https://www.scmp.com/rss/325512/feed The International Basketball Federation, more commonly known as FIBA, from its French name Federation internationale de basketball, is an association of national organisations which governs international competition in basketball. FIBA defines the international rules of basketball, specifies the equipment and facilities required, regulates the transfer of athletes across countries, and controls the appointment of international referees. A total of 213 national federations are now members,... en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Ishani Sarkar Ishani Sarkar If you think Gheorghe Mureşan and Manute Bol, both of whom are 231cm (7ft 7 inches) tall, or even Sun Mingming, who stands at a mighty 236cm (7ft 8.9 inches), are the tallest basketball players in the world, think again. College basketballer Olivier Rioux, 20, now holds the record, with a staggering height of 236cm (7ft 9 inches). He made it to the Guinness Book of World Records in 2021 as the tallest teenager when he was 226cm (7ft 5 inches) tall. View this post on... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people/celebrities/article/3348748/meet-olivier-rioux-tallest-basketball-player-world-whos-nba-prospect?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people/celebrities/article/3348748/meet-olivier-rioux-tallest-basketball-player-world-whos-nba-prospect?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 04 Apr 2026 22:00:17 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan South China are aiming to make an impact when their Basketball Champions League Asia campaign begins next week, and have some old faces on hand to help their cause. Playing in their first overseas competition in more than 40 years, the Hong Kong side have temporarily brought back four former players to bolster their line-up. Dominic Gilbert and Glen Yang have come in from A1 Division rivals Hong Kong Eastern, Leung Shiu-wah returns from Winling, while Tsai Choi-kwan comes back from Tycoon. The... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3349032/south-china-bringing-back-some-old-hands-they-start-champions-league-asia-campaign?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3349032/south-china-bringing-back-some-old-hands-they-start-champions-league-asia-campaign?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 04 Apr 2026 09:35:07 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang China’s women had already reached this year’s Fiba Basketball World Cup by the time they came up against the Czech Republic on Sunday, but there was no chance of their going easy. Gong Luming’s side powered to an 84-74 victory, sealing their third win of the play-in tournament in some style, and putting the finishing touches to a qualification secured by Brazil’s 76-73 win over Mali hours earlier at Wuhan Sports Centre Gymnasium. The win took China to second in the standings before they face the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3346747/womens-basketball-world-cup-china-get-through-qualifiers-want-be-better-team?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3346747/womens-basketball-world-cup-china-get-through-qualifiers-want-be-better-team?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Mar 2026 13:00:08 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan China get another chance to qualify for the Fiba Women’s Basketball World Cup this week, and will have home fans roaring them on. Gong Luming’s side will play five matches in seven days in a six-team tournament in Wuhan and need to finish in the top three to reach September’s tournament in Berlin. An opener against Mali on Wednesday will be followed by ties against the already qualified Belgium, South Sudan, the Czech Republic and Brazil at the Wuhan Sports Centre Gymnasium. Centre Han Xu, a key... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3345988/chinas-big-four-back-another-shot-reaching-womens-basketball-world-cup?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3345988/chinas-big-four-back-another-shot-reaching-womens-basketball-world-cup?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:00:27 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Hong Kong’s omission from this year’s Asian Games basketball tournament came as a complete shock, the city’s stunned players said on Tuesday, even though officials knew it might happen. A day after organisers revealed they were cutting the number of men’s teams to a 24-year low of just 12, while leaving the women’s competition at the same number, players from both squads said while they had been left in the dark they were “sad but not surprised”. And sources said the sport’s governing body in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3345320/hong-kong-basketball-players-sad-not-surprised-after-learning-about-games-axe?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3345320/hong-kong-basketball-players-sad-not-surprised-after-learning-about-games-axe?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Mar 2026 00:00:14 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Hong Kong will not be sending men’s or women’s basketball teams to this year’s Asian Games in Japan, after organisers slashed the number of teams to the lowest in more than 20 years. And while there was a last-minute reprieve three years ago in Hangzhou, it seems unlikely that will happen this time around, with just 12 teams per gender invited to take part. For the men, who had 16 teams competing in Hangzhou three years ago compared with the women’s 12, it is the smallest field since the 2002... