience and Store -

HAIKOUSept. 12, 2017 – Five-time NBA Champion and 18-time NBA All-Star Kobe Bryant joined Mission Hills Group and NBA China today to announce a multiyear partnership to design, develop and operate China’s first NBA Basketball School as well as an NBA interactive experience and store in Haikou, Hainan Province.  

The NBA Basketball School – Mission Hills Haikou will be open to male and female players, from junior level to professionals.  Construction of the facility will begin later this year and will be completed in 2019.

Alongside Bryant, today’s announcement was attended by Mission Hills Group Chairman Ken Chu, Mission Hills Group Vice Chairman Tenniel Chu and NBA China CEO David Shoemaker at the Mission Hills Haikou Resort on Hainan Island.

The school will include six indoor courts and other state-of-the-art facilities.  Mission Hills Group will be responsible for designing and building the school, while NBA China will operate and staff the facility with NBA-trained coaches and provide the basketball development curriculum.  NBA players and legends will visit the school to provide additional instruction and help foster player development.

The NBA interactive experience and store will be located at Mission Hills Centreville, a 240,000-square-meter shopping and entertainment complex located within the 22-square-kilometre Mission Hills Haikou resort.  TheNBA interactive experience and store will be a multimedia exhibition and retail space celebrating the league’s history and providing fans with a broad assortment of merchandise for men, women and kids, including jerseys, fan apparel, basketballs and accessories.

Additionally, Mission Hills Golf Club will become a promotional partner of NBA China Games 2017 that will feature the Golden State Warriors and the Minnesota Timberwolves playing Oct. 5 in Shenzhen at the Shenzhen Universiade Center, followed by a rematch in Shanghai at the Mercedes-Benz Arena on Oct. 8.

The NBA Basketball School  Mission Hills Haikou builds on the NBA’s existing basketball and youth development initiatives in China.  In November 2016, NBA China opened The NBA Academy Zhejiang, The NBA Academy Shandong and The NBA Academy Xinjiang, three elite basketball training centers for the top male and female prospects from throughout China.  

Additionally, NBA China continues to work with China’s Ministry of Education (MOE) on a basketball curriculum jointly developed by the MOE and the NBA incorporating fitness and basketball development in elementary, middle and high schools throughout China.  This year, the program will expand to 2,000 schools across 15 provinces and municipalities.  During the 2016-17 school year, more than half a million students from 525 schools across 11 provinces and municipalities participated in basketball classes using the curriculum.  The first NBA training center was formed in 2011 in partnership with the Shenzhen Leopards of the CBA and, together with the NBA-CBA joint coaching program, the center has helped train more than 11,000 youth and coaches.

NBA Basketball School is a network of tuition-based development programs around the world open to male and female players ages 6-18 from outside the U.S.  The first schools have launched in New Delhi and Mumbai.

Executive/Legend Quotes:

NBA Legend Kobe Bryant:
“I am excited to be in Haikou to celebrate the great partnership between NBA China and Mission Hills Group.  The Chinese youth will benefit from a complete approach to player development that combines NBA-quality coaching with NBA-level training.  I believe this partnership will lift the game of basketball to a higher level in China.”

Mission Hills Group Chairman Ken Chu:
“For four decades now, my family and I have been committed to sports in China, including golf, tennis and football, and now our commitment is to providing a platform for a future generation of Chinese basketball players.  As the world’s largest fully-integrated resort, we couldn’t be more excited to team up with the world’s largest professional basketball league to invest in the future of basketball in China, providing the Chinese people with access to an active and healthy lifestyle and help unearth future Chinese NBA stars.”

NBA China CEO David Shoemaker:
“This groundbreaking NBA Basketball School in Haikou further builds upon on our commitment to developing young basketball talent in China.  We are delighted that Mission Hills Group shares our vision and are thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute to the government’s pledge to grow a sporting culture in Hainan Province.”

About Mission Hills Group
Mission Hills Group, owner and operator of Mission Hills in the heart of the Pearl River Delta and the tropical island of Hainan, is the pioneer in China’s hospitality, sports and leisure industry. Founded in 1992, Mission Hills is recognized as the leading golf brand in the world and is synonymous with leisure, wellness, entertainment and luxury residences. Mission Hills has been the major driving force behind China’s sports and leisure industry. The world-class integrated leisure and wellness resort destinations around China have hosted more than 100 international tournaments. Mission Hills has also been accredited by the Guinness World Records as the “World’s Largest Golf Club” and “World’s Largest Mineral Springs and Spa Resort”. 

Mission Hills’ properties sprawl over 40 square km. They include 22 championship courses designed by renowned players and architects from five continents, five-star resorts, award-winning spas and volcanic mineral springs, international convention centers, golf academies, and Asia’s largest tennis facility. Mission Hills is also the official training headquarters for China’s Tennis, Football and Golf Associations.

The Group’s “golf and more” leisure philosophy has catalyzed its tourism-related business expansion into a leisure hub for multi-generational families. Mission Hills Centreville Shenzhen and Haikou are two HOPSCA (Hotels, Offices, Parks, Shopping, Culture and Arts) mixed-use developments with a focus on "Retail-tainment” and “Edu-tainment", providing integrated recreational, business, education, entertainment, shopping, leisure and cultural experiences. The group has also extended its foray into the hospitality industry by partnering with world-renowned hotel brands such as Hard Rock, Renaissance and the Ritz-Carlton. This collaboration has seen the opening of the Ritz-Carlton’s first Golf Resort in Haikou as well as the launch of Hard Rock Hotel in Shenzhen – the first Hard Rock Hotel in China.

Other significant projects include Movie Town in Haikou in partnership with China’s largest film production company, Huayi Brothers Media Corporate, and award-winning director, Feng Xiaogang, and China’s first Wet’n’Wild park in collaboration with Australia’s leading entertainment group and largest theme park operator, Village Roadshow Limited.

Earlier this year, Mission Hills also announced a partnership with FC Barcelona to make Hainan Province a hub of football for China and the wider region, including a major football academy at Mission Hills Haikou, the first project of its kind in the football club’s 118-year history, together with an interactive FC Barcelona experience center, the first in the world outside of the Spanish capital.

About NBA China
The NBA’s entity that conducts all of the league’s businesses in Greater China was formed in January 2008 after its first office opened in Hong Kong in 1992.  The NBA currently has relationships with a network of television and digital media outlets in China, including a 30-year partnership with CCTV.  The league hosts hundreds of touring basketball events for fans, conducts community enrichment programs, and maintains marketing partnerships with a combination of world-class China-based corporations and U.S.-based multinationals. 

NBA licensed apparel and footwear are available through retail and authorized online stores on e-commerce and social media platforms, including Tmall.comJD.com, WeChat, NBAStore.cnNBAStore.hk and NBAStore.tw.  In 2004, the NBA became the first American professional sports league to play games in China.  Following NBA China Games 2017, 14 NBA teams will have played 24 games in Greater China.