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It's been quite a year for NBA star Karl-Anthony Towns. This week it became official that Towns, the Minnesota Timberwolves 7-foot center/forward, will be playing for the New York Knicks. And in May, KAT — as he’s known — was named the 2023-24 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion “for his voting rights advocacy as well as his work across the justice and education systems,” the NBA said. Towns’ advocacy helped pass legislation ensuring formerly incarcerated people in Minnesota could exercise their right to vote. But it has all come full circle since he has represented the Dominican Republic in several international basketball championships, including the FIBA Basketball World Cup.

Persons: It's, Karl, Anthony Towns, KAT, Kareem Abdul, Jabbar, Champion “, Towns, —, he’d Organizations: NBA, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks, Jabbar Social, Knicks, Dominican, GO Ministries, —, New York Yankees, FIBA Basketball, NBC Locations: Minnesota, Towns, ”, Dominican Republic, Caribbean

☆ Team USA just survived Serbia. It faces an even bigger test against France’s home-court advantage
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-10 | by ( Kyle Feldscher | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

The so-talented-it-is-hard-to-comprehend US roster carved up Serbia, South Sudan and Puerto Rico in group play and then bulldozed Brazil in its quarterfinal matchup. Having already beaten Serbia twice in the last few weeks and looking unstoppable, Team USA went into Thursday’s game against the European nation expecting another romp. “I remember, like it’s today, like it was yesterday, dreaming about seeing myself playing in the final at home in the Olympics. “That’s going to be the most-watched game, I feel like, since I’ve been playing in FIBA. Despite looking in sync throughout the group stage and against Brazil, there were signs of chemistry issues in pre-Olympics exhibitions and during the game against Serbia.

Persons: Nikola Jokić, who’s, Victor Wembanyama, ”, Stephen Curry, “ We’ve, Léon, it’s, “, you’re, Rudy Gobert, ” Victor Wembanyama, Evan Fournier of France, Shai Gilgeous, Alexander of, Gregory Shamus, “ That’s, I’ve, Kevin Durant, USA’s, Durant, Devin Booker, It’ll, Steve Kerr, ” Kerr, we’ve Organizations: Paris CNN —, Olympic, France, Serbia, Team USA, Paris ’ Bercy, NBA, of Famer, Stade de France’s rugby, La, Bercy Arena, Minnesota Timberwolves, American, FIBA, Phoenix Suns, Durant’s Suns, France isn’t, International Basketball Federation Locations: Serbia, South Sudan, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Paris, European, France

☆ What to watch this weekend at the Paris Olympics
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-02 | by ( Kyle Feldscher | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

Paris CNN —The first week of the 2024 Summer Olympics is very nearly in the books and business is about to pick up. Richardson comes into Paris looking to prove she is the fastest woman in the world. Track and field heats upAn overview shows athletes competing in the women's 5000m heat of the athletics event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, on August 2, 2024. Antonin Thuillier/AFP/Getty ImagesThe star of the second week of the Summer Olympics, track and field competition takes the stage this weekend. Mixed 4x100m medley relay, featuring the American team of Regan Smith, Charlie Swanson, Dressel and Abbey Weitzeil.

Persons: Paris CNN —, Simone Biles, Biles, she’s, She’s, ‘ I’m Simone Biles, ”, Noah Lyles, Sha’carri Richardson, Richardson, Jamacia’s Kishane Thompson, Thompson’s countryman, Usain Bolt, Lyles, Sha'Carri Richardson, Australia's Bree Masters, Canada's Jacqueline Madogo, Denis, Jewel Samad, Xander Schauffele, Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama, Jon Rahm, Great, Tommy Fleetwood, Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, Schauffele, hasn’t, Sophia Smith, Pascal Guyot, Trinity Rodman, Rose Lavelle, Alyssa Naeher, LeBron James, –, it’s Jose Alvarado, James, Pierre, Sameer Al Doumy, Antonin Thuillier, Katie Ledecky, Bradley Kanaris, Caeleb Dressel, Kate Douglass, Alex Walsh, Summer McIntosh, Paige Madden, Ariarne Titmus, Regan Smith, Charlie Swanson, Dressel, Gretchen Walsh, Sarah Sjoestroem, Bobby Finke Organizations: Paris CNN, Olympic Games, Tokyo Olympics, Stade de France, Games, Paris, Getty, Le National, PGA, British, Women’s National, Japan, women’s, Marseille, US, Serbia, Puerto Ricans, USA, Belgian, FIBA’s, Summer, Paris La Defense Locations: Paris, France, American, Spring , Texas, Lyles, Saint, AFP, Tokyo, Australia, USA, Marseille, New Zealand, Japan, Sudan, Puerto Rico, Puerto, South Sudan, Mauroy, Villeneuve, d'Ascq, Belgium, Germany, Barcelona, Nanterre, Swedish