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3345166/asian-games-basketball-axe-leaves-hong-kong-teams-outside-looking?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3345166/asian-games-basketball-axe-leaves-hong-kong-teams-outside-looking?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 02 Mar 2026 13:00:14 +0000 Ada Li Ada Li The International Basketball Federation (Fiba) has apologised to China’s national team and their fans after describing their victory over Japan as “a sneaky win” on social media. China came from behind to beat hosts Japan 87-80 in their Fiba Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers match on Thursday in Okinawa, overturning a 14-point deficit in the second half. After the game, the sport’s governing body posted the result on its official social media platforms with the caption: “Drama in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3344986/basketball-world-governing-body-apologises-china-after-calling-win-over-japan-sneaky?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3344986/basketball-world-governing-body-apologises-china-after-calling-win-over-japan-sneaky?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 28 Feb 2026 15:00:12 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan South China have long dominated basketball in Hong Kong – now they are finally going to get the chance to test themselves against some of the region’s best. More than a year after winning a 17th domestic title, and over 40 since their previous foray into overseas competition, the club will take part in the qualifying stages of the Basketball Champions League Asia in April. They will not be eased into things either, with three home matches in four days at Southorn Stadium in Wan Chai. Starting... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3344866/hong-kong-kingpins-south-china-face-tough-start-return-elite-regional-competition?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3344866/hong-kong-kingpins-south-china-face-tough-start-return-elite-regional-competition?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Feb 2026 09:30:08 +0000 Associated Press Associated Press European basketball often is a hot mess of passionate fandom, heated rivalries and financial problems, and holding some powerful fiefdoms together is the EuroLeague. The European competition is not thrilled about the NBA’s plans to create a new competition on the continent. It is not concerned either. “We’ve only heard the plan or the fireworks of how amazing it will be, how much potential there is,” EuroLeague CEO Paulius Motiejunas said of the NBA’s proposed league. “But having a theory is one... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3340257/euroleague-boss-slams-nbas-ambitious-european-plan-bit-broken-record?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3340257/euroleague-boss-slams-nbas-ambitious-european-plan-bit-broken-record?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 17 Jan 2026 10:00:19 +0000 Bloomberg Bloomberg The National Basketball Association has prepared a pitch to investors on a new European league, targeting team valuations of up to US$1 billion, as it readied a pair of regular season games in London and Berlin. NBA commissioner Adam Silver will attend a pair of regular season games in London and Berlin starting on Thursday between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Orlando Magic. Both cities are likely to host a team in a league that could debut as early as next year, according to sources. The NBA... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3339638/nba-targets-us1-billion-team-valuations-it-courts-investors-europe-league?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3339638/nba-targets-us1-billion-team-valuations-it-courts-investors-europe-league?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 12 Jan 2026 14:30:10 +0000 Reuters Reuters Italy’s Serie A and Spain’s La Liga have hit back at a European Union commissioner who branded their plans to stage domestic matches outside as a “betrayal” of the fans. Serie A is planning to stage a match between AC Milan and Como in Perth, Australia, next February, while La Liga hopes to move Villarreal’s game against Barcelona to Miami in December. “I’m deeply disappointed by proposals to stage domestic league matches outside Europe,” Glenn Micallef, EU Sports Commissioner, wrote on social... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3323521/eu-official-says-playing-la-liga-serie-games-abroad-betrayal-fans?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3323521/eu-official-says-playing-la-liga-serie-games-abroad-betrayal-fans?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 28 Aug 2025 13:00:17 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan The Asian University Basketball League is aiming to break into the “sportainment” market, the tournament’s chief executive has said. College basketball players in Asia, and even Hong Kong, remain largely unknown to the public, so to widen the product’s audience, Jay Li Jintian said he was attempting to create a family-type product suitable for parents to bring their children. In the United States, college basketball remains a popular event, and Li said he was hoping to create a similar culture... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3322880/march-madness-asian-college-basketball-looks-copy-us-pizazz-widen-appeal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3322880/march-madness-asian-college-basketball-looks-copy-us-pizazz-widen-appeal?