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08/25/2010 - Toronto, Canada (Sportsbook Betting Lines) -
Country: Brazil
FIBA Ranking: 14
Head Coach: Ruben Magnano
Key Players: Leandro Barbosa, Anderson Varejao, Tiago Splitter
Overview: Under the guidance of new head coach Ruben Magnano, who had previously led Argentina to a silver at the 2002 FIBA World Championship and a gold medal at the 2004 Olympics, the nation most known for its soccer exploits will look to cash in on what some have called to be a golden generation of talent and try to regain its all-world form they used to have between the mid- fifties to the late seventies.
Strengths: Brazil has the ability to score inside-out thanks to the skills of Splitter in the paint and the perimeter talent of Barbosa. On top of that, they can also defend their own basket effectively, particularly on the inside - evidenced by the fact that they were the best defensive team in the 2009 FIBA Americas tournament.
Weaknesses: Despite being named best defensive team in last year's FIBA Americas Championship, Brazil's main weakness is on the defensive end of the floor. Its interior defense is exceptional, but they run into problems defending the perimeter properly, mainly due to its undersized guards that have difficulty defending shots by taller backcourt players.
Tournament Expectations: Brazil will more than likely be in a battle with Croatia for second place in Group B and they have a good shot at claiming that spot. With the way the draws in the knockout stages are predicted to go, the Brazilians should be expected to at least make it out of the round of 16.
Country: Croatia
FIBA Ranking: 15
Head Coach: Josip Vrankovic
Key Players: Roko Ukic, Ante Tomic
Overview: Croatia has seen a resurgence of its basketball might of late. After claiming a bronze medal at the 1994 FIBA World Championship, the European nation's basketball level dropped until its revival at the 2008 Olympics and EuroBasket 2009 (both sixth-place finishes). These two small successes have them hungry to go for its second FIBA World Championship medal.
Strengths: Much like legendary Croatian player Drazen Petrovic, this team can shoot the ball exceptionally well. Its main offense comes from the perimeter, both from beyond the arc and a few steps inside the line. This main offensive threat also compliments the finesse inside game that a lot of its big men like to play, taking and making shots from the high post.
Weaknesses: They have a talented, but inexperienced front court. Other teams that are more physical up front will be able to bully the Croatian bigs and take them out of their comfort zone.
Tournament Expectations: Croatia should be expected to at least make it to the round of 16. What happens after that really depends on where they finish in its group and given the predicted way the draws are shaping up, there sees a much more favorable matchup for the second place finisher as opposed to the third place one.
Country: Iran
FIBA Ranking: 21
Head Coach: Veselin Matic
Key Players: Hamed Haddadi, Arsalan Kazemi
Overview: Led by head coach Veselin Matic, who previously had coached the Polish national team, Iran saw great success immediately by defending its FIBA Asia Championship title last year. The Iranians will look to build on that success by making it to the knockout round of the world championship.
Strengths: One way to describe Iran is big. Up front they have three players who are six-foot-11 and over. These big men are complimented by an overall toughness and commitment to defense that every player on the team relishes.
Weaknesses: Another way to describe Iran is undersized. Out on the perimeter, its players are all too small for the positions they play, thus they will struggle to get quality looks over taller defenders, and can easily be overpowered by stronger, more athletic guards on defense.
Tournament Expectations: Iran will be in a tough fight with Slovenia for a shot at advancing past the group stage. With the top three spots most likely going to the United States, Brazil and Croatia, expect Iran to be on the bubble and competing for that fourth and final advancing spot in group B.
Country: Tunisia
FIBA Ranking: 43
Head Coach: Adel Tlatli
Key Player: Amine Rzig
Overview: This will be the first time Tunisia has ever participated in the FIBA World Championship after earning a berth with a bronze medal performance in the 2009 FIBA Africa Championship.
Strengths: Star guard Rzig can fill it up in a hurry thanks to his outside scoring touch. However, the team's real strength lies in head coach Tlatli, who is with his second stint with the national team and has even so far as to stopping the country's semi-pro league to give the national team more practice time. He is seen as an ambassador of Tunisian basketball and his influence on the team cannot be overstated.
