2012 London Olympics

[rikhardur2]

GBR – Temporary basketball arena gets all clear for construction in London

LONDON (2012 Olympics) - Organizers for the London 2012 Olympics have been given a thumbs-up to begin construction on an $83million temporary basketball arena.

The project, which will see a 12,000-seat capacity venue built on the Olympic Park site in east London, received planning permission on Wednesday.

The Preliminary Round and Quarter-Finals will be staged at the venue with the Semi-Finals and Finals moving to the O2 Arena.

"The arena will be one of the largest temporary venues built for any Games and will provide a great experience for spectators and athletes," basketball arena project sponsor Paul Snoddy said.

The handball Semi-Finals and Finals will also be staged in the temporary venue before it is scaled back to a 10,000-seat capacity for the Paralympic wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby.

Back in November, there were discussions about basketball being moved from the Olympic Park to the old Wembley Arena but a budget review determined that did not make financial sense.

The temporary structure that has been given approval will be located in the north of the Olympic Park in Stratford, London.

It was originally planned for the west of the park but was switched after other sports were moved to the ExCel venue in the Docklands.

It remains to be seen if the temporary arena will match the excellent setting offered by the Beijing Games for journalists and athletes.

In Beijing last summer, there was an athletes area and media area inside the Wukesong Arena where all of the basketball games were played.

In London, it may be that both are housed in building containers connected to the temporary arena.

View images of the basketball arena here.

http://www.fiba.com/pages/eng/fc/news/lateNews/p/newsid/29674/arti.html

 

[rikhardur2]

FIBA seeks 4 more men's teams at London Olympics

GENEVA – Basketball's global governing body has asked the International Olympic Committee to include four more teams at the 2012 London Games.

FIBA said Friday that having 16 instead of 12 countries would deliver bigger audiences and a more efficient tournament.

"The game has exploded and it's time to recognize that," FIBA secretary-general Patrick Baumann told The Associated Press. "The ratings will just skyrocket and it's going to be good for the IOC, good for us."

The men's tournament has had 12 teams since the 1976 Montreal Games but has grown in stature since NBA players were first allowed to play, at Barcelona in 1992.

Baumann said it was now second only to athletics in popularity with Olympic viewers.

"We have delivered our part of the bargain to the IOC and the Olympic Games," he said. "I think we can deliver even more if we had four more teams."

Baumann said basketball has the depth to justify an increased lineup.

The United States won at Beijing last year with a team that included LeBron James and Kobe Bryant, while nations such as Brazil, France, Italy and Serbia — who also feature NBA players — watched at home.

"There is a mismatch between the real value of the game around the globe, its universality, and the fact (these countries) can't come to the games," Baumann said. "Our world championship is for 24 countries and we could easily play with 32."

A 16-team tournament would also deliver cost savings to the IOC and future organizing committees, Baumann said.

Playing to a natural bracket, rather than in six-team groups, would cut two days from the current schedule, allowing games to be completed in 13 days.

Though Baumann is a member of the IOC, he will play no part in the decision. The IOC program commission will deliver a report to the 15-member executive board, which is scheduled to decide at its meeting in Berlin in August.

Other sports are seeking a bigger place at the Olympics, starting at London. Boxing wants to introduce women's medal events and swimming has asked for eight more races.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090522/ap_on_sp_ol/oly_bko_fiba_more_teams

 

[Dtown2]

Seems logical and easy to spread out, it's really a matter of adding one qualifier to every region except Oceania. Also a 4 groups of 4 format would make the games before knockout stage mean more.

Host
World Champion
Europe 3 teams
Americas 3 teams
Asia 2 teams
Africa 2 teams
Oceania 1 team
Additional Qualifiers 3 teams

 

[Mindozas6]

Seems logical and easy to spread out, it's really a matter of adding one qualifier to every region except Oceania. Also a 4 groups of 4 format would make the games before knockout stage mean more.

Host
World Champion
Europe 3 teams
Americas 3 teams
Asia 2 teams
Africa 2 teams
Oceania 1 team
Additional Qualifiers 3 teams

IMO there's no need for additional qualifiers, it just ruins teams' preparations and that's all. If there will be 16 teams, Europe should have atleast 5-6 guaranteed spots for sure, quality wise Europe is by far better than Asia, Africa or Oceania, in Americas there're only few teams those could match with Europe, so it'd be logical that Europe would take major part of places in Olympics. Last years additional qualifiers just proved it. Anyway later there might be some corrections, but I really doubt that smth might change till 2012(I mean quality-wise).