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 23 Aug 2025 00:30:08 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan China’s run to basketball’s Fiba Asia Cup final was “just the start”, captain Zhao Rui said after an agonising loss to Australia late on Sunday. Hu Mingxuan missed a potential game-winner in the dying seconds, sealing China’s 90-89 loss as the Australians secured a three-peat in Jeddah. Zhao said it was “a pity” his team fell just short, but tried to see the positives. “This loss actually motivates us – we can learn from it and improve the areas where we need to improve,” said Zhao, who finished... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3322177/chinas-basketball-players-find-positives-agonising-fiba-asia-cup-final-loss?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3322177/chinas-basketball-players-find-positives-agonising-fiba-asia-cup-final-loss?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 18 Aug 2025 03:48:37 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan China head coach Guo Shiqiang praised his team for “sticking together” after reaching the Fiba Asia Cup final for the first time in over a decade on Saturday. Injuries and absentees meant China came into the tournament with low expectations. But an impressive 98-84 victory over New Zealand meant the tournament’s most decorated team with 16 titles will face two-time defending champions Australia in Jeddah on Sunday. “We showed our fighting spirit and played unselfishly on the court,” Guo said.... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3322111/china-head-coach-praises-teams-togetherness-after-reaching-fiba-asia-cup-final?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3322111/china-head-coach-praises-teams-togetherness-after-reaching-fiba-asia-cup-final?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 17 Aug 2025 02:07:20 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan China will take on New Zealand in basketball’s Fiba Asia Cup semi-finals in Saudi Arabia on Saturday after a victory over South Korea that coach Guo Shiqiang said had earned his team some respect. A 79-71 win on Thursday at Jeddah’s King Abdullah Sports City set up a Saturday evening clash with the Tall Blacks, who overcame a 22-point deficit to send Lebanon packing with a 90-86 win. Chinese fans celebrated a hard-fought victory featuring a series of controversial calls, as their country reached... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3322019/china-basketball-team-earn-respect-against-koreans-reach-first-asia-cup-semi-decade?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3322019/china-basketball-team-earn-respect-against-koreans-reach-first-asia-cup-semi-decade?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 15 Aug 2025 11:45:08 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Reigning champions Hong Kong Bulls have been left without a venue for China’s National Basketball League play-offs this month, after the governing body ruled Southorn Stadium in Wan Chai was not up to standard. The Hong Kong outfit are one of eight teams in the Chinese second-tier league this season. They have confirmed receipt of a warning letter from the Chinese Basketball Association, stating there is insufficient space between the stands – the goalposts – and the walls. The NBL’s standards... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3321857/hong-kong-bulls-race-against-time-find-venue-chinese-basketball-play-offs?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3321857/hong-kong-bulls-race-against-time-find-venue-chinese-basketball-play-offs?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 15 Aug 2025 00:00:09 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Fans of the China men’s basketball team should brace themselves for some bad results at the coming Fiba Asia Cup, with head coach Guo Shiqiang saying some of his best players were unavailable through injury. Zhou Qi was among those not listed in the initial 14-man roster for the tournament in Saudi Arabia, with the towering centre undergoing some untimely rehabilitation in the United States. Others missing from the squad included Zeng Fanbo, Zhang Zhenlin, Zhao Jiwei and Cui Yongxi, while Yang... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3320243/fiba-asia-cup-fans-think-chinas-men-all-set-failure-zhou-qi-missing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3320243/fiba-asia-cup-fans-think-chinas-men-all-set-failure-zhou-qi-missing?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 31 Jul 2025 07:00:04 +0000 SCMP Sport SCMP Sport Mainland Chinese social media users heaped praise on the Chinese Basketball Association after the governing body announced on Thursday that promising young centre Yang Hansen would not participate in the national team’s training camp or the 2025 Fiba Asia Cup, allowing him to focus on his development with the Portland Trail Blazers. Yang, the No 16 pick at last month’s NBA Draft, will attend two short training camps hosted by the Trail Blazers beginning on August 11. “After finishing his NBA... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3319548/chinese-centre-yang-hansen-skip-fiba-asia-cup-focus-developing-game-portland?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3319548/chinese-centre-yang-hansen-skip-fiba-asia-cup-focus-developing-game-portland?