☆ Dream Team dreaming: How great can this U.S. men’s basketball team still be?
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-28 | by ( Joe Vardon | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +11 min

Still, as the U.S. men’s team starts its Olympic run Sunday, it begins with a roster that has drawn countless comparisons to the Dream Team. On paper, the U.S. men’s team is arguably the best team assembled since 1992. Durant is the most prolific scorer in U.S. men’s history and could, if the Americans win gold in Paris, become the most decorated Olympic men’s basketball player. A loss in the knockout stages, when there are no more second chances, and a Dream Team redux becomes a historic nightmare. In that scenario, the U.S. men’s team would be remembered forever, even if not quite held in the same reverence as the Dream Team.

Persons: Michael Jordan’s, Rod Thorn, Russ Granik, David Stern, Charles Barkley, Karl Malone, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Thorn, Jordan, Simone Biles, Michael Phelps, Jesse Owens, Carl Lewis, “, ” Granik, LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, ” Curry, Gregory Shamus, Barkley, Bird, Magic, we’re, ”, Anthony Davis, James, Curry, Durant, Michael, Larry, Joel Embiid, Jrue Holiday, Jayson Tatum, Kawhi Leonard, Leonard, Embiid, Durant couldn’t, Christian Laettner, Nikola Jokić, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Shai Gilgeous, Alexander, Victor Wembanyama, Wembanyama, who’s, Duke, Steve Kerr, ” Kerr, Gregg Popovich, Popovich, ” James, ” Davis, hasn’t, Wembanyama's, Tim Clayton, Corbis Organizations: Paris Games, PARIS, Team USA, Chicago Bulls, Barcelona Games, ”, U.S, men’s, Dream, Paris, NBA, South, Atlanta Games, USA Basketball, Serbia, Games, Olympic, South Sudanese, American, Lille Olympics, Oklahoma City Thunder, French, FIBA, U.S ., Dream Team, Team, France, Getty Locations: United States, I’m, ”, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, South America, South Sudan, Germany, U.S, USA, Jordan, Paris, Cameroon, London, Barcelona, Lille, France, Belgian, Serbia, Greece, Canadian, basketball, Tokyo

☆ South Sudan: The world’s youngest country ready to take on Team USA at the Olympics
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-27 | by ( Samuel Joseph | Sam Joseph | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

South Sudan, the world’s newest country, captured the hearts of spectators at the World Cup en route to a 17th place finish out of 32 teams. He was forced to leave South Sudan as a young child, escaping the Second Sudanese Civil War. Sporting rootsAfter decades of civil war, South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011 following a referendum, making it the world’s newest widely recognized state. South Sudan players celebrate during the game against Team USA. South Sudan enters the Games bearing the additional responsibility of being the only African men’s basketball team to qualify – Nigeria qualified for the women’s competition.

Persons: LeBron James, Wenyen Gabriel, who’s, Gabriel, James Fearn, ” Gabriel, ”, Manute Bol, Luol Deng, Deng, Akuot Chol, Bol Bol, JT Thor, Duop, “, Nathaniel S, Butler, ” Deng, ” “ We’re, Hakeem Olajuwon, Joel Embiid, they’re, Kin Cheung, Paul Pierce, Gilbert Arenas, Arenas, ” Pierce, –, Luol, Royal Ivey, ” Ivey, Guillem Sartorio, Ivey Organizations: CNN, men’s, FIBA, Bright Stars, Olympics, NBA, Los Angles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, New Orleans Pelicans, Sudanese, Great, CNN Sport, Sporting, United Nations, South, Getty, Team USA, O2, – Nigeria, Los Angeles Lakers, USA, Houston Rockets Locations: South Sudan, Cairo, United States, Great Britain, Sudan, London, Egypt, Juba, AFP, South Sudanese, Paris, Nigeria, Cameroon, Serbia, Puerto Rico

☆ Kevin Durant set to play in Team USA’s Paris Olympics opener vs. Serbia
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-27 | by ( Joe Vardon | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +3 min

PARIS – Barring any last-minute setbacks, Kevin Durant will make his 2024 debut with Team USA versus Serbia in their first game of the Paris Olympics after he missed the entire exhibition campaign with a calf strain, coach Steve Kerr said. When asked if he expected Durant to play Sunday, Kerr said “hopefully” — referring to the perennial All-Star making it through Saturday’s practice with no trouble. He ramped up his practices after the U.S. made it to France with a team practice Wednesday in Lille and a scrimmage Thursday in a Parisian suburb. GO DEEPER For Team USA, a Kevin Durant-Steph Curry reunion brings hope of a needed joltDurant is the most prolific scorer in U.S. men’s history. He has 640 points overall (Olympics and FIBA World Cup play), the most points scored in a single Olympics and a single FIBA competition, the second-most points in a single Olympics and the most points in a FIBA game.