 

[Hobeze2]

$83 million for a temporary arena thats insanity... are you saying its going to be knocked down after the Olympics?

I hope there are no terror attacks the facts its being held in london. I see Al Quaieda have beheaded another British Hostage in the Sarah desert today.. Its awful

 

[Lewis3]

IMO there's no need for additional qualifiers, it just ruins teams' preparations and that's all. If there will be 16 teams, Europe should have atleast 5-6 guaranteed spots for sure,

why don't you make the torney a 16 european teams then. this is supposed to an international event not a new version of The Euro cup.

in Americas there're only few teams those could match with Europe, s. Last years additional qualifiers just proved it. (I mean quality-wise).

The U.S
Canada
P.R
Argentina
Brazil
Uruguay
Venezuela
Mexico
Panama
The Dominican republic

those teams can beat any European team not named Spain, Greece, Russia, Serbia, Lithuania, or Turkey at any given time.

 

[Victorious2]

The U.S
Canada
P.R
Argentina
Brazil
Uruguay
Venezuela
Mexico
Panama
The Dominican republic

those teams can beat any European team not named Spain, Greece, Russia, Serbia, Lithuania, or Turkey at any given time.

With exception to Argentina and the US, all the above European teams you metioned including Croatia, France, Slovenia, Italy, Germany are better than the rest of the American teams. Well, to be honnest, Brazil and Puerto Rico could also be there with some mid level to good European teams, but I am sure that the rest of the American teams can't be anywhere near the best European teams mentioned above. They are more on par with Israel, Poland, Bulgaria, Bosnia and the likes.

 

[Dtown2]

While I believe that Europe is by far the best region in terms of of depth, I'd prefer they keep the system as is, and prove it on the court instead of just being handed 6 spots every olympic tournament.

 

[Mindozas6]

why don't you make the torney a 16 european teams then. this is supposed to an international event not a new version of The Euro cup

Well, 5-6 teams out of 16 is really deserved quality wise and that's damn sure. 16? don't think so, if it'd be tournament of 32 teams, then maybe

According your second part of the post, Victorious said it all, I agree with him.

 

[TrueBluePinoy2]

If the rumors that Asia and Oceania will be merged into one region are true, then 3 spots should be allocated for this zone. Asia 2 + Oceania 1 = 3.

 

[CKR132]

2012 London Olympics Basketball Arena

Sad that they will tear down the arena after the Olympics.

 

[cardenales2]

I think the Olympics should add more teams to competition. Instead of 12 teams that we have at the moment. Should be 16 teams. Would be better.

The comparison of the american teams to europeans teams is very realistic. What I mean with this is that what Victorious says is very realistic.

 

[cardenales2]

Now, the teams with a real opportunity to beat the Dream Team and win the gold medal is pretty sad.

I will say that only Spain and with the best talent is the only team capable to beat the Dream Team.

Serbia: That team is very good but still like two years away, the team is very talented but I dont think their players are ready to win the gold yet.

Lithuania: Very good team, with what I saw in Turkey at the World Cup last year still like two years away to have a real chance for gold as well Serbia.

Argentina: I dont think they are going to be in the podium in London. Great talent in this generation but the golden generation, age is taking their part in the frontcourt. Only Luis Scola is awesome, Fabricio Oberto is good, but I dont think he is going to be 100% Andres Nocioni and Hernan Jasen are excellent but the rest in the four and five position are not as good.

Brasil: Good talent, and they were the team that best play USA in Turkey. Now, this USA team is going to be better than the one of Turkey and the one that was in Beijin. Brasil is not going to have a chance with them.

Greece: Have to clasify first. good system and good players, but the team has slow down since Beijin 2008.

Puerto Rico: Great talent and should have a good coaching staff which was their achilles tandem in the past four years. Still, dont be surprise if we gave a good run for their money, a big scare to the Dream Team, remember, are game style is more close to their game and we have awesome guards. The medal is not there yet.

Dominican Republic: Should improve a lot with John Calipari as their head coach and Del Harris as their assistant. Still, not yeat for medal.

In conclusion: I just think that Spain with all their talent should be the team that should get to the Olympic final again vs. USA.

 

[Raze Lupin2]

I think the Olympics should add more teams to competition. Instead of 12 teams that we have at the moment. Should be 16 teams. Would be better.

