Monday 30 August 2010

THROUGH THE WIRE: NEWS (08/30/10)

Brazil's Leandro Barbosa (L) speaks with USA Chauncey Billups after the USA defeated Brazil during their FIBA Basketball World Championship game in Istanbul, August 30, 2010. REUTERS/Murad Sezer (TURKEY - Tags: SPORT BASKETBALL)

In the FIBA World Championships the USA kept their clean sheet of games going with a win over Brazil. USA however were lucky to escape with the win and critics are now wondering if this young team has what it takes to go all the way. To be fair Brazil are a brilliant side and it's more like the level of competition is real fierce. So any critics thinking this team is a bunch of pussycats without their 'doberman' or their 'king' can think again. This side are far from paupers. Sure they could have played better and technically they only won because Barbosa's shot didn't go down but the USA can still hold their heads high as they still outlasted the South American side. Just like Vin Diesel said in 'The Fast & The Furious', "It doesn't matter if you win by an inch or a mile; winnings winning". So by a basket or a blowout the US should still take a positive from the W, but more importantly they should learn that they've got to give a little more to get more.

Team Canada's Joel Anthony (R) drives to the basket against Team France's Boris Diaw during the first half of their exhibition FIBA basketball game in Toronto August 12, 2010. The FIBA World Championship will take place in Turkey from August 28 to September 12. REUTERS/Mark Blinch (CANADA - Tags: SPORT BASKETBALL)

Keeping it FIBA. The governing body behind these championships have conducted random drug tests since 1990, but 20 years later they are stepping it up. The governing body in Basketball will conduct drug tests on around 100 Players in this FIBA World Championship tournament. Thic clamp down will be the governing body's largest drug program ever. FIBA's secretary general, Patrick Baumann states that 48 players have been tested with two players from each team being among the ones tested. Before the tournament is out there will be an additional minimum of 60 tests. Patrick Baumann wants to "banish the myth that some teams are not tested," In additional news FIBA are looking to increase the number of teams in the world championship from 24 to 32 and the Olympic teams from 12 to 16. This will continue to expand the global growth of this worldwide sport. Now that sounds like good news that should be spread.

March 6, 2010: / West Virginia Mountaineers forward Da'Sean Butler (1) waiting to take the free throw during the NCAA Basketball game between the / West Virginia Mountaineers and the Villanova Wildcats at the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Mountaineers beat the Wildcats in overtime, 68-66.

Da'Sean Butler has signed with the Miami Heat, the former West Virginia star is now the 16th player on the Heat's roster this summer. Butler was taken 42nd in this years draft. Butler averaged 17.2 points last season for Virginia and was once thought to be a player who would be a lottery pick. Then however Butler tore both his ACL and his lottery ticket. Miami may have a steal on their hands however as Butler seems to have recovered and should be 100% ready for this season. Da'Sean is an incredible talent and will join a diverse and talented roster which also features three particular players you may be familiar with. Da'Sean's arriving late to the party but he's sure gonna be living a ballers dream life down in South Beach.

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