Persons: Kevin Durant, Steve Kerr, Nikola Jokić, Durant, ” Kerr, Kerr, Kawhi Leonard, Steph Curry, LeBron James, Joel Embiid, Garrett W, Ellwood Organizations: PARIS, Team USA, Serbia, Paris Olympics, NBA, Americans, Olympic, Olympics, FIBA, Tokyo Games, USA, Getty Locations: London, U.S, France, Lille, Parisian, Durant, USA

☆ Who will light the Olympic cauldron? Here are 10 potential candidates
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-25 | by ( Mark Puleo | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +7 min

The lighting of the Olympic cauldron is a spectacle steeped in both tradition and secrecy. With just one day until the opening ceremony, the identity of the individual who will light the cauldron remains unknown. The 25-year-old led France to 2018 World Cup triumph, becoming the second teenager in history (after Pelé) to score in a final, then led France to another World Cup final in 2022. He was the team’s leading scorer during its 1998 World Cup title run and later transitioned to coaching after retirement. AdvertisementTony ParkerTony Parker had his number retired before a French Olympic tuneup game earlier this month.

Persons: Tony Estanguet, —, Marie, José Pérec Marie, José Pérec, Loup Gautreau, Pérec, Estanguet, Zinedine Zidane, Ballon, Zidane, headbutting Italy’s Marco Materazzi, Kylian, Mbappé, Real Madrid Omar Sy, Sy, Lupin, Haakon, Chung Sun, Emmanuel Macron, Macron, Thierry Henry Thierry Henry, Nicolas Tucat, Henry, Victor Wembanyama, Thomas Pesquet, Pesquest, Martin Fourcade Fourcade, Tony Parker Tony Parker, Maxime Gruss, Tony Parker, Star, Joel Embiid, Jean, Pierre Siutat, Athletic Embiid, Embiid, “, Weis, Naomi Osaka, Yuna Kim, Cordeiro de, Vladislav Tretiak, Wayne Gretzky, Steve Nash, Christian Petersen Organizations: Getty, Summer Games, headbutting, Real Madrid, Games, Globe, French, Arsenal, France, France’s U21, Space, Getty Images, San Antonio Spurs, NBA, FIBA, French Federation of Basketball, Athletic, Philadelphia 76ers, Blues, spurning Locations: Paris, France, AFP, Barcelona, Atlanta, Guadeloupe, Norway, South Korea, Pyeongchang, United States, French, Cameroon, spurning France, Tokyo, Rio de Janeiro, Cordeiro de Lima, Sochi, London, Vancouver

☆ Men’s basketball at the 2024 Paris Olympics: NBA player list, how to watch and Team USA’s top threats
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-24 | by ( Mike Prada | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +16 min

The 2024 men’s Olympic basketball tournament at the Paris Games is overflowing with star power — and not just from Team USA. Even South Sudan, the lowest-ranked team in the tournament, proved its mettle by nearly upsetting Team USA in a tune-up matchup last weekend. White was a member of the 2019 FIBA World Cup team, while Edwards and Haliburton made their debuts at the 2023 FIBA World Cup. Twenty-seven of the 30 NBA teams will have at least one player participating in this tournament. Can Team USA do it again in 2024?

