Archive for July, 2010

Texas to appear twice on Big Monday

Tuesday, July 20th, 2010

The Big XII Conference released the schedule for ESPN’s 2010-11 Big Monday today.  Texas will play twice – at Texas A&M on January 31st and at home on February 28th against Kansas State.  The Big XII will announce the remainder of the conference schedule in the coming weeks. 

The same can be expected of the Longhorns.  Thus far, the team has announced their non-conference schedule for the coming season, highlighted by games against North Carolina (Dec. 18), Michigan State (Dec. 22), and Connectiut (Jan. 8).   When the complete schedule is released, 40 Acres of Hoops will post it.

Durant does work with Team USA

Monday, July 19th, 2010

Team USA started training camp today in Las Vegas for their participation in the 2010 Men’s World Basketball Championship.  This year’s event takes place in Turkey after being held in Japan four years earlier.  Kevin Durant is one of 22 players invited to training camp for the Men’s National Team.  He is expected by many to be the key figure of this summer’s team, as the entire roster from the 2008 Beijing gold medal winning Olympic team will not participate.  Unlike the other participants, however, Durant has already been named a member of the World Championship team.  The roster will ultimately be trimmed to 12 players prior to leaving for pool play.

Durant last participated with Team USA during a three-day minicamp last year for players trying to make the Men’s National Team.  Coach Mike Krzyzewski praised Durant for his play following the first day.  Coach K will attempt to build on his success at the Beijing Olympics and guide a new roster of players to a World Championship after a disappointing showing at the 2006 event in Japan.  Team USA finished third in 2006 behind Greece and champion Spain.

The 2010 FIBA (International Basketball Federation) World Championship for Men will be held Aug. 28-Sept. 12 in Ankara, Istanbul, Izmir and Kayseri, Turkey.  Twenty-four teams will compete in the 2010 FIBA World Championship for Men and those teams were divided into four preliminary round groups consisting of six teams each.   The United States was drawn on Dec. 15 into preliminary round Group B, and is joined by Brazil, Croatia, Iran, Slovenia and Tunisia.  The winner of the 2010 FIBA World Championship automatically earns a berth in the 2012 London Olympics.

Note:  JaVale McGee was added to the roster today, bringing the total invitees to 22.

Former Horns in 2010 NBA Summer Leagues

Monday, July 5th, 2010

2010 NBA Summer League

The NBA Summer League schedule official gets underway today with tip-off of the Orlando Summer League.  This year’s Orlando Summer League will feature 4 former Longhorns – A.J. Abrams, Connor Atchley, Damion James, and P.J. Tucker.  The New Jersey Nets will be the summer team for Abrams, Atchley, and James, while Tucker will play for the Charlotte Bobcats.   This year’s Orlando Summer League runs from July 5th-9th.

The Las Vegas Summer League picks up upon the conclusion of Orlando and runs from July 9th-18th.  Dexter Pittman is expected to play for the Miami Heat.  Additionally, Connor Atchley is expected to play for the Sacramento Kings.

The complete NBA Summer League schedule can be found here.  NBA TV will air the full NBA Summer League schedule, including 59 games live.  All games can be watched live through the NBA Summer League Broadband.

Bradley signs with Celtics

Saturday, July 3rd, 2010

Avery Bradley and Luke Harangody introduced to the media

Josh Reynolds/AP

Avery Bradley, drafted 19th overall by the Boston Celtics in the 2010 NBA Draft, signed his rookie contract on Friday.  Terms of the deal were not disclosed.  However, as the 2010-11 rookie scale stipulates, Bradley will make a minimum $1,181,800.00 million his first year and $1,270,400.00 million his second year.  Rookies can make up to 120% of the rookie scale amount, if negotiated between player and team.  The Celtics hold options for the third and fourth year.

Bradley will not play for the Celtics summer league team, as he also underwent successful ankle surgery on Friday.  He injured his ankle June 13th during a pre-draft workout for the Oklahoma City Thunder.  Julian Benbow of the Boston Globe has more on Bradley’s signing and surgery here.

Kabongo excels at the FIBA Americas U18 Championship for Men

Thursday, July 1st, 2010

Myck Kabongo at the U18 FIBA Americas Championship for Men

Ross Davis/FIBA Americas

Toronto PG and Texas 2011 commit, Myck Kabongo, helped Team Canada take 3rd place in the FIBA Americas U18 Championship for Men which was held this year in San Antonio, Texas from June 26th-30th.  Kabongo finished the tournament averaging 19.8 points and 6.4 assists per game.  His scoring average ranked 4th overall and he lead the tournament in assists. The complete list of statistical leaders can be found here.

Team Canada beat Team Argentina 86-83 in overtime to take the bronze medal.  Team USA took home the gold medal after beating Team Brazil 81-78 in the championship game.  USA, Brazil, Canada, and Argentina qualified for the 2011 FIBA U19 World Championship for Men which will be played in Latvia from June 30th to July 10th.