Tag: In the News

Ginobili: This Argentine team is truly special

How special is the Argentine team Spurs star Manu Ginobili will lead into the FIBA Americas pre-Olympic qualifying tournament late this month?

In an article featured Thursday on FIBA’s website, Ginobili said he has never been part of a team that is more singular in its approach to one goal.

“I have never been part of a team like this where everyone is fighting for the same goal with so much team-work,” he said during a press conference in Argentina, his comments reported by the FIBA site.

“We are all proud to be a part of it, it is a great honor, a great pleasure to represent the country and unite together.

“There are players who are stars from their club teams who come here and leave their ego aside. That’s what I admire.

“To play with players of this quality makes everything easier.”

The pre-Olympic qualifier is to run from Aug. 30-Sept. 11 in Mar del Plata, Argentina.

Cory Joseph joins Canadian team for FIBA championships

Spurs No. 1 draft pick and former Texas standout point guard Cory Joseph will join the Canadian National Team for the FIBA Americas tournament in Argentina. 

The Toronto Star reports that in the second phase of its training, which will begin Friday at Ryerson University in Toronto.

“It’s an honor to play for your country and I’m excited to get on the floor and represent Canada as best as I can,” Joseph told the Star. “I know we have a young, great group, with Joel (Anthony), (Carl) English and (Andy) Rautins coming in.

“Hopefully we come back with the gold, but if not, qualify for the Olympics.”

Joseph, who averaged 10.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.0 assists for Texas last season as a freshman. He was a surprise choice for the second of two Spurs No. 1 draft picks at No. 29 after being pegged by most draft analysts as a likely second-round selection.

The Canadian team will begin its competition with two exhibition games against Belgium later this week. 

The international play can only help Joseph, who will benefit from playing against the international level of talent he will face at the FIBAs. That work should also help him develop as he attempts to earn playing time as a rookie behind Tony Parker at point guard for the Spurs once the lockout ends.

The Spurs need somebody to fill in behind Parker. The trade of George Hill and Chris Quinn’s decision to play in Russia have left them with a void.

Joseph will have a chance for playing time in his rookie season if he’s ready for it.

Spurs’ Green headed abroad

Danny Green, the second-year swingman who finished last season with the Spurs, is headed to Europe.

Joining a swelling parade of NBA players poised to spend the lockout abroad, Green has agreed to a contract with Slovenian basketball league champion Union Olimpija.

The deal is believed to include an opt-out clause that would allow Green to return to the NBA after the lockout is over, where he would be a free agent. Green, 24, appeared in eight games over two stints with the Spurs last season, and also made four postseason appearances.

In May, before the lockout began, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich spoke of Green as a player the team was eager to bring to training camp.

“I like his willingness to let it fly,” Popovich said then. “I put him in some games here and there towards the end of the season and, bam, he didn’t have any problem. He showed a little bit of head for the game. I like what I saw.”

Green is the second player off the Spurs’ 2010-11 roster to flee overseas, joining Chris Quinn, the backup point guard who last month signed a deal to play in Russia.