Persons: Seth, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s, LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Nikola Jokić, Team USA’s, Pierre Mauroy, It’s, James, Joel Embiid, Joel, Grant Hill, Curry, Embiid, Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis, Jayson Tatum, Kawhi Leonard, Anthony Edwards, Devin Booker, Bam Adebayo, Tyrese Haliburton, Leonard, Boston Celtics ’ Derrick White, Durant, Haliburton, Tatum, Holiday, Booker, Adebayo, Embiid Curry, Tatum James, Edwards Booker, Edwards, Davis, Jordi Fernandez, Shai Gilgeous, Alexander, he’s, Jamal Murray, Dillon Brooks, RJ Barrett, Zach Edey, Dwight Powell, Kelly Olynyk, Victor Wembanyama, Wembanyama, Rudy Gobert, Bogdan Bogdanović, They’ll, Dennis Schröder, Franz Wagner, Antetokounmpo, Patty Mills, Joe Ingles, Matthew Dellavedova, Josh Giddey, Josh Green, Dyson Daniels, — Rudy Fernández, Willy Hernangomez, Santi Aldama, we’re, Bruno Caboclo, ESPN’s Fran Fraschilla, Jose Alvarado —, Rui Hachimura, Luol Deng, Dante Exum, Jock Landale, Duop, Gui Santos, Luguentz Dort, Andrew Nembhard, Nickeil Alexander, Walker, Trey Lyles, Evan Fournier, Nicolas Batum, Bilal Coulibaly, Mo Wagner, Daniel Theis, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jose Alvarado, Nikola Jović, Vasilije Micić, JT Thor, Usman Garuba, ’, We’ll, Giuseppe Cacace Organizations: Paris Games, Paris, Team USA, Luka Dončić’s, France, Germany, USA, Australia, CNBC, Team, Serbia, Pierre, Bercy Arena, NBA, NBC, South, Telemundo, Universo, The Philadelphia 76ers, U.S, USA Basketball, Tyrese, Boston Celtics, Embiid, BetMGM, Brooklyn Nets, Jordi Fernandez . Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, Toronto Raptors, Grizzlies, San Antonio Spurs, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, FIBA, Veteran NBA, Orlando Magic, Bahamas, New Orleans Pelicans, Los Angeles Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Utah Jazz, New York Knicks, Timberwolves, Blazers, Mavericks, Spurs, Pistons, Tominaga, Pelicans, Olympic Locations: Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Greece, Luka Dončić’s Slovenia, London, Abu Dhabi, U.S, Canada, Serbia, South Sudan, Spain, Lille, France, Paris, Australia, Spain Germany, Japan France, Brazil Greece, Sudan, Puerto Rico Serbia, Greece Canada, Australia Japan, France Brazil, Germany, Puerto Rico, Serbia USA, Japan, Brazil Australia, Spain France, USA Serbia, USA, Greece, Brazil, Cameroon, Edwards, Tokyo, Haliburton, Holiday, Jordi Fernandez ., Nigeria, Valencia, ” Puerto Rico, Tremont Waters, . Puerto Rico

☆ LeBron James, Stephen Curry had a ‘healthy resentment’ — the Olympics offer something new
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-17 | by ( Joe Vardon | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +9 min

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates — LeBron James was genuinely thrilled to see Stephen Curry in that Bellagio hotel ballroom in Las Vegas on the eve of Team USA training camp. If they say they want to play for Team USA, they aren’t going to be told no. Advertisement“It’s just cool, I’m not going to lie,” said Tyrese Haliburton, a Team USA guard at the tender age of 24. LeBron James congratulates Stephen Curry after the 2017 NBA Finals. (Jesse D. Garrabrant / NBAE via Getty Images)But from 2015 through 2018, James’ Cavs and Curry’s Warriors met every June in the NBA Finals.

Persons: LeBron James, Stephen Curry, ” James, Curry, James, —, “, ”, Tyrese Haliburton, that’ll, ” Will Haliburton, Jesse D, James ’ Cavs, James ’, Cavs, Cleveland, Kevin Durant, Martin Luther King Jr, Harrison Barnes, Irving, hysterically, ” Curry, ” James nodded, “ There’s, Ethan Miller, Larry Bird, Johnson, Michael Jordan’s, I’m, Isiah, Thomas, Magic, Michael, Barkley, they’ve, Durant, Steph, he’s, Bron, ” Durant, Anthony Davis, Steve Kerr, Dan Goldfarb, Giuseppe Cacase, Joe Murphy Organizations: Paris Games, United, United Arab Emirates, USA, NBA, American Olympic, Olympic, USA Basketball, FIBA, ., Team USA, Golden State Warriors, University of Nevada, Paris Olympics, Davidson, NCAA, Golden State, Warriors, Getty, Curry’s Warriors, Cleveland, ’, ” Locations: ABU DHABI, United Arab, Bellagio, Las Vegas, Akron , Ohio, USA, America, New York, Abu Dhabi, Cleveland, Miami, San Francisco, AFP

☆ Zaccharie Risacher: Who is the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft?
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-27 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Risacher was selected by the Atlanta Hawks with the first overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft on Wednesday, making history in the process. The selection of the 19-year-old small forward means that for the first time in modern NBA Draft history, the No. His father, Stéphane, was part of the French team which won the silver medal in the men’s basketball competition at the 2000 Olympics Games in Sydney. 1 overall pick was but a dream for Atlanta by the end of last season as the team only had a 3% chance of landing the top pick in the lottery. He’s a versatile defender, a really good shooter and a high-IQ type player,” Hawks general manager Landry Fields said about the Risacher pick.