Weaknesses: This is a very short roster. Tunisia will be eaten up in the low post, and will have a very difficult time defending any position one-on-one because of its height disadvantage. To make matters worse, its one true big is very inexperienced and will most likely be dealing with things on the floor he has never seen before.
Tournament Expectations: The 2010 FIBA World Championship will be a memorable one for Tunisia simply because it will be the nation's first appearance at the tournament. That will be the only good memory for the small African nation at the tournament, however, as they will more than likely finish last in the group and will probably struggle to win any of their games.
Country: Slovenia
FIBA Ranking: 20
Head Coach: Memi Becirovic
Key Players: Goran Dragic, Bostjan Nachbar
Overview: Slovenia lost a few key players in Beno Udrih, who decided to quit the team because of playing time gripes, and Erazem Lorbek. Despite the setbacks, they do have enough talent to make them a threat in the tournament.
Strengths: Pretty much all of their big men are the versatile type and are capable of posting up and stepping behind the arc to nail a three-pointer. In addition to the danger that its front court presents out on the outside, the Slovenian guards are lights-out shooters from just about anywhere on the floor, making this team very dangerous offensively.
Weaknesses: Since most of their big men are so versatile, the Slovenians lack some of the strength needed to compete in the post defensively. Teams with stronger big men will be able to pound them upfront and cause problems such as foul trouble, and offensive rebounding opportunities.
Tournament Expectations: Slovenia will be in the same boat as Iran, competing for that fourth spot in the group. The Slovenes probably have the edge in this battle because they're outside shooting is prolific and can change the course of the game in a hurry. They're also a more veteran-heavy squad than Iran, with a few former and current NBA players on their roster, including Primoz Brezec and Uros Slokar. These factors should vault them over the Iranians, but it is not a guarantee.
Country: United States of America
FIBA Ranking: 2
Head Coach: Mike Krzyzewski
Key Players: Kevin Durant, Chauncey Billups
Overview:
The United states have a completely different squad than the now famous "Redeem Team" of 2008, and will look to further the development of its national program by giving some of its rising stars a chance to shine.
Strengths: There is no team more dangerous in the open floor than the United States. The U.S. should look to always push the tempo because it will be hard- pressed to be stopped when it decides to run, especially with point guards like Derrick Rose and Chauncey Billups who love to get out in transition.
Weaknesses: While very athletic, the team is a little undersized. It's mostly comprised of guards and slashing forwards without any real interior presence, with the exception of Tyson Chandler. If opposing teams execute well in the half-court, America may struggle to stop strong offenses.
Tournament Expectations: Despite its FIBA ranking of second in the world, the United States is the most talented team in the tournament and should be expected to win it all. USA won't have their biggest guns in attendance like they did in Beijing but they still have a team loaded with depth at all five positions. What's interesting about this team is that the majority of them have never been exposed to the international game for a long period of time and it seems as if Coach K and the rest of USA Basketball is sending this specific squad to give the up-and-coming players in their system some quality experience and playing time in the international game.
<< Hara will take charge of Japan on interim basis
Tokyo, Japan (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Hiromi Hara, the technical director of the
Japanese Football Association, will take charge of the national team for a
pair of upcoming friendlies as he continues to search for a new manager.
Japan adv
<< Juventus confirms Aquilani move
Turin, Italy (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Juventus announced on Wednesday that the club
has acquired Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani on loan, with an option for
a permanent move for $20 million at the end of the season.
The 26-year-old Aquila
<< Bolts re-sign Downie
Toronto, ON (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Tampa Bay Lightning have reportedly re-
signed restricted free agent Steve Downie.
According to TSN of Canada, the right winger signed a two-year, $3.7 million
deal.
Downie, 23, had 22 goals, 24 a
<< FCS Season Preview: Missouri Valley
Philadelphia, PA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - With Southern Illinois having won a record
14 straight conference games and gone 15-1 since the Missouri Valley Football
Conference replaced its old Gateway name in 2008, it is easy to overlook
something abou
FCD producing positive results under Hyndman >>
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Suddenly FC Dallas is looking like a legitimate contender
in Major League Soccer under head coach Schellas Hyndman.