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 25 Jul 2025 04:45:39 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Even the No 10 hurricane signal brought by Typhoon Wipha could not stop the action at Fiba 3x3 World Tour Hong Kong on Sunday, and almost as inevitable as the storm’s approach was Ub’s convincing 21-14 victory over Hangzhou. The world No 1 team from Serbia have now won three straight masters tours, after also winning in Marseille and Vienna, in May and June, respectively. On Saturday, the organisers told the Post the final day of the event at the Convention and Exhibition Centre would continue... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3318915/show-must-go-ub-huishan-blow-3x3-opposition-away-indoors-wipha-howls-outside?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3318915/show-must-go-ub-huishan-blow-3x3-opposition-away-indoors-wipha-howls-outside?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 20 Jul 2025 12:29:55 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Chinese fans and commentators have not taken Saturday’s shock loss to Japan in the Fiba Women’s Asia Cup well, and former favourites Zhang Ziyu and Han Yu are bearing the brunt. Formerly hailed as “phenomenal” and the “twin towers” of the team, the pair were among their side’s leading scorers in the 90-81 semi-final loss in Shenzhen, with 17 and 18 points respectively. But those points came on their worst shooting nights of the tournament, where teenager Zhang made 50 per cent of her attempts,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3318889/furious-chinese-fans-turn-teen-zhang-ziyu-ex-wnba-star-han-after-shock-loss-japan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3318889/furious-chinese-fans-turn-teen-zhang-ziyu-ex-wnba-star-han-after-shock-loss-japan?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 20 Jul 2025 04:27:11 +0000 Lars Hamer Lars Hamer From the moment she stepped onto a basketball court, China’s 7ft 5in (2.26 metre) centre Zhang Ziyu has been a viral sensation. Footage of the “moving Great Wall” towering above her opponents – teammates passing her the ball before she simply places it in the net with barely a jump – has become a common occurrence since she burst on to the scene a year ago. Being an imposing presence on the court is one thing, but being able to turn it into team success is another. At best, Zhang will claim a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3318873/zhang-ziyu-chinas-strategic-nuclear-weapon-verge-medal-senior-tournament-debut?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3318873/zhang-ziyu-chinas-strategic-nuclear-weapon-verge-medal-senior-tournament-debut?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 20 Jul 2025 00:00:17 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan The decision to move the Fiba 3x3 World Tour Hong Kong indoors appeared to have paid off for organisers on Saturday, as Tropical Storm Wipha edged closer to the city. And with the Observatory expected to issue a No 8 typhoon signal “in the small hours of Sunday”, officials said the tournament would proceed as scheduled even if a signal or a black rain warning was needed. That was not necessary on the first day of the event, which was switched to the Exhibition and Conference centre when it... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3318860/decision-move-fiba-3x3-world-tour-hong-kong-indoors-pays-wipha-looms?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3318860/decision-move-fiba-3x3-world-tour-hong-kong-indoors-pays-wipha-looms?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 19 Jul 2025 10:41:45 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Fans and commentators were split over basketball phenomenon Zhang Ziyu’s competitive debut in China’s blowout victory over Indonesia in the Fiba Women’s Asia Cup on Sunday. Starting off the bench, Zhang finished with 13 points, four rebounds, two assists and one block in 11 minutes as the reigning champions dominated in a 110-59 win on the opening day in Shenzhen. After the match, head coach Gong Luming defended Zhang, who turned 18 last month, against accusations she was slow and lacked... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3318154/chinese-basketball-sensation-receives-mixed-reviews-competitive-debut?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3318154/chinese-basketball-sensation-receives-mixed-reviews-competitive-debut?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 14 Jul 2025 11:00:07 +0000 Lars Hamer Lars Hamer China’s new basketball golden boy, Yang Hansen, has been handed the No 16 jersey for the Portland Trail Blazers, a nod to the draft pick that stunned fans across the world. Yang was selected 16th overall in the NBA draft in New York last week, a move that was called “unconventional” and what one league executive said was the “wildest pick I’ve ever seen”. The 20-yer-old could feature for the Portland Trail Blazers as soon as July 11, when his side take on the Golden State Warriors in the NBA... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3316237/yang-hansen-just-good-he-could-start-game-right-now-trail-blazers-coach-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3316237/yang-hansen-just-good-he-could-start-game-right-now-trail-blazers-coach-says?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 29 Jun 2025 03:00:14 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse China look set to unleash their 2.26-metre (7ft 5in) “moving Great Wall” at the Women’s Asia Cup after teenager Zhang Ziyu put in another towering display days after her debut. The 18-year-old centre scored 18 points as China beat great rivals Japan 101-92 on Wednesday in Xian in a warm-up for the regional tournament next month on home soil. It was her third appearance for the senior Chinese squad, having helped them to blowout victories over Bosnia and Herzegovina over the weekend. Chinese... