Category: In the News

Durant stars in Nike ‘Back for the Future’ ad

Sure, the gaudy shoes look like something that Muhammad Ali would have worn into the ring back in the 1970s. The only thing missing are his celebrated red tassels.

But the proceeds from the first editions of the new Nike MAG shoes will .

It seemed that Kevin Durant just wanted a new pair of shoes. Then the space-time continuum showed up.

Durant, Bill Hader, Christopher Lloyd, Tinker Hatfield and Donald Fullilove star in a film about the most famous shoes that were never made. Durant already shows an acting range that Michael Jordan ever seemed to grasp in his “Space Jam” performance. Maybe the former Longhorn has an acting career, yet.

If you’d like toon eBay, please take the time to consider. As someone who’s seen what this disease can do to good people, let’s all do what we can to end it.

Bo Outlaw in South Africa for NBA’s ‘Basketball Without Borders’ program

Former Jay standout Bo Outlaw and five other former NBA players are in Johannesburg, South Africa, this weekend to participate in the league’s Basketball Without Borders program.

Outlaw and his group aiming to use sports to help promote social change.

Others who are on the trip include Dikembe Mutombo, Patrick Ewing, Jeff Hornacek, Alonzo Mourning and Dee Brown.

Outlaw had a 14-year career in the NBA that ended when he retired as a member of the Orlando Magic in 2008. He now works as a community ambassador for the Magic in the Central Florida area.

Considering his keen interest in charitable activities and community involvement, it’s no surprise that the NBA chose Outlaw to be a part of this worthwhile project.

He’s the ideal ambassador on this one, as well.  

Ginobili has offer from his former club in Italy

By Mike Monroe
mikemonroe@express-news.net

MAR DEL PLATA, Argentina — Manu Ginobili’s agent, Herb Rudoy, on Thursday confirmed an offer made to Ginobili to rejoin the Virtus Bologna team in the Italian League, but said no response has yet been made to the offer.

Ginobili’s brother Leandro, working as a television analyst at the FIBA Americas tournament, also confirmed the offer for Manu to play again in Italy if the NBA lockout continues.

“I don’t think Manu is thinking he will go play in Italy for two months before returning to the Spurs,” said Manu’s 41-year-old brother.

Leandro Ginobili said his brother is completely focused on the final two days of the tournament and has made no response whatsoever to the offer from Virtus Bologna, first reported by the Italian sports publication Gazzetta Dello Sport.

Ginobili played in Bologna in 2001, leading the club, then Kinder Bologna, to the European Final Four and being named MVP of the tournament.

Ginobili is under contract to the Spurs for two more seasons, scheduled to make $14.2 million next season if the lockout were to allow a full season.

FIBA Americas

Ginobili had 17 points and five assists as Argentina scored a 84-58 victory over the Dominican Republic on the final day of the second phase of the tournament.

“I am not used to playing back-to-back-to-back-to-back,” said Ginobili. “I was exhausted and had no legs at all.”

Up by nine entering the fourth period, Argentina’s Carlos Delfino scored eight unanswered points in the first 1:40 of the period to give his team some breathing space.

Brazil’s 94-72 victory over Puerto Rico on Thursday earned top seed in the semifinals, meaning it will face the Dominicans. Argentina will play Puerto Rico. Spurs center Tiago Splitter scored 17 points in three quarters of an easy victory, and sat the fourth period.

The winners of Saturday’s games will be assured berths in the 2012 Olympics in London, regardless of the outcome of Sunday’s championship game.

Canada’s quest for an Olympic berth ended Thursday with an 91-89 loss to Panama. Spurs draftee Cory Joseph scored four points.