INTERNATIONAL TEAM VALIANT IN DEFEAT AT NIKE HOOP SUMMIT
28th March 1999
The International Team were the victims of a strong second half
fightback as the US Junior Select National Team won the fifth annual
Hoop Summit 107-95 at the University of Tampa in Florida today.
The victory gives the USA a 3-2 advantage in the series, sponsored by
Nike and presented by the National Association of Basketball Coaches and
benefiting the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. It features
the USA Basketball Junior Select National Team and an International
Select Team consisting of some of the world’s leading under-20 players.
But, as expected, the International Team demonstrated the ever
closing-gap between America and the rest of the world and led most of
the first half before the hosts rallied to tie the score 51-51 at half
time.
The International side, led by veteran Italian Olympic coach Sandro
Gamba, started strongly with German based Nigerian Olumide Oyedeji
particularly impressing a sell out crowd of 3,432, including a number of
NBA scouts.
He helped his team build a 16-12 lead, stretching that advantage to as
many as 10 points with 10:45 to play in the first half.
Croatia’s Bruno Sundov, drafted by the NBA Dallas Mavericks last year,
also made an impact when he entered the game. He scored 8 points in 10
minutes during that strong run by the Internationals.
But the Americans finished the first half strongly and opened the second
even stronger with a 13-4 burst that left the International stars
trailing 66-55 and with a mountain to climb in the games final 17
minutes.
Still, they almost managed to shock the Americans and repeat last year’s
memorable win in San Antonio, Texas. Captain Antonis Fotsis, the lone
survivor from that game, scored 15 second half points as the
International Team drew to within five, at 82-77, on a Fotsis dunk with
nine minutes to play.
Eventually, the Americans’ three-point shooting – including six from
Casey Jacobsen - removed any chance of a dramatic International come
back.
Coach Gamba said: "To be 2-3 in this series is not bad, we always play
on the road! We didn’t play very well as a team, there was a lot of
individual action but we were too slow on defence. I’m a defensive coach
but it takes months, there’s not so much you can do in four days.
"We had a lot of good players but little international experience and
there were no international stars like last year when we had Dirk
Nowitzki and Matthew Nielsen (Australia). But the whole team was very
good and today I know these players will have great careers."
International: Ilievski (19 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists), Miloserdov
(7, 0, 2), Tetmadinger (4, 1, 0), Young (14, 8, 1), Oyedeji (3, 8, 3),
Tabuse (0, 1, 3), Nachbar (8, 1, 0), Radmanovic (7, 2, 0), Fotsis (15,
2, 2), Guilherme (8, 2, 0), Kartelo (2, 1, 0), Sundov (8, 1, 0)
USA: Williams (14 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists), Jacobsen (31, 1, 0),
Dunleavy (3, 0, 0), Collison (6, 5, 0), Watson (13, 9, 2), Gaines (20,
7, 2), Heinrich (7, 0, 2), Sanders (5, 5, 0), Johnson (4, 0, 0), Eidson
(0, 0, 0), Stone (0, 0, 0), Parker (4, 3, 0)
For more Information:
Ian Whittell +44 161 881 7916, +44 468 822 938,
iwhittell@aol.com
Julie Boden +44 161 881 7916, +44 966 186 261,
julieboden@compuserve.com
1999 HOOP SUMMIT INTERNATIONAL TEAM
QUOTESSandro Gamba – Head Coach
"To be 2-3 in this series is not bad, we always play on the road! We
didn’t play very well as a team, there was a lot of individual action
but we were too slow on defence.
"I’m a defensive coach but it takes months, there’s not so much you can
do in four days.
"We had a lot of good players but little international experience and
there were no international stars like last year when we had Dirk
Nowitzki and Matthew Nielsen (Australia). But the whole team was very
good and today I know these players will have great careers."
Antonis Fotsis – 6’8", 203 lbs, forward from Greece currently
playing at Greek champions Panathinaikos, 18-years-old. Captain.
"I have enjoyed my two Hoop Summits but, after winning last year, I was
desperate to win this year, especially as captain.
"The rebounding was the difference, they were too good for us there and
we missed Olumide when he was in foul trouble.
"Now I go back to my Greek club Panathinaikos for the Greek league
play-offs but I think I am going back as a better player."
Guilherme Joanoni – 6’8", 210 lbs, guard/forward from Brazil
currently playing for Pinheiros, Brazil, 18-years-old
"Obviously we are disappointed because we felt this was a game we could
and should have won. But we didn’t play the quality basketball we can,
and we didn’t defend.
"I have learned how patient American basketball is and how good the
defence is. The European game is so patient as well whereas at home it
is always, shot, shot, shot!
"It has been a tiring week and now I must fly home to play a league game
on Tuesday."