The comparison of the american teams to europeans teams is very realistic. What I mean with this is that what Victorious says is very realistic.

I agree! PR is strong they only lack coaching. We have good teams in the FIBA Americas. PR, USA, Canada, Brazil, Argentina. All should go to the Olympics!

 

[Raze Lupin2]

Now, the teams with a real opportunity to beat the Dream Team and win the gold medal is pretty sad.

Please do not call team USA the Dream Team . They are not the Dream team. The Dream Team was 1992 with Jordan, Bird, Magic Johnson etc.... We no longer have a Dream Team. Thank you

 

[cardenales2]

Common, next summer team USA should have Chris Paul, Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, that should be the starting five. From bench, Kevin Durant, Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh etc, etc

You dont think that is not a Dream Team!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This team is better that all teams that play with NBA players in this past whole decade.

 

[Ciscorlie Horford2]

Common, next summer team USA should have Chris Paul, Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, that should be the starting five. From bench, Kevin Durant, Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh etc, etc

You dont think that is not a Dream Team!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This team is better that all teams that play with NBA players in this past whole decade.

We don't know if by then Kobe will still be physically in on piece. Judging from his showing in the playoffs it a [pears as it his knee have already given up on him. So most Likely Kobe will either come of the bench by then or not be on the team at all.

And mark my words, Chris Paul will be injured by them too. And Carmelo will not make final cut in my honest opinion.

In my opinion this is what is going to happen
Starting 5:
pg-Deron Williams
sg-Dwayne Wade
sf-Kevin Durant
pf-Lebron James
c-Dwight Howard

Bench:
Derrick Rose
Stephen Curry (will be there as the 3 pt. Specialist)
Russell Westbrook
Rudy Gay
Griffin
Love
LaMarcus Aldridge (by then Aldridge will have already been solidified as a super star thus leaving Bosh out of the team)

13th replacement player: Amare Stoudemire (at the end stoudemire will not make the final cut because of his defense, the team don't need any more offense and Coach K emphases on defense choosing LaaL over him.)

 

[Raze Lupin2]

Common, next summer team USA should have Chris Paul, Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, that should be the starting five. From bench, Kevin Durant, Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh etc, etc

You dont think that is not a Dream Team!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This team is better that all teams that play with NBA players in this past whole decade.

No sir! That would be a very good team. It would still be far from "The Dream Team". Patrick Ewing, David Robinson, Charles Barkley, Larry Bird, Karl Malone, Scottie Pippen, Chris Mullin, Clyde Drexler, Micheal Jordan, Magic Johnson, John Stockton.

Because of those names and their accomplishments is why we don't call these new teams the dream team. These new teams are great BUT they are not legendary. They are no "Dream Team".

 

[CKR132]

We don't know if by then Kobe will still be physically in on piece. Judging from his showing in the playoffs it a [pears as it his knee have already given up on him. So most Likely Kobe will either come of the bench by then or not be on the team at all.

Yes, Bryant's sagging game on the post season was duly noted but Bryant's season this year has been better than his 2007-2008 season but by 2012, Bryant could no longer be the same player like in 2008. My verdict is Bryant to come off the bench.

And mark my words, Chris Paul will be injured by them too. And Carmelo will not make final cut in my honest opinion.

I will not discount the possibility of Paul choosing to rest for the off-season because of injuries and his impending free agency.

But at the moment, I would rather have Paul and Williams over Rose and Westbrook. Third stringer could be Curry due to his shooting.

Wade and Bosh are undecided at the moment to re-commit for 2012. Then I'd rather have Eric Gordon and Lamarcus Aldridge / Blake Griffin in tow.

 

[saalsapr2]

With exception to Argentina and the US, all the above European teams you metioned including Croatia, France, Slovenia, Italy, Germany are better than the rest of the American teams. Well, to be honnest, Brazil and Puerto Rico could also be there with some mid level to good European teams, but I am sure that the rest of the American teams can't be anywhere near the best European teams mentioned above. They are more on par with Israel, Poland, Bulgaria, Bosnia and the likes.

Really?

So I guess that Turkey and Greece beating Puerto Rico by a combined 5 points (even though combined, they shot 32 more free throws than Puerto Rico in their games) makes them such dominant performances that Puerto Rico has no chance against them.

Also correct me if Im wrong, but I remember Brazil crushing Croatia, and losing to Slovenia by two or three points in the Worlds, but I guess they also have no chance to beat the strong european teams.