Persons: Victor Wembanyama, Risacher, Stéphane, Wembanyama, ” C’est, Bo u, ince, Johns, y McKie, sid e, Kell, ike, ady to do Organizations: CNN, Atlanta Hawks, ASVEL, Atlanta, Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs Locations: Spain, France, Georgia, Málaga, Lyon, Sydney

☆ Zhang Ziyu: China’s 7-foot-3 teenage basketball star shows promise at youth tournament
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-25 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —At 7-foot-3, China’s teenage basketball star Zhang Ziyu looks to have an exciting career ahead of her. On Monday, Zhang came off the bench for her international debut and scored 19 points on 9-for-9 shooting in just 13 minutes, helping China brush aside Indonesia 109-50. “Zhang Ziyu is a cheat code,” a social media user said on X, formerly known as Twitter. Zhang is officially listed on FIBA's website as being 7-foot-3. FIBA lists Zhang as 7-foot-3 on its official website, meaning she is only one inch shorter than San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama.

Persons: Zhang Ziyu, Zhang, “ Zhang Ziyu, Fred Lee, Victor Wembanyama, Yao Ming Organizations: CNN, FIBA, Asia, International Basketball Federation, Twitter, Wednesday, Japan, San Antonio Spurs, NBA, WNBA Locations: China, Indonesia, New Zealand

☆ Kyrie Irving says he ‘grew up in a time’ when you had to try out for USA Basketball after omission from Paris 2024
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-19 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving said he “just didn’t fit” into the 12-man basketball roster selected to represent Team USA at the upcoming Olympic Games. Irving has twice enjoyed success with USA Basketball (USAB) – winning gold at the 2014 FIBA World Cup and the Rio 2016 Olympics – and had outlined his desire to once again be part of an Olympic roster. This year’s announcement process was certainly different, with USA Basketball managing director Grant Hill traveling across the country to personally deliver the Team USA jerseys to each player that was selected. Irving won a gold medal with Team USA at Rio 2016. The Opening Ceremony for the 2024 Paris Olympics will take place on July 26 with men’s basketball play beginning the following day.

Persons: Kyrie Irving, Irving, –, Steph Curry, Devin Booker, Jrue, Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Haliburton, Edwards, “, ”, ” Irving, Grant Hill, Mark Ralston Organizations: CNN — Dallas Mavericks, Team USA, Games, USA, FIBA, Mavericks, USA Basketball, Rio, Getty Locations: Haliburton, USAB, AFP, Las Vegas, Paris

☆ Men’s March Madness: Everything you need to know about the national championship game between UConn and Purdue
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-08 | by ( Issy Ronald | Samuel Joseph | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —History beckons for both UConn and Purdue in the national championship game on Monday. A chance at historyThe Midwest Region champion, Purdue Boilermakers, are banishing prior demons in their quest for their first national championship title. The Boilermakers last appeared in the NCAA Championship game in 1969 where they were runners-up. 11 NC State in the Final Four to earn a shot at the first national championship in program history. He’s playing very well, and he’s staying out of foul trouble.”Purdue will be hoping that Edey can replicate these performances if it is to unseat UConn as national champion.

Persons: Dan Hurley, “, ” Hurley, Cam Spencer, Bob Donnan, ”, Donovan Clingan, they’re, Mason Gillis, Gonzaga, Gillis, Jamie Squire, Zach Edey, Edey, Basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal, he’s Organizations: CNN, UConn, Purdue, Huskies, Boilermakers, Farm, Alabama Crimson Tide, Reuters UConn, Illinois, Midwest Region, Purdue Boilermakers, NCAA, ” Purdue, Grambling, Utah State, State, North Carolina State, Big, NBA, Basketball Hall of Famer Locations: Florida, Glendale , Arizona, Grambling State, Tennessee, Canada

☆ Basketball teams were ordered to replay final 0.3 seconds of controversial quarterfinal. The losing side has refused
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-03 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —An Irish basketball team says it won’t replay the final 0.3 seconds of a playoff quarterfinal after it ended in controversial fashion, despite being instructed to do so by Basketball Ireland. However, Basketball Ireland said the NLC then overruled that decision and confirmed only the final 0.3 seconds will be replayed at some point this week. “Basketball Ireland will be in liaison with the clubs to determine when,” a statement from the governing body said. “It would be in nobody’s interest and would be adherent to the values of the game of basketball,” the Panthers said. CNN has also reached out to Basketball Ireland and FIBA for comment.