Ivan Kartelo – 6’11", 235 lbs, forward/centre from Croatia
currently playing at Wichendon Prep School, Massachusetts, 19-years-old
"It has been a long week and I am very tired but I have enjoyed it. It
showed me how much I have to improve, how I need to put on some pounds
and get extra strength.
"A lot of us knew each other from NIKE Euro Camps but it has been a good
experience to meet more new friends as well."
Alexander Miloserdov – 6’6", 185 lbs, guard from Russia currently
playing at Autodor Saratov, Russia, 19-years-old
"We met a week ago and it’s been very difficult but we tried and worked
hard. We lost because we let them play fast. We began slowly like
Europeans but they got the fast break going and we weren’t able to keep
up."
Bostjan Nachbar – 6’8", 212 lbs, forward from Slovenia currently
playing for ZM Maribor Lumar, Slovenia, 19-years-old
"The Americans speeded up and outscored us, that’s why we lost. We
couldn’t last the full 40 minutes and they’re a great team.
"But it’s a great opportunity to represent my country and an honour for
me to be here with the best players in the world.
"This has been my first visit to the States and has been a great
experience. I was able to go to an NBA basketball game, as well as the
semi-finals of the NCAA Final Four. I’ve only been able to see games
like that on TV and it was great to experience them in person.
"Of course, like anyone, I would dream of one day playing professionally
in the United States but first I will go back to Europe and spend two or
three years hopefully improving."
Olumide Oyedeji – 6’11", 237lbs, forward/centre from Nigeria
currently playing for Wurzburg, Germany, 17-years-old
"First I would like to thanks my coaches and NIKE people and a lot of
thanks to my team mates.
"We’re all very different people from a lot of different cultures and
even though we didn’t come away with a win we come away with the
experience from each other.
"The US were a good team and forced us to play to their pattern. We had
a bad day but that is sport and that is what happens. We have to
concentrate on the good things – the friends we have made – and take
away the positives."
Bruno Sundov – 7’3", 230 lbs, centre from Croatia currently
playing at Wichendon Prep School, Massachuetts, USA, Drafted by Dallas
Mavericks, 19-years-old
"We were in a position to win and I was disappointed not to get more
time. I thought I did well, I played five minutes and scored eight
points and I could have shown more. But that is the coach’s decision, I
have no problem.
"But this has been a great week. I knew some of the International guys
before and have made many good friends, it has been a good week and I
think I have improved.
"I was in Dallas before the Hoop Summit and am returning there to the
Mavericks tomorrow."
Yuta Tabuse – 5’8", 150 lbs, guard from Japan currently playing
at Noshiro Kogyo in Japan, 18-years-old
"I felt that I was representing my whole country out there, it was a
tremendous experience and I had fun, even when I was sat on the bench.
"It’s been a real learning experience and I know what I have to work on,
which is my strength, I was surprised to find how fast I was and now I
know I am fast enough to play here. Now it’s my strength I need to work
on.
"I felt the excitement from the crowd when I made a good pass and I
really enjoyed that. But the technique and speed of the US team was
incredible and the experience that gave me was very important."
Liberto Tetimadingar – 6’7", 187 lbs, guard from France currently
playing at Levollois, France, 18-years-old
"We thought we were going to win at half-time, even though they had come
back and tied the score. But we didn’t play as a team in the second
half. We played like five individuals and forgot what had got us in a
winning position.
"I intend to come to play college basketball in the States next season
so this was a good experience for me to play against some of the best
high school players in the United States."
Jesse Young – 6’11", 208 lbs, centre from Canada currently
playing at Peterbrough, Canada, 18-years-old
"They made some big shots in the second half and stepped up their
defence but I thought it was the rebounding that hurt us. They were
getting three or four shots every time down the floor and they’re bound
to make at least one of them.
"It’s a disappointment but it has been a great week and I have learned a
lot. I have also learned how much more I need to improve, especially
physically, and I’m looking forward to doing that at George Mason next
year.
INTERNATIONAL STARS AIM TO TAKE LEAD IN HOOP SUMMIT
SERIES 26 March 1999
The International Select team are completing their preparations for
the fifth annual Hoop Summit, confident that they can take the lead in
the highly-competitive series with the US.
After a thrilling victory in San Antonio last season, the
International team leveled the series at 2-2 and are optimistic about
their chances of taking the lead for the first time in Sunday’s game in
Tampa, Florida.
Head Coach Sandro Gamba, a former coach of the Italian Olympic team,
has been involved in the four previous Hoop Summits. He said: "I am very
happy with the way things have gone this week.
"They have worked very hard and now they have overcome jet lag and
language difficulties, they are beginning to understand the tactical and
technical part.