That hasn't always been the case since the long-time Southern Methodist
University coach took ove
FIBA World Basketball Championship Preview - Group D >>
Toronto, Canada (Sportsbook Betting Lines) -
Country: Canada
FIBA Ranking: 19
Head Coach: Leo Rautins
Key Players: Joel Anthony, Andy Rautins
Overview: It's been sometime since Canada has made an impact on the world
stage and since the de
Kroenke becomes majority owner of Rams >>
St. Louis, MO (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The St. Louis Rams announced on Wednesday
that E. Stanley Kroenke has become the majority owner of the club.
The decision was made via a vote by the rest of the league's owners at a
meeting in Atlanta.
"St
CFL Previews - August 27-28 - Week Nine >>
Philadelphia, PA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) -
CALGARY STAMPEDERS (6-1) at BRITISH COLUMBIA LIONS (1-6)
DATE & TIME: Friday, August 27, 10:30 p.m. (et).
GAME NOTES: A couple of teams heading in opposite directions in the CFL's
Western Division
Chiefs' Treen Green out for Sunday's game
How long Trent Green will remain sidelined is unknown. Coach Herm Edwards said Monday he will miss a second straight start Sunday when the Chiefs host the San Francisco 49ers.
A two-time Pro Bowler, Green was going into a feet-first hook slide when he was knocked unconscious by a thunderous, head-snapping hit from Cincinnati's Robert Geathers.
Oddsmakers at online sportsbook MySportsbook.com currently have the Chiefs listed as 7-point favorites versus the 49ers.
The 49ers got beat by Philadelphia 38-24 as a 6.5-point underdog last week. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (42.5).
Alex Smith completed 27-of-46 passes for 293 yards with a touchdown. Michael Robinson rushed for 29 yards and a pair of touchdowns on five carries.
The Chiefs lost 9-6 to Denver last week as an 11-point underdog. The combined score was well UNDER the posted over/under total (38).
Larry Johnson rushed for 126 yards on 27 carries. Damon Huard completed 17-of-23 passes for 133 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions.
To visit this online sports book got to MySportsbook.com for all your football betting needs.
Terrell Owens will address the media at a 3:15 p.m. ET news conference outside the Cowboys' practice facility after an internal police report indicated he tried to kill himself by overdosing on prescription pain medication, even putting two more pills into his mouth after a friend intervened.
The Dallas police report said Owens was asked by rescue workers "if he was attempting to harm himself, at which time [he] stated, 'Yes.'"
Owens left the hospital late Wednesday morning, giving reporters a "thumbs up" but making no comment as he was driven away in an SUV.
Michael Irvin said that Owens denied he attempted suicide and said he was rushed to the hospital as a result of an adverse reaction to medication. And a source close to Owens told Michael A. Smith that Owens wasn't attempting suicide.
NFL Network analyst Deion Sanders said he spoke with Owens shortly before his release from the hospital and that Owens was in good spirits.
"The fact that it has been reported a suicide attempt, he's laughed at that notion. It was a case that medication that was taken wasn't accepted well in his system with the other vitamins he's on," Sanders said.
The series of events began a little before 8 p.m. Tuesday.
Owens' publicist, Kim Etheredge, said she was at Owens' home when he took pain medicine for his broken right hand. Concerned by how he began acting, Etheredge said in various interviews Wednesday with Dallas-area media that she called 911. Owens was taken to a hospital, with Etheredge saying it was an allergic reaction to the medicine.
But early Wednesday, several media outlets received a police report -- that had yet to be released by the authorities -- saying Owens had attempted suicide by overdosing on the painkillers, even putting two more pills into his mouth after an unidentified friend intervened.
The police document, first reported by WFAA-TV, said Owens was asked by rescue workers "if he was attempting to harm himself, at which time [he] stated, 'Yes.'"
When officially released by police, about half the document was blacked out, including the phrases "attempting suicide by prescription pain medication" and "a drug overdose," as well as the details of Owens having two pills pried from his mouth and Owens saying "Yes" when asked if he intended to harm himself.
Etheredge, who said she was the friend cited in the police document, told Dallas-area media Wednesday that the police got the story wrong.
The tape of the 911 call could help clear things up. The Associated Press filed a request under the Freedom of Information Act to get its contents, but fire department officials said it would not be available before late Wednesday.