Persons: ”, “ Organizations: CNN, Basketball Ireland, Limerick Sport Eagles, Portlaoise Panthers, Panthers, Limerick, The Panthers, National League Committee, NLC, National Appeals Committee, NAC, “ Basketball, Basketball Federation, FIBA, Moy Locations: Irish, Limerick

☆ Shohei Ohtani reveals his new wife’s identity – basketball star Mamiko Tanaka
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-14 | by ( David Close | Jacob Lev | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

Two weeks after making the surprise announcement of his marriage, Major League Baseball star Shohei Ohtani has revealed his new wife’s identity – and she’s also a top athlete. Ohtani, 29, on Thursday posted a photo on Instagram of the couple standing shoulder-to-shoulder beside the Los Angeles Dodgers’ team plane as they traveled to South Korea. Tanaka, 27, also played for Japan at U16, U17 and U18 levels, according to her profile on international governing body FIBA’s website. Ohtani, who is known for his two-way abilities on the field, is a hugely popular figure in his native Japan. That announcement stunned fans – and Ohtani and topics related to his marriage quickly became Japan’s top five trending topics on social platform X.

Persons: Shohei Ohtani, she’s, Mamiko Tanaka, Tanaka, Ohtani, “, ”, – Organizations: CNN, Major League Baseball, Los Angeles Dodgers, League, Dodgers, Fujitsu Red Wave, Japan Basketball League, Japan, U16, U18, San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Angels Locations: South Korea, Japan

☆ Irish women’s basketball team refuses to shake hands with Israeli team after accusations of antisemitism
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-09 | by ( Jacob Lev | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —The Irish women’s national basketball team refused to shake hands with the Israeli women’s national team ahead of the first game of the 2025 Women’s EuroBasket qualifier in Riga, Latvia, on Thursday. Basketball Ireland fully supports our players in their decision,” the statement continued. On Wednesday, Israeli basketball player Dor Sa’ar called the Irish team “quite antisemitic,” in an interview posted on the Israeli Basketball Association’s website. After the game, Israel head coach Sharon Drucker said he had “never seen such things” in his life. “There was no game where you don’t give concessions, shake hands, congratulate each other.

Persons: Dor Sa’ar, “, ” Sa’ar, Israel, Sharon Drucker, “ I’ve, I’ve, ” Drucker, ” Israel, Oksana Dzadan, let’s, James Weldon, ” “ It’s, ” Weldon, Weldon, didn’t, wasn’t Organizations: CNN, Irish women’s, women’s, Basketball Ireland, Ireland, FIBA Europe, Wednesday, Basketball, Israel, ” Basketball Ireland, FIBA Women’s, FIBA, Israeli Basketball Association Locations: Riga, Latvia, Israel, tipoff, Ireland

US Women's Basketball Team to Train in New York Before Heading to Pre-Olympic TournamentThe U.S. women’s basketball national team will get together for a few days in New York next month before playing in the FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Belgium

Organizations: Women's Basketball, FIBA Locations: New York, Belgium

“His enthusiasm for the game — you can tell that through the TV and playing against him,” Durant said. “So yeah, in the NBA it's the same.”Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said Wembanyama's strength is that he's unselfish but can also take over a game when needed. And if Thursday night was any indication, Wembanyama is every bit the rising NBA star that many expected. “I don't see anyone else like him in this game,” Durant said. “We're both skinny and I know he watched me growing up, but he's his own player."

Persons: — Victor Wembanyama strolled, Kevin Durant, Frenchman, Durant, Durant's, ” Durant, ”, Wembanyama, “, ” Wembanyama, It's, we've, Gregg Popovich, ” Popovich, “ He’s, Devin Booker, ” Booker, We're, isn't Organizations: PHOENIX, NBA, San Antonio Spurs, ”, Phoenix Suns, Spurs, Suns, FIBA, U.S, ” Spurs Locations: Phoenix, U.S

☆ Hwang In-tae: The South Korean referee making history officiating in the NBA
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-31 | by ( Ben Morse | Gawon Bae | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

But Hwang In-tae, who is the first Asian staff referee in the NBA, wouldn’t have it any other way. Stephen Gosling/NBAE/Getty ImagesRoute to the topJust like unearthing a future NBA or WNBA star, there is a scouting group to find potential standout NBA referees. Hwang (right) and Shin (middle) before a game at the 2014 Incheon Asian Games with fellow FIBA referee Kim Cheong-soo (left). Courtesy Shin Gi-rokAnd Shin believes that Hwang’s rise will prove to be motivation for others in similar positions to him. “There are few new referees at the Korea Basketball Association right now saying that their goal is to become an NBA referee.

