And so the fans have spoken. After more than two months of voting, the starters for the NBA All-Star game to be held in Denver this month were announced.
Leading the polls was Houston Rockets' center Yao Ming. He will be joined in the West team's starting line-up by Rockets teammate Tracy McGrady and Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant as guards, and San Antonio Spurs' Tim Duncan and Minnesota Timberwolves' Kevin Garnett as forwards.
For the East, the leading vote getter was Miami Heat's center, Shaquille O'Neal. Joining him for the opening tip are forwards Vince Carter (New Jersey Nets) and Grant Hill (Orlando Magic), and guards LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers) and Allen Iverson (Philadelphia 76ers).
Among the ten starters, only James will be making his first appearance in the NBA's mid-season classic, with all the others having been named as All-Stars at least twice.
The seven reserves for each team will be voted in by the coaches of each conference, with each coach not allowed to vote for a player from his team.
One no-brainer pick to make the West team should be Phoenix Suns guard Steve Nash. This Canadian currently leads the league in assists, and is considered to be the main reason why the Suns have been enjoying a great season so far. His game this season has been outstanding that this early, several sportswriters are putting him on top of their MVP candidates' list.
Other strong candidates include Ray Allen of the Seattle Supersonics (West guard), Dirk Nowitzki of the Dallas Mavericks (West forward), Amare Stoudemire of the Phoenix Suns (West center/forward), Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat (East guard), and Jermaine O’Neal of the Indiana Pacers (East forward).
As for the rest of the slots, there are lots of worthy claimers and one could make strong cases for each of them. Anyway, the coaches should know better regarding who truly deserves the honor of being named as an All-Star.
February 4, 2005
January 11, 2005
RP Basketball team
So, it is to Vincent ‘Chot’ Reyes’ hands where the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) has entrusted the mission whose ultimate goal is to give the Philippines a long-awaited return stint in Olympic basketball in 2008, as he was named head coach of the Philippine basketball team.
As expected, he will have his hands full trying to form a competitive national squad, but the full support of the PBA will make his job easier.
One of the first major test that they will face is this year’s Asian Basketball Championship (ABC), set to be hosted by Korea in August.
Although the end target is the Olympic stint in 2008, a slot in next year’s World championship scheduled to be held in Japan would also be most welcome.
Our team gets a ticket to the 2006 World Championships if it finishes in the top three in this year’s ABC. We could also get a slot even if we wind up at number four as long as Japan (already assured of a slot, being the host of next year’s World championship) lands among the top three.
As expected, he will have his hands full trying to form a competitive national squad, but the full support of the PBA will make his job easier.
One of the first major test that they will face is this year’s Asian Basketball Championship (ABC), set to be hosted by Korea in August.
Although the end target is the Olympic stint in 2008, a slot in next year’s World championship scheduled to be held in Japan would also be most welcome.
Our team gets a ticket to the 2006 World Championships if it finishes in the top three in this year’s ABC. We could also get a slot even if we wind up at number four as long as Japan (already assured of a slot, being the host of next year’s World championship) lands among the top three.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)