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3315055/chinas-towering-teen-basketball-ace-zhang-ziyu-stars-again-asia-cup-build?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3315055/chinas-towering-teen-basketball-ace-zhang-ziyu-stars-again-asia-cup-build?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 19 Jun 2025 12:30:13 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Japan will be the latest team to get a close look at China women’s teenage basketball sensation Zhang Ziyu, who was labelled “the best player I have ever seen” by one overawed opponent last weekend. Ranked fourth and ninth in the world respectively, China and Japan clash in a friendly in Xian on Wednesday as part of their preparations for next month’s Fiba Asia Cup. Zhang made her senior team debut in a warm-up match against Bosnia and Herzegovina last Friday, and played in a second encounter on... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3314728/china-basketball-teen-sensation-zhang-ziyu-best-player-ive-ever-seen-coach-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3314728/china-basketball-teen-sensation-zhang-ziyu-best-player-ive-ever-seen-coach-says?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Jun 2025 09:30:07 +0000 Ishani Sarkar Ishani Sarkar The Dallas Wings aren’t off to a great start this season, losing their first four games of the year. However, there are still high hopes for star rookie Paige Bueckers, with former basketball star and fellow University of Connecticut alum Diana Taurasi saying on The Athletic Women’s Basketball Show, “One day, [Bueckers is] gonna end up being the best player in the league, for sure.” The 2025 WNBA draft took place last month, bringing a bright new crop of young talent into the league. The Dallas... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/entertainment/article/3312101/meet-paige-bueckers-dallas-wings-star-rookie-former-uconn-huskies-point-guard-was-wnbas-top-draft?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/entertainment/article/3312101/meet-paige-bueckers-dallas-wings-star-rookie-former-uconn-huskies-point-guard-was-wnbas-top-draft?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 28 May 2025 20:00:08 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan The Fiba 3x3 basketball World Tour Hong Kong will be held away from Victoria Park for the first time this summer, the organisers said on Tuesday. Scheduled to run from July 19 to 20, the event – which has been held annually at Causeway Bay since 2022 – will move indoors to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai. With Victoria Park hosting the beach volleyball at the National Games on the dates in November when the 3x3 event usually takes place, sources told the Post a move to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3312012/fiba-3x3-world-tour-hong-kong-be-held-away-victoria-park-first-time?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3312012/fiba-3x3-world-tour-hong-kong-be-held-away-victoria-park-first-time?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 27 May 2025 11:54:39 +0000 They will be watching in Canada, not just because of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, though the NBA’s scoring champion and MVP favourite who plays for Oklahoma City surely helps lure in fans who are north of the border. They will be watching from Serbia and Greece, the homelands of Denver star Nikola Jokic and Milwaukee star Giannis Antetokounmpo, respectively. Alperen Sengun will have them watching Houston games in the middle of the night in Turkey, too. Slovenian fans will be watching Luka Doncic and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3306760/gilgeous-alexander-jokic-antetokounmpo-nba-playoffs-again-showcase-global-stars?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3306760/gilgeous-alexander-jokic-antetokounmpo-nba-playoffs-again-showcase-global-stars?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 16 Apr 2025 14:00:09 +0000 Chris Thornton loves talking about playing basketball on the most fragile-sounding of surfaces: glass. Thornton is managing director of the Americas division of ASB GlassFloor, a German company building floors made of fused-together layers of safety glass covering LED panels. The courts are a far more dynamic visual feast, with customised playing lines, logos, colours, animated graphics and advertisements for multiple sports. In basketball, where wood is still king, Thornton sees growth... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3304945/nba-glass-german-company-would-love-challenge-basketballs-hardwood-floor-foundation?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3304945/nba-glass-german-company-would-love-challenge-basketballs-hardwood-floor-foundation?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 02 Apr 2025 15:00:08 +0000 Anthony Groot Baltink was born and raised in China before studying in the United States, but the Dutch passport holder was adamant he wanted to suit up for Hong Kong’s men’s under-22 basketball squad at November’s National Games. Having lived in the city for only the past few years, the 18-year-old said it was the “incredibly enriching experience” he had enjoyed here since finishing school in the US that prompted him to decide to play for Hong Kong. “The city’s unique culture and its vibrant... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3304898/new-eastern-signing-anthony-baltink-ready-give-dutch-passport-play-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3304898/new-eastern-signing-anthony-baltink-ready-give-dutch-passport-play-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 02 Apr 2025 08:30:14 +0000 The NBA is to review a proposal to create a European basketball league, a spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday, after a report detailed a new competition that could feature up to 10 teams. Sports business news website Sportico said league owners will consider a plan that includes eight to 10 franchises, including up to four teams who already play in the EuroLeague – Europe’s top club competition. The proposed league would also feature new franchises in cities such as London and Paris that could be... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3303920/nba-review-proposal-european-league-includes-new-franchises-london-paris?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3303920/nba-review-proposal-european-league-includes-new-franchises-london-paris?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 26 Mar 2025 05:59:57 +0000 New Orleans Pelicans will become the first NBA team to play in Australia when they tip off in two pre-season games in October, organisers said on Tuesday. Both matches, against Melbourne United and Melbourne Phoenix, will be played at Melbourne Park, best known for hosting the Australian Open tennis. “The significance of this announcement for basketball in Australia and the NBL can’t be overstated,” Larry Kestelman, owner and director of Australia’s National Basketball League, said in a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3301890/new-orleans-pelicans-become-first-nba-team-play-australia-preseason-visit?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3301890/new-orleans-pelicans-become-first-nba-team-play-australia-preseason-visit?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 11 Mar 2025 04:59:03 +0000 Hong Kong basketball bosses insisted they were still on the right track despite the men’s team racking up a sixth straight defeat to end a miserable Fiba Asia Cup qualifying campaign. A 99-83 loss to Chinese Taipei at Tsuen Wan Sports Centre on Sunday marked the end of the road for Hong Kong, after they scraped through the pre-qualifiers with wins over Singapore and Malaysia. The result means Hong Kong not only miss out on the main event again – after failing to advance in 2022 – but they seem... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3299900/hong-kong-basketball-chiefs-remain-hopeful-despite-dismal-fiba-asia-qualifying-campaign?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3299900/hong-kong-basketball-chiefs-remain-hopeful-despite-dismal-fiba-asia-qualifying-campaign?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 24 Feb 2025 09:30:09 +0000 Hong Kong basketball has netted a multimillion-dollar sponsorship deal – and the agreement is expected to add insurance provision, following a series of crises when players representing the city were left footing medical bills. A partnership with Canadian financial services company Sun Life will bring a cash injection of more than HK$10 million (US$1.29 million), intended to improve support for players and fund community activities to promote the sport in the city, the Basketball Association of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3299507/hong-kong-basketball-players-eye-adequate-insurance-after-sponsorship-deal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3299507/hong-kong-basketball-players-eye-adequate-insurance-after-sponsorship-deal?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 20 Feb 2025 23:00:14 +0000 Even the small-scale Tsuen Wan Sports Centre proved on the large side for Hong Kong’s men’s basketball team on Thursday as they suffered a 92-51 defeat by New Zealand. The 41-point pounding by the Tall Blacks in Group B left the Hongkongers still winless after their first five FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers, with a match against Chinese Taipei still to come on Sunday. Playing in front of some empty seats at the 700-capacity arena, the home team took up the challenge of the visitors’ pregame haka by... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3299500/fiba-asia-cup-philippines-shock-loss-adds-hong-kongs-woe-citys-hopes-end?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3299500/fiba-asia-cup-philippines-shock-loss-adds-hong-kongs-woe-citys-hopes-end?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 20 Feb 2025 14:06:41 +0000 Chinese basketball star Guo Ailun hit out at an unnamed teammate on Tuesday after an incident during training left him with an eye injury so severe it could end his sporting career and even lead to blindness. The 31-year-old accused the colleague of potentially ruining his life after he was poked in the eye during a drill and required 40 stitches. Guo, who plays for the Guangzhou Loong Lions, suffered a ruptured conjunctiva: a thin, clear membrane that protects the eye. In a Weibo post, he... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3299267/china-basketball-stars-blindness-fear-after-potentially-career-ending-eye-injury?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3299267/china-basketball-stars-blindness-fear-after-potentially-career-ending-eye-injury?