Persons: CNN — You’ve, Hwang, Shin Gi, ” Shin, Shin, ”, “, It’s, Hwang officiates, Stephen Gosling, nbaofficials.com, He’s, ” Hwang, Star Charles Barkley, ” Barkley, CNN’s Chris Wallace, They’re, Both Hwang, Kim Cheong Organizations: CNN, NBA, rok, Busan University of Foreign Studies, CNN Sport, America, Connecticut Sun, Washington Mystics, Korean Basketball League, Olympics, Summer, FIBA, International Basketball Federation, G League, G, WNBA, Washington Post, Star, “, Korean Basketball Association, Incheon, Games, Korea Basketball Association Locations: South Korea, Shin, North America, Spain, Incheon, Masan

☆ NBA 'first class' in China despite past turbulence, says Yao
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-25 | by ( Amy Tennery | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

President of Chinese Basketball Association and Ice and Snow Sports Promotion Ambassador Yao Ming attends a media event ahead of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, China January 17, 2022. REUTERS/Yew Lun Tian/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsNEW YORK, Oct 25 (Reuters) - The National Basketball Association (NBA) and China may have encountered turbulence in their relations over the years but retired great Yao Ming told Reuters the league is still "first class" in his home country. Yao propelled the league's popularity in his home country but relations between China and the NBA have not always been smooth. "I have to say, the NBA is in the first class... (because) you know the players being exposed in China for so long," Yao said, when asked about the past issues between China and the NBA. "The players, the teams (are) all still very well welcome in China and (we had) a couple of players with (in) China just this past summer."

Persons: Yao Ming, Yao, Daryl Morey, Dwight Howard, Kyle Anderson, Jimmy Butler, Adam Silver, Silver, Peng Shuai, Peng, Amy Tennery, Echo Wang, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Chinese Basketball Association and, Snow Sports, REUTERS, National Basketball Association, Reuters, Chinese Basketball Association, Houston Rockets, NBA, Minnesota Timberwolves, FIBA, Miami, Women's Tennis Association, Thomson Locations: Beijing, China, United States, Hong Kong, Taiwan, New York

☆ French federation should allow hijabs says Amnesty International
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-12 | by ( Lori Ewing | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

French President Emmanuel Macron shakes hands with head of the French Basketball Federation Jean-Pierre Siutat at a stadium ahead of the 2024 Olympic Games, in Tremblay-en-France, outside Paris, October 14, 2021. Francois Mori/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsOct 12 (Reuters) - The French Basketball Federation is being asked by Amnesty International to comply with international human rights laws and not discriminate against female Muslim players who wear headgear ahead of the FFBB's General Assembly on Saturday. A note accompanying FFBB Rule 4.4.2 outlines the ban on head coverings but Amnesty said it violates Muslim women's rights. However, Amnesty International said in a letter sent to the FFBB: "Prohibitions on the wearing of religious headscarves in public spaces violate Muslim women's rights under international human rights laws and standards". Amnesty International said the Muslim players they spoke with said the headgear rule is "generally not being applied in practice, although this entirely depends on individual referees' inclination."

Persons: Emmanuel Macron, French Basketball Federation Jean, Pierre Siutat, Francois Mori, Amelie Oudea, Castera, Lori Ewing, Ken Ferris Organizations: French Basketball Federation, Amnesty International, Federation, Amnesty, Muslim, French Ministry of Sport, Olympic, Paralympic Committees, IOC, Paris Games, FIBA, Nike, Thomson Locations: Tremblay, France, Paris

“I will play in the Olympics next year,” Durant adamantly said at Phoenix’s media day. Hopefully this will help remind him.”Durant could join six women, all of them Americans, with four Olympic basketball golds. It’s been reasonable to think that USA Basketball will have plenty of experienced options to choose from next year. That pushes the list of realistic candidates for USA Basketball to choose from to about 40 names, at minimum. “I think anytime you’re asked to play for USA Basketball, it’s really hard to say no,” Miami forward and Olympic gold medalist Kevin Love said.

