Olympic Basketball

Le Bron James and Kobe Bryant earned between US$52 and US$53 million each in 2011. Basketball really is a remarkable sport! It was only in 1989 that the Olympic movement decided to allow these highly paid professional basketball players to represent their countries at the Games. Since then the tournament has become more exciting than ever.

I had only ever seen a live basketball game once in New York. It was incredible (being at Madison Square Garden ‘n all)! But I had not seen it played at the level one would see at the Olympics. I may never see it again.

One ticket was on offer in the Team SA office. As I had missed so much of the Games being in the Olympic Village, I jumped at the ticket. And that jump was almost as high as those guys defending their posts 😉

During the early stages of the Olympics the basketball was held in the Handball (Basketball) Arena in the Olympic Park. It was one of the largest temporary structures to be built for an Olympic Games. Most of it will be recycled after the Games. Elements and equipment will be shipped to other parts of the UK.

But, the Basketball moved to the to the O2 Arena, which was rebranded as the North Greenwich Arena during the Games. And the Handball events were to take place in the Olympic Park.

I made my way to the arena after my shift in the Olympic Village to see the Men’s Semi Final – Russia vs Spain. For a game invented in 1891, it really has a modern feel. The fashion, the music, the crowds, the entertainment, and the general vibe was incredibly hip and happening. (That is such a granny phrase!)

The History of Basketball

The game made its debut in the 1936 Summer Games. But it had been a demonstration sport in 1904 when it was played on the outdoor tennis courts. What made 1936 so special though, was that the man who actually invented the game, Dr Naismith, presented the victory medals. That would’ve been a true honour!

Today I was in a very modern venue, with press, cameras, flags and energy!

The game has been dominated by the USA for decades (well, since its invention in the US). It was great to see two of the top teams in the world compete for a place in the finals. And to see who would play against the winners of the USA vs Argentina game later that evening.

The Spaniards won an incredible game, with the final score at 67 – 59. I am sure that this was because they have more players on their team playing in north America than the Russians. The Spanish players play for the LA Lakers, the Denver Nuggets, the Toronto Raptons, Memphis Grizzlies, Oklahoma City Thunder and in their own Spanish league. The Russian are mostly based in the Russia.

And how tall are these men? To see so many extremely tall people in one place is almost comical. Even the ref looked like a child! Yes, height does play a role in this game. But the skills needed to play the ball like an extension of their arms, and the fitness these man and women have really makes the game awe inspiring. And especially when watched at the top levels. There was actually a motion filed in 1936 to ban basketball athletes over 1.90m or 6ft 2.75 inches tall. But thankfully this was withdrawn.

Controversy in 1972

The London 2012 Basketball tournament ran smoothly. It was nothing like the 1972 finals which was the most controversial event in Olympic Basketball history. With one second to go, the USA were in the lead 50-49. The Russian inbound pass was deflected. Everyone thought the game was over. But they were given another shot, and did not score. The authorities decided that being allowed another shot with only one second to go, was not according to the rules. And the game was restarted with 3 seconds to go. The Soviets scored and won the gold. Team USA lodged a complaint, but was eventually awarded and refused to accept their silver medals. To this day the medals are kept at the IOC headquarters in Switzerland.

Totally Present

I soaked it all in. Every ounce of the energy, the atmosphere and reality of being at an Olympic basketball semi-final. There really is nothing like being totally present to absorb everything about the Olympic spirit and realise my Olympic dream.