"Last year’s team probably had two or three individuals that stood
out but this year we have a high level of players throughout the team in
every position. I think this team is better but without having one big
star on it.
"I am the only survivor of all four Hoop Summits and it would mean a
lot to me if we could win it."
Croatia’s Bruno Sundov, drafted by the Dallas Mavericks in last
year’s second round, may be the best known player on the International
team, although 5’8" Japanese guard Yuta Tabuse certainly holds that
honour in his homeland.
Assistant coach, Yugoslav Marin Sedlacek, said: "I am pleasantly
surprised with Bruno, he has made great developments in the past six
months. From the time he came to high school in the States he has
developed his muscles, his technique.
"He has put on 15-20 pounds since I last saw him. There is no doubt
that the NBA scouts are right when they say he can be some sort of cross
between Kukoc and Sabonis. He looks that good."
Meanwhile, Tabuse, a high school player in Japan, has been followed
to Florida by more than 35 journalists, including four camera crews. He
also had the chance to meet his hero, NBA All-Star Penny Hardaway, at an
Orlando Magic game on Thursday.
The International players have been based in Orlando, Florida, using
the practice facilities of local NBA team the Magic and watching their
hosts play the Cleveland Cavaliers. As part of their visit, the players
will also attend the Final Four semi-finals in St Petersburg, Florida
tomorrow.
The Hoop Summit, sponsored by Nike and presented by the National
Association of Basketball Coaches, is an international game benefiting
the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. It features the USA
Basketball Junior Select National Team and an International Select Team
consisting of some of the world’s leading under-20 players and takes
place at the University of Tampa, Florida, on Sunday, March 28.
The fifth annual Hoop Summit game will be held on Sunday March 28 at
3 p.m. (EST) at the Bob Martinez Center (3,432 capacity) on the campus
of the University of Tampa in Tampa, Florida. Held during the NCAA Men’s
Final Four weekend, the game will be televised nationally by ESPN.
International Team: Antonis Fotsis (6’8" – Greece), Vlado Ilijevski
(6’3" – Macedonia), Guilherme Joanoni (6’8" – Brazil), Ivan Kartelo
(6’11" – Croatia), Alexander Miloserdov (6’6" – Russia), Bostjan Nachbar
(6’8" – Slovenia), Olumide Oyedeji (6’11" – Nigeria), Vladimir
Radmanovic (6’9" – Yugoslavia), Bruno Sundov (7’3" – Croatia), Yuta
Tabuse (5’8" – Japan), Liberto Tetimadingar (6’7" – France), Jesse Young
(6’11" – Canada)
INTERNATIONAL STARS PREPARING FOR HOOP SUMMIT SHOWDOWN 24 March 1999
BRAZIL’S Guilherme Joanoni is one of 12 leading international players
preparing for Sunday’s Hoop Summit against the USA in Tampa, Florida on
Sunday, March 28.
Guilherme, 18, currently playing with Pinheiros in Brazil is a key
member of the International under-20 team looking to repeat last year’s
victory in the series, which is currently tied at 2-2.
Guilherme, a 6’8" guard/forward, said: Guilherme said: "I am looking
forward to the game, it is an opportunity for us all to show the
Americans what we can do. We all feel strongly that we want to show that
we can compete with the Americans at this level."
The player’s own future may eventually lead back to the NBA, with a
number of experts predicting he has the potential to reach the very top
of the game.
He added: "I would like to play at least one more season in Brazil but
if somebody came in with a good proposition, I don’t know.
"It has been a bad season for my team in Brazil but I have been playing
a lot of minutes and am leading scorer so that has been a good
experience."
CROATIANS Ivan Kartelo and Bruno Sundov are among 12 leading
international players preparing for Sunday’s Hoop Summit against the USA
in Tampa, Florida on Sunday, March 28.
Kartelo and Sundov, both 19, are currently playing at Wichendon Prep
School, Massachusetts and are key members of the International under-20
team looking to repeat last year’s victory in the series, which is
currently tied at 2-2.
Kartelo, a 6’11" forward/centre, said: "It is a good experience mixing
with all the different international guys but I am lucky because the
Prep School I have been at in Massachusetts has guys from places like
the Ivory Coast and Bulgaria on it."
The Croatian comes from the successful basketball region of Split, as
does his school team mate Sundov.
Sundov, a 7’3" centre, said: "Prep school has been a good experience
because it has shown us the differences between Europe and America. I
have learned a lot in the last five or six months about the speed,
athleticism and aggression of the game here.
"I have been lucky because in the summers I have been able to practice
with players like Kukoc, Radja and Tabak and they have told me what I
needed to do to get better and get to the States."
Sundov was drafted in the second round of the 1998 draft by the Dallas
Mavericks who also chose Dirk Nowitzki, the outstanding player of last
year’s Hoop Summit.
