LeBron James played a picture perfect first half scoring 26 points on 11-11 shooting, including four three pointers, thunderous dunks, and smooth jumpers in a 118-79 win over Uruguay.
In a sensational display of speed and power, James raised his tournament-leading shooting percentage to an almost comical 79.7 percent (47-of-59). He is 14-of-20 from 3-point range, a 70 percent mark that also leads the event.
The American scoring record in an Olympic qualifying game is 28 points, shared by Carmelo Anthony, and Allen Iverson. The amazing thing was LeBron James was only 2 points shy of that record despite playing only 14 minutes.
After a few months of wondering what would happen with Yi Jianlian, it finally looks like he has decided to sign with the Milwaukee Bucks. Originally not interested in playing in a city which had a small asian population, the 6′11 Chinese power forward said that he would only play in Chicago, or Golden State. It’s reported that there was some monetary compensation involved in the deal to his former team, the Guangdong Tigers.
Herb Kohl, the Bucker owner, had some positive things to say about the 19 year old prospect:
“He impressed us,” Kohl said. “There’s going to be no question about his character, about his work ethic, about his desire to do good for himself and his team and his country.”
“It sort of cemented the relationship in a human and social sort of way,” Kohl said. “He has wonderful parents, which is not surprising because he’s a wonderful guy. And we sit here very pleased and happy.”
“When it came down to it, it was not a question of our city or of the composition of our city in terms of its diversity, but rather a question almost entirely of is he going to have a full chance and full opportunity to play and develop and grow in Milwaukee,” Kohl said. “When they became confident that that was the case, they then thawed in terms of their reluctance, put aside their doubts and said, ‘OK, we’re prepared to sign on.”‘
Three years after Puerto Rico stunned the United States in Athens 92-73 Team USA got a little payback tonight. With the win they also clinched a berth in the FIBA Americas semifinals. LeBron James led the team with 21 points, and Carmelo Anthony followed close behind with 17 who added:
“I don’t hold grudges, but I still keep that game in the back of my mind every time we play them,” Carmelo Anthony said. “Even last year when we played them we really wanted to get after them, and tonight we wanted to get after them, also.”
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