Ibaka at NBA 3X: Thunder to learn from mistakes of Memphis
The NBA 3X tour rolled into Etihad Square, Manchester on Friday along with Oklahoma City Thunder power forward, Serge Ibaka, after a successful first stop in London with Hawks’ Al Horford last weekend.
Speaking to the 6ft 10in Spanish international, who added an Olympic silver medal to his EuroBasket gold from 2011, he was psyched up on for his first trip to Manchester, but could not hide his anticipation for the pre-season clash of Thunder against Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA Global Games being hosted in the city later in the year: “I can’t wait, I’m so excited to be here. This will also be the first time the NBA will be here in Manchester [in October].”
That game as part of the organisation’s worldwide whirlwind schedule sees Thunder visit Turkey before reaching these shores. After their abrupt and stunned ending in the 2013 NBA Playoffs at the hands of Memphis Grizzlies, the bogey team of OKC last season, Ibaka has been quick to put it behind him and focus on the season ahead: “It’s hard, really hard, you don’t expect to get knocked out of the Playoffs early, but sometimes that just happens. It happens to everybody, in all sport. Again, you learn from that and keep moving. We will try to learn from our mistakes last season, it was tough for everybody. There’s a lot to learn from and get better next season.
“We won’t take it [pre-season] lightly,” ‘Iblocka’, the NBA’s leading blocker for the past two seasons, announced with a determined tone. “We want to learn and get better from last season, so both teams will play hard over here. ”
The main crux of the weekend was the shortened format of the game, and Ibaka was hopeful of how it can inspire a new generation, or re-engage those who once played it to get back on the court: “3-on-3 is important for kids, to get them to play, to get them to enjoy basketball.
“It’s the best way for younger players – to get the right mentality, so they are ready for the sport. The future stars could be here – you never know!”
As Friday drew to a close, and the first stages of the men’s competition played out, Stoke City goalkeeper and huge Phoenix Suns fan, Asmir Begovic, arrived to join in with the festivities, and also swapped jerseys with Ibaka in front of the crowds.
– 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
- Image: NBAE/NBA UK Facebook