Sundov said: "I speak to Dallas and was there last week but the summer
will be an important time for me. I will spend time there and that will
decide what I am going to do with them."
For Kartelo, the NCAA beckons. He said: "Rhode Island, DePaul and Boston
College are the three that most interest me, although maybe there is
some other college out there I don’t know about who will see me on
Sunday!"
FRANCE’S Liberto Tetimadingar is one of 12 leading international
players preparing for Sunday’s Hoop Summit against the USA in Tampa,
Florida on Sunday, March 28.
Tetimadingar, 18, currently playing with Levollois in France, is a key
member of the International under-20 team looking to repeat last year’s
victory in the series, which is currently tied at 2-2.
Tetimadingar, a 6’7" guard, said: "I played at the Nike All-America Camp
last summer so I have some experience of playing with and against some
of the best American players.
"It has already been a great experience and we feel we can do well and
give the International Team the lead in the series."
The Hoop Summit could also be an important game for the Frenchman, who
has attracted interest from NCAA schools, among them St John’s.
He added: "I have wanted to play in the NCAA for some time, that is why
I have not played for the senior team in Levollois, only the junior
side. I did not want to lose my eligibility.
"I saw last year’s game on tape and know how much good it did many of
the International players. I hope it can do the same for some of us."
GREECE’S Antonis Fotsis is one of 12 leading international players
preparing for Sunday’s Hoop Summit against the USA in Tampa, Florida on
Sunday, March 28.
Fotsis, 18, currently playing with Panathinaikos in Greece is a key
member of the International under-20 team looking to repeat last year’s
victory in the series, which is currently tied at 2-2.
The highly-rated forward is a survivor from that victorious team and has
been named captain of the 1999 International select.
Fotsis, a 6’8" forward, said: "It is a great honour to have been the
only player to return from last year’s team and I am even more pleased
to have been made captain of the team.
"The best thing I remember from last season was obviously winning but it
was a fabulous experience to mix with players from so many different
countries and to show what we could do against the Americans. We have a
good chance again this year. I am not making any promises, but we will
see."
The Summit offers Fotsis the chance to continue his development. At
Panathinaikos, his minutes have been limited playing behind some of the
greatest names in the European game.
He added: "It will be nice to hopefully play a few more minutes than
usual in the Summit. I have played in about 15 games for Panathinaikos
this season but it has been a great experience, playing behind players
like Radja and Bodiroga."
CANADIAN Jesse Young is one of 12 leading international players
preparing for Sunday’s Hoop Summit against the USA in Tampa, Florida on
Sunday, March 28.
Young, 18, currently playing with Peterbrough in Canada is a key member
of the International under-20 team looking to repeat last year’s victory
in the series, which is currently tied at 2-2.
Young, a 6’11" centre, said: "I don’t know how we will do but hopefully
we will win. The players on this team are of a very good standard and to
be chosen as a part of this group feels good.
"I think playing together for a week before the game will help us to
come together as a team. Even though we speak many different languages
we all have basketball in common.
"Just playing in a situation like this will improve my game and I am
sure I will learn a lot."
The Hoop Summit has proved a strong grounding for players to move on to
college and, in the case of Dallas Mavericks rookie Dirk Nowitzki last
season, the NBA.
Young has signed a letter of intent with division one college George
Mason and added: "I like the school and I think I will fit in well.
Hopefully I can show them what I am capable of on Sunday."
RUSSIAN Alexander Miloserdov is one of 12 leading international
players preparing for Sunday’s Hoop Summit against the USA in Tampa,
Florida on Sunday, March 28.
Miloserdov, 19, currently playing with Autodor Saratov in Russia is a
key member of the International under-20 team looking to repeat last
year’s victory in the series, which is currently tied at 2-2.
Miloserdov, a 6’6" guard, said: "This is my second trip to the United
States. I spent some time at high school a couple of years ago and they
offered me a place but there were problems with a visa and I decided not
to come.
"But this is a great experience and I think it will make me a better
player, just as playing at the Nike Euro Camp did in Italy last summer."
Miloserdov started his senior career with leading European team CSKA
Moscow but spent the last season gaining more minutes with their rivals
Autodor Saratov.
Now he hopes exposure at Hoop Summit can further help his standing in
the European game. He said: "My first plan is to spend the next couple
of years in European, with a team in the Euro League and become a
stronger player."
"I don’t know how we will do but hopefully we will win. The players on
this team are of a very good standard and to be chosen as a part of this
group feels good.
"I think playing together for a week before the game will help us to
come together as a team. Even though we speak many different languages
we all have basketball in common. Just playing in a situation like this
will improve my game and I am sure I will learn a lot."