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 19 Feb 2025 06:14:21 +0000 David Muoka, the first Hongkonger to win an NBA contract, cannot currently represent the city after he was told to give up his British passport to acquire one in his hometown. It means that the Hong Kong team will have to contest this month’s Fiba Asia Cup qualifying matches without their long-anticipated addition. In September, Muoka said he would “definitely” don the Hong Kong jersey in the February matches after signalling his intention to play for his birthplace. But he was not in the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3297681/nba-prospect-david-muoka-cannot-play-hong-kong-until-he-gives-uk-passport?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3297681/nba-prospect-david-muoka-cannot-play-hong-kong-until-he-gives-uk-passport?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 06 Feb 2025 22:45:08 +0000 As he left the basketball court behind for a more senior role, veteran referee Edmond Ho Ming-tat knew finding the next generation of potential international officials from Hong Kong was crucial – and the emergence of a newcomer from the city could mean a successor has already come through. His name is Michael Chan Ho-ming, and he is the only Fiba international referee in Hong Kong in possession of both the 3x3- and regular-basketball licences. (Ho also used to hold both licences, but gave up... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3288643/hong-kong-basketball-referee-michael-chan-crossroads-which-career-and-which-format?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3288643/hong-kong-basketball-referee-michael-chan-crossroads-which-career-and-which-format?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 30 Nov 2024 04:00:09 +0000 The head of Hong Kong basketball says he would love to naturalise players to help boost the city’s poor record on the international stage, but does not know who might be eligible. Norman Chan Shui-tim, chairman of the Basketball Association of Hong Kong, China, added that it was up to clubs to let him know who could qualify, and bemoaned the lack of professionalism domestically. Naturalising players has become a popular approach across Asia in recent years, with Taiwan and the Philippines – who... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3288177/hong-kong-basketball-chief-clubs-let-us-know-whom-naturalise-and-well-get-them?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3288177/hong-kong-basketball-chief-clubs-let-us-know-whom-naturalise-and-well-get-them?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 26 Nov 2024 09:30:22 +0000 A normal day for Brooklyn Nets’ new signing Jacky Cui Yongxi starts as early as 7.30am as he gets out of his bed before training starts 90 minutes later. Things are usually wrapped up early in the afternoon – no later than 2pm – and a “recovery nap” that follows usually means there “isn’t much free time” left. But Cui said he had felt improvement in himself since training at a much higher level in the United States, and was waiting patiently for his next call off the bench. “Training here is... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3288052/cui-yongxi-learning-ropes-brooklyn-nets-hopes-share-experience-team-china?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3288052/cui-yongxi-learning-ropes-brooklyn-nets-hopes-share-experience-team-china?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 26 Nov 2024 02:00:09 +0000 The Serbian national team player who lost a kidney at last year’s Basketball World Cup is back on the floor with the club, and helped it clinch a spot in next year’s EuroBasket tournament on Sunday. Borisa Simanic – playing a home game in Belgrade with the national team for the first time since getting hurt in the Philippines last year – scored 12 points on Sunday in Serbia’s 98-51 win over Denmark. The win made Serbia the sixth team to secure a spot in the European championships, along with... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3288015/serbian-player-who-lost-kidney-2023-world-cup-helps-national-team-qualify-eurobasket?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3288015/serbian-player-who-lost-kidney-2023-world-cup-helps-national-team-qualify-eurobasket?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 25 Nov 2024 14:00:13 +0000 Hong Kong’s ability to organise top-class events has been given a ringing endorsement by basketball’s world governing body, with Fiba signing a new 10-year contract to host tournaments in the city. The successful staging of the 3X3 World Tour Final this weekend was enough to convince officials to commit long term to those behind the event in Causeway Bay, the fourth time the city has staged a tournament for the shorter format of the game. Kenny Wong Yiu-kin, CEO of organisers M1 Group, said Fiba... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3287943/world-basketball-bosses-sign-new-10-year-deal-stage-3x3-tournaments-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3287943/world-basketball-bosses-sign-new-10-year-deal-stage-3x3-tournaments-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 25 Nov 2024 00:30:24 +0000 Steve Sir considers Mongolia to be the blueprint others should follow when it comes to developing 3x3 basketball. Suiting up for Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy at the Fiba 3x3 World Tour Final in Hong Kong, the Canadian said there were several things that made Mongolia successful. The country tops the 3x3 basketball regional charts in the men’s and under-23 men’s and women’s categories. “It starts with tremendous sponsorship and leadership, the Mongolian Mining Corporation, Coca-Cola, among a variety of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3287861/fiba-3x3-world-tour-final-mongolia-benchmark-short-form-game-says-canadian-sir?