Popovich to coach, Gasols to play in NBA's 1st Africa game
Jul 16, 2015 - 5:46 PM NEW YORK (AP) Gregg Popovich will coach Team Africa with captain Luol Deng, while brothers Pau and Marc Gasol will play for Team World in the NBA's first game in Africa.Popovich, the five-time champion from the San Antonio Spurs, will guide Team Africa in the Aug. 1 game in Johannesburg, the league announced Thursday. He will be assisted on the bench by Atlanta's Mike Budenholzer, the NBA Coach of the Year and his former assistant with the Spurs, and Oklahoma City assistant Monty Williams.
Team World will be coached by Brooklyn's Lionel Hollins, with Boston's Brad Stevens as an assistant. Chris Paul of the Los Angeles Clippers will serve as captain. Team World players are: Pau Gasol (Chicago), Marc Gasol and Jeff Green (Memphis), Bradley Beal (Washington), Kenneth Faried (Denver), Marcus Smart and Evan Turner (Boston) and Nikola Vucevic (Orlando).
Team Africa features players born in Africa or second-generation Africans. Their roster is: Captain Deng (Miami), Al-Farouq Aminu (Portland), Nicolas Batum (Charlotte), Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee), Bismack Biyombo (Toronto), Boris Diaw (San Antonio), Gorgui Dieng (Minnesota), Festus Ezeli (Golden State), Serge Ibaka (Oklahoma City) and Luc Mbah a Moute (Sacramento).
More than 35 players from Africa have been on NBA rosters since Hakeem Olajuwon was drafted No. 1 by Houston in 1984.
Diaw, who has a parent from Senegal, said he is thrilled to take part ''in what is truly a historic occasion.'' Ibaka will not play because of injury.
The Spurs' R.C. Buford is the Team World general manager, while Brooklyn's Billy King and Toronto's Masai Ujiri will hold the position for Team Africa.
The game will be held after the NBA's Basketball Without Borders camp and televised live on ESPN. Commissioner Adam Silver, NBA Global Ambassador Dikembe Mutombo of Congo and NBA Africa Ambassador Olajuwon of Nigeria also will participate in the event, which features clinics and other community service projects. The game will be played in support of Boys & Girls Clubs of South Africa, SOS Children's Villages Association of South Africa and the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
''When I heard about the NBA Africa Game I jumped at the chance to participate,'' Pau Gasol said. ''The continent of Africa has a special meaning for me through my foundation. I look forward to putting on a great show for the fans and taking part in activities in the local community.''
No one has shouted yet.
Be the first!
Be the first!
Related News
- NBA Injury Updates: Karl Anthony Towns and Ben Simmons to Miss Significant Time Mar 7
- Steph Curry Sets Another NBA Record Feb 15
- The Chet Holmgren and Victor Wembanyama Rivalry Has Started Early Dec 28
- A successful road trip: 10 takeaways from Celtics/Lakers Dec 26
- Brooklyn Nets vs. Detroit Pistons preview: Pistons try to avoid history Dec 26
- Must C’s: Jayson Tatum gifts Derrick White late game turnover in win over Lakers Dec 26
- Pat Frost retirement recognized at Spurs game Dec 26
- Kevin Ollie enjoying his new role with Brooklyn Nets as assistant coach ... and motivator Dec 25
- Merry Christmas greetings from Wemby Claus Dec 25
- Celtics defeat Lakers 126-115 on Christmas Day thanks to well-balanced attack Dec 25
- Rumor: Boston showing interest in former Celtic Kelly Olynyk Dec 25
- Boston Celtics (22-6) at Los Angeles Lakers (16-14) Game #29 12/26/23 Dec 25