SLOVENIAN Bostjan Nachbar is one of 12 leading international players
preparing for Sunday’s Hoop Summit against the USA in Tampa, Florida on
Sunday, March 28.
Nachbar, 19, currently playing with ZM Maribor Lumar in Slovenia is a
key member of the International under-20 team looking to repeat last
year’s victory in the series, which is currently tied at 2-2.
Nachbar, a 6’8" forward, said: "It has been a great experience so far
and we are all looking forward to the game, we think we have a great
chance of beating the Americans.
"We have some big guys, good guards and great shooters. We don’t really
know the US team but the International team have won twice before and we
are determined to do it again."
The game could also be an important stepping stone for Nachbar’s
development.
He added: "Of course, the NBA is my goal, as it is for any player. But
that is maybe two or three years down the line, first I want to prove
myself in Europe.
"There is interest from other teams in Europe, in Italy in particular,
so that is where I may be next season."
NIGERIAN Olumide Oyedeji is one of 12 leading international players
preparing for Sunday’s Hoop Summit against the USA in Tampa, Florida on
Sunday, March 28.
Oyedeji, 17, currently playing with Wurzburg in Germany, is a key member
of the International under-20 team looking to repeat last year’s victory
in the series, which is currently tied at 2-2.
Oyedeji, a 6’11" forward/centre, said: "This is my first trip to the
United States and I see it as an important part in my development as a
player. I have been lucky to play in many places all over the world and
this is another one.
"It is important to see how we can do against Americans of our age and I
hope to leave a better player because of it."
The Nigerian’s last two professional teams have been in Russia with
Dynamo Moscow and Wurzburg of Germany. Oyedeji said: "At Wurzburg I
played with Dirk Nowitzki who was the best player at last year’s Hoop
Summit.
"He told me what a great event it is and how important it was for him in
allowing him to show Americans what he can do. It is my aim to play in
the NBA one day and, god willing, my talent will let me do that."
JAPAN’S Yuta Tabuse is one of 12 leading international players preparing
for Sunday’s Hoop Summit against the USA in Tampa, Florida on Sunday,
March 28.
Tabuse, 18, currently playing with Noshiro Kogyo in Japan is a key
member of the International under-20 team looking to repeat last year’s
victory in the series, which is currently tied at 2-2.
Tabuse, a 5’8" point-guard, said: "Already I am looking forward to Hoop
Summit. It involves people from all over the world and the players on
this team are very good, we are a pretty strong team.
"It is the first time I have played with guys this big and I am
adjusting to it. But I will do what I will always do – play my style of
basketball."
Tabuse has been followed to Florida by a large gathering of Japanese
media, but it used to the attention, being a celebrity in his homeland
even as a high school player.
He said: "Sometimes it is troubling and it annoys me and other times it
makes me feel good that they are interested in what I am doing.
"I do not feel any pressure because of the media interest, I am use to
it by now, they follow me everywhere."
18 March 1999
TWELVE of the world’s top international under-20 players are hoping
to showcase their talents at the fifth annual Hoop Summit, following in
a proud tradition of International alumni to make the grade in NCAA
basketball.
The Hoop Summit, sponsored by Nike and presented by the National
Association of Basketball Coaches, is an international game benefiting
the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. It features the USA
Basketball Junior Select National Team and an International Select Team
consisting of some of the world’s leading under-20 players and takes
place at the University of Tampa, Florida, on Sunday, March 28.
Nine International alumni have advanced to play at NCAA division one
schools from the four previous Hoop Summits and a number of the 1999
team appear likely to follow their example.
Jesse Young of Canada has already committed to George Mason University
while Croatia’s Ivan Kartelo and Liberto Tetimadingar of France have
been actively recruited by a number of other schools.
Ralph Greene, Nike’s global director of basketball, said: "Basketball
excites kids of all ages and it is a sport through which NIKE expresses
its core values. We are committed to growing the game all over the
globe.
"Our goal is to provide young people with the opportunity to play,
improve and perform. Hoop Summit brings the best from around the world
to play the best in the US -- A once in a lifetime experience for the
young players involved. We are excited for the players and enthusiastic
to show the world how global basketball really is."
Souleymane Camara, a member of the winning 1998 International Team,
hails from Senegal, Africa and was recruited by NCAA champions the
University of Kentucky. He is averaging 11.1 minutes, 4.5 points and 3.2
rebounds a game in his freshman year and is part of the UK team that
faces the University of Miami (Ohio) in the Midwest Regionals of the
NCAA tournament this weekend (March 19, 21).
UCLA has also benefited from International alumni, recruiting Dan
Gadzuric (Netherlands, 1998) and Jerome Moiso (France, 1997).
