Ibaka at NBA 3X: Talent and development
Saturday at NBA 3X in Manchester saw teams battle it out in the final rounds to claim the crown of tournament champions, and Oklahoma City Thunder’s Serge Ibaka was on hand again to cast his eye over those who took to the court.
Speaking with the Congolese-Spanish international on his second day at the event, he revealed that he’d taken it somewhat easy after the events of the night before alongside Stoke City goalkeeper, and NBA fan, Asmir Begovic, making time on Saturday morning for a gentle workout before arriving at the Etihad Stadium.
“Last night was really fun; to see guys who really do have talent,” said a rather impressed Ibaka. “The level here is really good.”
The chance for players to make their mark and show of their skills in the 3-on-3 format (as well as precious free court time in glorious weather) had added value with the OKC forward’s presence; a fact which the player feels can inspire a new generation post-Olympics: “It [the format] is the best start for young talented players, who always watch us play in the NBA on television, to have the opportunity to watch us here live in October. All of this will give them motivation to be playing and keep believing; it’s great.”
Moving on to an international level, he has great hopes for the Spanish team to be the first side since Yugoslavia in 1977 to win three successive EuroBasket Championships, and has a strong belief in his team mates, despite not being available for selection through injury: “We have a great group of players, Rudy [Fernández], Marc [Gasol], Ricky [Rubio], José [Calderón], and many other young, up-and-coming, determined players, I’m sure we will have a good chance at retaining our title.”
The question is though, after the close run that Great Britain gave the eventual Olympic silver medallists, a year has now passed for the national team, and a new man at the helm in Joe Prunty is fast recruiting a side for September’s tournament in Slovenia, but does Ibaka think there any chance with some much potential change?
“Why not? Everything is possible. If you have a strong set of players, which GB do, work hard and believe. Last year, it wasn’t the easiest of games here at the Olympics against them.
“They have to have learnt something from the Olympics, if not, it makes no sense in playing?
“If they take what they’ve learnt from it, and go forward, they can only get better.
Stern words from Ibaka, but delivered with a strong sense of desire to see basketball improve throughout the world, and in particular in front of ballers pushing their limits under the beating British sun.
The day rounded off with the finals of the NBA 3X tournament, which saw ex-Bolton Wanderers midfielder, Fabrice Muamba, join the fun and take part in the Centre Court show, ahead of the now viral men’s final which saw Nathan Schall throw down a huge dunk that has produced well over 100,000 hits online in a few short days, and we shared by the NBA through social media.
– The Oklahoma City Thunder face the Philadelphia 76ers at the Manchester Arena as part of NBA Global Games 2013. Tickets are available at www.eventim.co.uk