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3287861/fiba-3x3-world-tour-final-mongolia-benchmark-short-form-game-says-canadian-sir?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 23 Nov 2024 12:00:09 +0000 Hong Kong basketball star Glen Yang will again play in the East Asia Super League and the Philippines Basketball Association’s Commissioner’s Cup this season after signing for Hong Kong Eastern and will play as a local player in both competitions. The well-travelled, Vancouver-born player will be playing in Hong Kong, to which he moved at the age of five, for the first time since leaving local A1 Division side South China in 2019. The point guard said it was a “perfect situation” for his latest... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3279735/hong-kong-basketball-star-glen-yang-play-eastern-local-player-2-regional-events?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3279735/hong-kong-basketball-star-glen-yang-play-eastern-local-player-2-regional-events?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Sep 2024 09:30:09 +0000 Hong Kong signalled their intent to further develop 3x3 basketball in the city after adding Olympic gold medallist Agnis Cavars to the roster of the only professional team. Cavars, who alongside Karlis Lasmanis, Edgars Krumins and Nauris Miezis helped Latvia win the maiden men’s final in Tokyo three years ago, has joined Team Hong Kong for the remainder of the season. “As I had said many times, Hong Kong is one of my top choices to live in Asia,” he said. “I loved the city and the people – it is... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3277744/hong-kong-side-sign-latvian-olympic-gold-medallist-boost-citys-3x3-basketball-hopes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3277744/hong-kong-side-sign-latvian-olympic-gold-medallist-boost-citys-3x3-basketball-hopes?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Sep 2024 10:30:08 +0000 Hong Kong are expecting a double upgrade ahead of their next Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers window in November, after NBA G League player David Muoka revealed on Wednesday he was going through the process of acquiring a city passport. Muoka said he would play for Hong Kong once that came through, while Glen Yang, who last played for the Vancouver Bandits in the Canadian Elite Basketball League in July, has also started the process of getting his papers. Making an appearance at the NBA Cares Basketball... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3277174/nba-g-league-star-muoka-eyes-hong-kong-passport-ahead-fiba-asia-cup-qualifiers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3277174/nba-g-league-star-muoka-eyes-hong-kong-passport-ahead-fiba-asia-cup-qualifiers?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Sep 2024 02:30:09 +0000 Hong Kong Eastern will join an expanded East Asia Super League in October, as club officials continue their bid to reach the highest level of basketball in the region. Originally expected to have eight teams, the second full season of the EASL will now boast 10 clubs, with Macau Black Bears also committing to the competition. Two sides each from Taiwan, Japan, South Korea and the Philippines will make up the rest of the elite league, which tips off on October 2. Eastern are expected to play... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3274301/east-asia-super-league-hong-kong-eastern-join-10-team-competition-next-season?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3274301/east-asia-super-league-hong-kong-eastern-join-10-team-competition-next-season?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 14 Aug 2024 01:00:18 +0000 It’s probably usually a 50-50 fight when a hero takes on a villain, but when France hosted Canada in the men’s basketball quarter-final at the Bercy Arena on Tuesday night, it certainly did not look like an equal battle. For the 12 visiting “villains” that shared the court, it must have felt like five versus 11,005 at any given moment, assuming the home fans did not fill more of the 12,800 available seats. The roaring cheer began 30 minutes before the early evening tip-off and the spectators... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3273582/postcard-paris-lord-have-bercy-canada-foreign-journos-crowded-out-basketball?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3273582/postcard-paris-lord-have-bercy-canada-foreign-journos-crowded-out-basketball?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 07 Aug 2024 09:38:14 +0000 The passing of the torch has come for 3x3 basketball referee Edmond Ho Ming-tat, as he moves on from his officiating career after officiating at the women’s final at the Paris Olympics on early morning Tuesday. Hongkonger Ho revealed he had officiated the final match of his career after world No 5 Germany defeated fellow Europeans Spain, ranked one place below, 17-16 to win gold at La Concorde Plaza. Speaking of his “last dance”, the 44-year-old said his time on the court was now a thing of the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3273519/paris-olympics-last-dance-3x3-basketball-referee-edmond-ho-he-takes-new-role?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3273519/paris-olympics-last-dance-3x3-basketball-referee-edmond-ho-he-takes-new-role?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 07 Aug 2024 05:19:27 +0000