Other International players to play in the NCAA include: Joao Paulo
Coehlo (Portugal, University of Miami), Darius Songaila (Lithuania, Wake
Forest), Ruben Boumtje-Boumtje (Cameroon, Georgetown), Peter Van Paassen
(Netherlands, St. Bonaventure), Mark Dickel (Australia, UNLV) and Elvir
Ovcina (Bosnia, Syracuse).
Of the latest vintage of International players, Young, a 6’11", 208-lbs
centre from Peterborough, Canada, has recently committed to George Mason
University (Virginia) who play in the Colonial Athletic Conference.
Kartelo, a 6’11", 235-lbs forward/centre from Croatia is currently
playing at Wichendon Prep School, Massachusetts, and has been recruited
by Indiana and Boston College, among others.
Tetimadingar, a 6’7", 187-lbs guard has been recruited by St John’s.
The Hoop Summit series stands at 2-2 and the 1999 game will be held on
Sunday March 28 at 3 p.m. (EST) at the Bob Martinez Center (3,432
capacity) on the campus of the University of Tampa in Tampa, Florida.
Held during the NCAA Men’s Final Four weekend, the game will be
televised nationally by ESPN.
TWELVE of the world's top international under-20
players are aiming to follow in the footsteps of some illustrious alumni
in the fifth annual Hoop Summit, to be played at the University of Tampa
in Tampa, Florida on Sunday, March 28.
The Hoop Summit, sponsored by Nike and presented by the National
Association of Basketball Coaches, is an international game benefiting
the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. It features the USA
Basketball Junior Select National Team and an International Select Team
consisting of some of the world’s leading under-20 players.
The International Team, coached by respected four-time Italian Olympic
coach Sandro Gamba, are aiming to take the lead in the series which they
tied last season with a roster that included current Dallas Maverick
Dirk Nowitzki and Dan Gadzuric of NCAA division one school UCLA.
The pair have fond memories of the event and, along with numerous other
International alumni currently playing in the NCAA, offer an example of
the opportunites Hoop Summit presents to its players.
Nowitzki, an NBA rookie, said: "I was pretty sick before the game and
wasn't sure I was leaving Germany until the last minute. But I had a
great time. It was a great game, and it was pretty lucky for me that I
had a good day. The reaction to my performance was surprising to me."
The German scored 33 points and had 14 rebounds in an exciting 104-99
victory in San Antonio, as part of a team that included centre Gadzuric,
a native of the Netherlands, who was attending high school in the US at
the time.
He said: "It was an opportunity to get back with the international
flavour, being in Boston at the time I had missed Europe and Europeans.
I liked that. The whole organisation was fun to be with. They’re nice
people."
The 1997 International Team included Gadzuric’s UCLA team mate Jerome
Moiso, a French national player. As with the 1998 version, the 1997 game
took place in Florida. Moiso added: "We went all around Orlando. We saw
two NBA games and went to Walt Disney World. We had a good time. With
the basketball, we tried to put something together to look good. It
wasn’t hard because we were all good players."
The 1999 Hoop Summit will be held Sunday, March 28 at 3 p.m. (EST) at
the Bob Martinez Center (3,432 capacity) on the campus of the University
of Tampa in Tampa, Florida. Held during the NCAA Men's Final Four
weekend, the game will be televised live nationally by ESPN.
Dallas Mavericks’ Assistant Coach Donnie Nelson, an Assistant on the
1998 International Team, summed up the status that Hoop Summit now holds
in the world basketball community. He said: "As far as exposure is
concerned, Hoop Summit is the pinnacle international event for players
of that age.
"The eyes of the world are upon that game. Even though the game takes
place during a closed recruiting period for NCAA schools, every major
college coach from Division Two up has a copy of the game tape on his
desk."
March 10, 1999
SUNDOV GIVEN CHANCE TO SHINE AT NIKE HOOP SUMMIT
BRUNO Sundov, a second round pick of the Dallas Mavericks in the 1998
NBA draft, is one of the star names on the International Select Team
that will face their American counterparts at the fifth annual Hoop
Summit on March 28 in Tampa, Florida.
The Hoop Summit, sponsored by Nike and presented by the National
Association of Basketball Coaches, is an international game benefiting
the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. It features the USA
Basketball Junior Select National Team and an International Select Team
consisting of some of the world’s leading under-20 players.
Sundov, 19, a 7’3" center from Croatia, currently plays at Wichendon
Prep School, Massachusetts. He was drafted 35th overall by
the Mavericks, the sixth player taken in the second round of the 1998
draft in Vancouver, Canada. Dallas also later traded for first round
draftee, Germany’s Dirk Nowitzki, an alumnus of the International Hoop
Summit team that beat the US last year.
Mavericks’ Assistant Coach Donnie Nelson was an Assistant on the 1998
International Team which beat the US 104-99 thanks to a 33-point,
14-rebound performance from Nowitzki, to level the series 2-2.