The police report said the 32-year-old Owens told his friend "that he was depressed." Details of the police report were first reported by WFAA-TV.
The friend, who is not identified in the report, "noticed that [his] prescription pain medication was empty and observed [Owens] putting two pills in his mouth," the police report said.
Using her fingers, the friend attempted to pry them out of Owens' mouth. Owens told police he had taken only five of the 40 pain pills in the bottle he'd emptied before the incident.
Etheredge told the Star-Telegram that Owens was "fine."
Etheredge said she called 911 because Owens was groggy and lethargic. After taking some supplements "it kicked in a reaction" with the painkillers, she told the Star-Telegram.
"Here's a person whose body is so clean, it really had a negative reaction to the medication and supplements he was taking," Etheridge told The Morning News. "Thank goodness someone was there to call an ambulance."
Police Lt. Rick Watson said he could only confirm that paramedics called police to say they were taking Owens to the hospital. He said no more details would come from the police because no laws were broken.
It is not a crime in Texas for a person to attempt suicide.
"This is a high-profile person. We looked into it and we determined it is not a criminal offense," Watson said. "This a medical type of situation that occurred."
Watson and fire department spokesman Joel Lavender cited privacy laws for the lack of information they could provide. Lavender said more details could come from the 911 call. The Associated Press filed a request under the Freedom of Information Act to get the contents of the call.
"Let's just look at the tape, review the tape," Lavender said. "I'll give you an honest answer once I know something."
At the police news conference, Watson released a version of the police narrative with certain sections blacked out. The full report was obtained by several news outlets and reported first by WFAA. The AP received the full version from WFAA.
According to the police report, Dallas Fire and Rescue was called regarding someone "attempting suicide by prescription pain medication." Officers arrived to find Owens being stabilized by ambulance workers, who then took him to Baylor University Medical Center.
Owens was hospitalized late Tuesday because of what his publicist said was an allergic reaction to pain medicine he was taking for a broken hand. Doctors reportedly tried to induce vomiting.
Owens, one of the league's top receivers during his 11-year NFL career, is best known for wild stunts on the field and other publicity-seeking antics off it.
When the Cowboys signed him to a $25 million, three-year deal in March, they said their background checks indicated no red flags. In fact, team consultant Calvin Hill -- who mostly deals with troubled players -- said during training camp that his department was not involved with Owens because he didn't have a history of those kinds of problems.
He missed most of training camp, and three of four preseason games, because of a hamstring injury. He was late for work during his recovery and was fined for it, but Owens laughed it off, saying he overslept. He said it had happened before, though not with Dallas, and would probably happen again.
Owens broke the bone leading to his right ring finger during a game a week ago Sunday. The next day, doctors screwed in a plate so the bone could heal without fear of further damage. Cowboys coach Bill Parcells said last week that the pain medicine made Owens ill.
Owens had not practiced since the injury, but because Dallas had a bye this past weekend he did not miss a game. He was expected to practice Wednesday, and Parcells had said there was a chance Owens could play Sunday against Tennessee.
Owens had been especially looking forward to the Cowboys' game after that -- Oct. 8, in Philadelphia, against the team that dumped him midway through last season only months after he helped them nearly win the Super Bowl.
Owens was seen laughing and joking on the practice field Tuesday morning. He chatted briefly with reporters in the locker room in the afternoon and seemed fine. A 2-inch scar on the top of his hand was puffy but not wrapped, and he said the swelling was doing down.
While in the locker room, he took a pill from a white paper bag and looked at another medicine bottle that was in the bag. He also called a business partner about a towel-wrap venture they're starting and joked to TV cameras that he wasn't talking until Wednesday and it was only Tuesday.
"My little boy knows better than that," he said, laughing, as he plopped onto a sofa in the middle of the locker room.
Also Tuesday, Owens was involved in launching a national campaign for the National Alliance to End Abuse, an organization aimed at helping at-risk youngsters. He appeared at a high school Tuesday morning and was scheduled to visit others but had to cancel because of changes in the team's practice schedule.
Owens has played two games for the Cowboys, catching nine passes for 99 yards and a touchdown. For updated football betting lines and Dallas Cowboy Superbowl odds visit online sportsbook MySportsbook.com
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