Persons: Kevin Durant, Durant —, —, Durant, ” Durant, Bam Adebayo, he’s, DeMar DeRozan, Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, Jaylen Brown, Donovan Mitchell, Khris Middleton, Julius Randle, Zach LaVine, Aaron Gordon, Fred VanVleet, Brook Lopez, Irving, Draymond Green, ”, LeBron James, he's, Joel Embiid, ” Embiid, “, I’m, that’s, Zion Williamson, Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, Kyle Kuzma, Jimmy Butler, Anthony Davis, ” Brown, Grant Hill, Sean Ford, Steve Kerr, I’ve, Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi, Teresa Edwards, Lisa Leslie, Tamika Catchings, Sylvia Fowles, Stephen Curry, Atlanta’s Trae Young, you’re, ” Young, It’s, — Durant, Chris Paul, Green, James, it’s, Kevin Love, Brian Mahoney, Dan Gelston, Greg Beacham, Andrew Seligman, Kristie Rieken, Teresa M, Walker, Noah Trister, Brett Martel, Steve Megargee, Kyle Hightower, Beth Harris, Tom Withers, Charles Odum, David Brandt, Pat Graham, ___ Organizations: Olympics, U.S, Dallas, Los Angeles Lakers, Paris Games, USA Basketball, FIBA, World, Team, USA, Paris, men’s, Golden State, Olympic, NBA, AP Sports Locations: France, Cameroon, Paris, Milwaukee, Miami

☆ Kevin Durant's Boardroom launches entertainment and sports advisory firm
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-19 | by ( Drew Richardson | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

National Basketball Association superstar Kevin Durant and business partner Rich Kleiman on Tuesday announced the launch of a new advisory firm under the duo's Boardroom media company. The firm, Boardroom Advisory, will operate on a yearly fee structure and work with athletes as well as executives and brands on creating business and sports ownership opportunities, content and more, the company said in a press release. "Boardroom Advisory is a natural extension of the brand, and is a way for us to bring our resources to other athletes." The firm doesn't intend to compete with agencies and will work in tandem with athletes' preexisting representatives, a spokesperson for Boardroom said. Durant is among a slew of superstar athletes to branch out in the sports media and entertainment world.

Persons: Kevin Durant, Rich Kleiman, Durant, Lebron James, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kleiman, Lorenzo McCloud, James Harden Organizations: Mobile, National Basketball Association, Tuesday, NBA, SpringHill, Soccer, Nike, ESPN, Golden State Warriors, Oklahoma City Thunder, Brooklyn Nets, Phoenix Suns, Philadelphia 76ers, CNBC Locations: Puerto Rico, U.S, Las Vegas, Durant

USA Basketball is back atop the FIBA men’s world rankings, even after failing to medal at the World Cup. “The world is good at basketball,” U.S. point guard Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks said as the World Cup was winding down. The biggest climber in the rankings after the World Cup was South Sudan, which was No. “We made a statement," Cape Verde’s Will Tavares, a Rhode Island-born forward, said after the World Cup win. "Even though we’re the smallest country, we have so much heart.”There are 159 men's teams in the FIBA rankings.

Persons: It's, Jalen Brunson, Royal Ivey, “, Will Tavares Organizations: FIBA, Paris Olympics, ”, New York Knicks, China, Canada, Serbia, South, Paris Locations: Spain, U.S, ” U.S, Rio de Janeiro, Tokyo, Manila, Germany, Canada, Latvia, Australia, Argentina, France, Lithuania, South Sudan, Africa, ” South Sudan, Cape, Rhode

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — There was a long flight awaiting USA Basketball on Monday. And now, every bit of USA Basketball’s focus shifts to the Paris Olympics — where the challenge will be even tougher than the World Cup, which again reminded the Americans how much the FIBA game has changed. “The narrative about USA Basketball and FIBA, and do we need reminders, we’re past that,” U.S. coach Steve Kerr said. We do a great job as an organization at (USA Basketball) as far as respecting the game. Those are the colors of the uniforms USA Basketball will be wearing.

Persons: Steve Kerr, ” Kerr, — Erik Spoelstra, Tyronn Lue, Mark Few, Grant Hill, Sean Ford, “, ”, Carmelo Anthony, Austin Reaves, Josh Hart, Jalen Brunson, Anthony Edwards, “ I’ll, Bridges, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Bam Adebayo, Devin Booker, Jayson Tatum, Draymond Green, we’ve, “ We’ve, Joel Embiid, he’s, Tim Reynolds, ap.org ___ Organizations: USA, Paris, NBA, Paris Olympics —, FIBA, USA Basketball, Olympics, Paris Games, Basketball, Tyrese, United, Paris Olympics, Associated Press, AP Locations: MANILA, Philippines, Manila, Los Angeles, U.S, Paris, men’s, America, Tyrese Haliburton, USA, Canada, Tokyo, United States, France, Cameroon, treynolds

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