Nelson summed up the importance that Hoop Summit now holds in the world
basketball community. He said: "It is a great week for the International
players and a great event which now has the eyes of the world upon it.
"Nike does such a great job of hosting different events around the game
and that helps bring the kids together and builds team spirit. I saw
that last year at first hand and there is no doubt that the camaraderie
on the International Team helped them win."
Nelson will be watching Sundov’s performance in Tampa with interest. He
said: "We think he is a very skilled, big player who is still apparently
growing. He is extremely skilled with really good instincts, he handles
the ball well and shoots it well from out there.
"He won the MVP of the Prep School tournament recently and has had
pretty good reviews. We are keen for him to enjoy the whole Hoop Summit
experience, it will be terrific for him, and we look forward to working
with him in the summer. As we did with Dirk, we drafted Bruno for what
he can become down the line. He is one for the future."
Sundov attended the 1997 Nike Euro Camp in Paris, France where we was
selected to the All-Star team and is a high school team mate of the Hoop
Summit’s Ivan Kartelo. Before moving to the U.S. to attend school, he
was a member of the Croatian Champions Split as well as a representative
of Croatia at junior level. He is the tallest player at this year’s Hoop
Summit.
The 1999 Hoop Summit will be held Sunday, March 28 at 3 p.m. (EST) at
the Bob Martinez Center (3,432 capacity) on the campus of the University
of Tampa in Tampa, Florida. Held during the NCAA Men's Final Four
weekend, the game will be televised live nationally by ESPN.
1999 International Junior Select Team
Player Country Team
Antonis Fotsis (GRE) Panathinaikos
Vlado Ilijevski (MKD) Partizan Belgrade (YUG)
Guilherme Joanoni (BRA) Pinheiros
Ivan Kartelo (CRO) Wichendon Prep School, MA
Alexander Miloserdov (RUS) Autodor Saratov
Bostjan Nachbar (SLO) ZM Maribor Lumar
Olumide Oyedeji (NGR) Wurzburg (GER)
Vladimir Radmanovic (YUG) Red Star Belgrade
Bruno Sundov (CRO) Wichendon Prep School, MA
Yutu Tabuse (JPN) Noshiro Kogyo
Liberto Tetmadinger (FRA) Levollois
Jesse Young (CAN) Peterbrough
PLAYER BIOGRAPHIES
Antonis Fotsis – 6’8", 203 lbs, forward from Greece currently
playing at Greek champions Panathinaikos, 18-years-old
Fotsis is representing the International team for the second time having
been a part of the 1998 winning team in San Antonio ... he scored 10
points and added 1 rebound and 1 assist in 14 minutes of the 104-99
victory … Fotsis also attended 1998 NIKE Euro Camp in Treviso, Italy
where he was selected to the All-Star team … represents the Greek
national team at junior level ... scored 11 points and added 3 rebounds
in 30 minutes for the One World All-Stars who lost 107-75 to Ohio State
in Columbus in November 1998 … rated among the top three prospects in
Greece by respected Euro Basket service … previously with Ilusiakos, now
with Panathinaikos … has seen limited action this season on a very
strong Panathinaikos team that reached the last 16 of the ECM (European
Championship) … team mate of former NBA star Dino Radja.
Vlado Ilijevski – 6’3", 172 lbs, guard from Macedonia currently
playing for Partizan Belgrade, Yugoslavia, 19-years-old
This is Ilijevski’s first NIKE event … before signing to top European
powerhouse Partizan was at Strumica ... made debut for full Macedonian
national team this year, vs Portugal … also played against Romania and
Hungary, final three qualifying games for the 1999 European
Championships in France in which Macedonia finished second in their
group to Russia … is expected to be part of the Macedonian team that
plays in the Finals in France this summer … rated top prospect in
Macedonia … part of the Macedonian team that won this season’s All-Star
Game … player on the Partizan team that lost to Italy’s Benetton in the
quarter-finals of the Sapotra (formerly European) Cup this season,
having won their qualifying group with a 9-1 record.
Guilherme Joanoni – 6’8", 210 lbs, guard/forward from Brazil
currently playing for Pinheiros, Brazil, 18-years-old
Joanoni was selected to this year’s Sao Paulo Championship All-Star team
… considered the number one Brazilian prospect of 1999 ... as of March 5
was averaging 21 minutes, 9.4 points, 3.5 rebounds for Pinheiros (in 13
games) … as with all Brazilians, takes one nickname – Guilherme ...
likely to be part of the senior Brazil national team that takes part in
the pre-qualifying tournament for the 2000 Olympics in Puerto Rico this
summer.
Ivan Kartelo – 6’11", 235 lbs, forward/centre from Croatia
currently playing at Wichendon Prep School, Massachusetts, 19-years-old
Kartelo is school teammates with Hoop Summit’s Bruno Sundov … received a
scouting visit from Indiana’s Bobby Knight ... also attracting strong
interest from Boston College … has been named as a possible top 25
college recruit.
Alexander Miloserdov – 6’6", 185 lbs, guard from Russia currently
playing at Autodor Saratov, Russia, 19-years-old
Miloserdov was selected to the 1998 NIKE Euro Camp in Treviso, Italy
where we was selected to the All-Star team ... was an established player
with Russia powerhouse CSKA and attended Virginia Episcopal where he was
rated as one of the top 40 sophomore players in the country ... He
averages 7.3 points per game in 13.9 minutes in the Russian Super League
and 2.8 points per game in 9.5 minutes in the Euroleague … Scored 20
points in 20 minutes against Spartak Moscow and 14 points in 13 minutes
against Dinamo Maikop … favourite player is Allan Iverson and enjoys
watching NHL, especially Yaromir Yagr of the Pittsburg Penguins …
Miloserdov is a club teammate of American Kevin Simpson (Providence
College) ... father Valeri was member of USSR bronze-medal
winning Olympic team in 1976 and was his first coach.
Bostjan Nachbar – 6’8", 212 lbs, forward from Slovenia currently
playing for ZM Maribor Lumar, Slovenia, 19-years-old
Nachbar attended the 1998 NIKE Euro Camp in Treviso, Italy where we was
selected to the All-Star team ... before signing for Lumar, where he is
a regular starter, was at Union Olimpija .. considered the fourth top
prospect in Slovenia for 1999 ... Nachbar scored 16 points in the
Slovenia versus Foreigners All-Star game last month .. is a member of
the National team and has represented his country in the under-22 level
… also standout member of the junior team, winning most valuable player
in 97 and 98.
Olumide Oyedeji – 6’11", 237lbs, forward/centre from Nigeria
currently playing for Wurzburg, Germany, 17-years-old
Oyedeji was selected to the 1998 NIKE Euro Camp in Treviso, Italy …
former Wurzburg teammate of Hoop Summit Alumnus Dirk Nowitzki ... before
joining Wurzburg played in the Russian Superleague for Dynamo Moscow …
has won silver medal in Africa’s Nations Cup ... was the winner of this
year’s German Slam Dunk contest where he performed a no-look dunk,
started at the 3-point line with a T-shirt covering his head.
Vladimir Radmanovic – 6’9", 212 lbs, forward from Yugoslavia
currently playing with Red Star Belgrade, Yugoslavia, 18-years-old
Radmanovic was selected to the 1998 NIKE Euro Camp in Treviso, Italy
where he was selected to the All-Star team … represents Yugoslavian
national team at junior level … member of the team that won the Junior
Championship of Serbia in 1997 … teammate of former Charlotte Hornet
Vladimir Divac and former Dallas Maverick Rastko Cvetkovic.
Bruno Sundov – 7’3", 230 lbs, centre from Croatia currently
playing at Wichendon Prep School, Massachuetts, USA, 19-years-old
Sundov was drafted in the second round by the Dallas Mavericks in the
1998 NBA draft … attended the 1997 NIKE Euro Camp in Paris, France where
we was selected to the All-Star team … school teammate of Hoop Summit’s
Ivan Kartelo … before moving to the States to attend school, he was
member of the Croatian Champions Split … represents his country at
junior level ... tallest player at this year’s Hoop Summit.
Yuta Tabuse – 5’8", 150 lbs, guard from Japan currently playing
at Noshiro Kogyo in Japan, 18-years-old
Tabuse is regarded as Japan’s best prep player … listed as the most
efficient passer in the Asian Basketball Confederation.
Liberto Tetimadingar – 6’7", 187 lbs, guard from France currently
playing at Levollois, France, 18-years-old
Liberto was selected to the 1998 NIKE Euro Camp in Treviso, Italy where
he was selected to the All-Star team… French insiders consider him as
one of the top players of his age … he averages 13.5 points and 3.7
rebounds in 32 minutes per game for Levallois Espoir team (under 22) and
has suited up for the senior team 3 times this season… describes himself
as an all around player who likes to create and would like to become a
Penny Hardaway kind of point guard … coached by Ron Stewart (St Johns)
and teammate of American Hubert Register (N. Illinois).
Jesse Young – 6’11", 208 lbs, centre from Canada currently
playing at Peterbrough, Canada, 18-years-old
The only North American member on the International team … has recently
committed to George Mason University.
For More Information, please contact:
Ian Whittell: +44 161 881 7916/ +44 468 822 938
iwhittell@aol.com
Julie Boden: +44 161 881 7916/+44 966 186 261
julieboden@compuserve.com
