0_Wizard
EuroBasket is the "European Basketball Championship" which is highly popular in Europe.
EuroBasket, also commonly referred to as the "European Basketball Championship", is the main international basketball competition contested biannually by the men's national teams governed by FIBA Europe, the European zone within the International Basketball Federation.
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EuroBasket
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Lithuania men's national basketball team
The Lithuania men's national basketball team (Lithuanian: "Lietuvos nacionalinė vyrų krepšinio rinktinė") participates in FIBA's competitions. Despite Lithuania's small size, with a population of just almost 2.9 million, the country's devotion to basketball has made them a traditional force of the sport in Europe. The Lithuanian team won the last EuroBasket tournaments prior to World War II, in 1937 and 1939. The 1939 team was led by Frank Lubin, who helped popularize basketball in the country and was called the "grandfather of Lithuanian basketball". Following the country's annexation by the Soviet Union during the war, Lithuanian players frequently formed the core of the Soviet national team.
Basketball in Greece
The sport of basketball in Greece erupted with the senior men's Greek national basketball team's win at the FIBA EuroBasket 1987 in Piraeus, which caused a general basketball euphoria in the country. Since then, men's Greek national teams have reached constant international success, leading Greece to join Russia, Serbia, Croatia, Italy, Spain, France, and Lithuania in the circle of European basketball powers. In addition to the national team's triumph in 1987, Greece won a gold medal at the FIBA EuroBasket 2005, silver medals at the FIBA EuroBasket 1989 and the 2006 FIBA World Championship, as well as the bronze medal at the FIBA EuroBasket 2009.
Latvia national basketball team
The Latvian national basketball team () had a remarkable success during the inter-war period, being the smallest in population nation to win the EuroBasket. Latvians, like their Balts neighbors Lithuanians, also began playing basketball in 1920s. Though, they were much more advanced back then than their frequent rivals Lithuanians. On 13 December 1925 in Riga, Lithuanians played their first international game. Latvians easily swept them with result 41–20. Later on, Latvians were crushing the future three-times European champions Lithuanians as well (41–29 or even 123–10). In fact, Latvia had one of the world's strongest national basketball teams.
History of the FIBA Basketball World Cup
The History of the FIBA Basketball World Cup began with the first FIBA World Championship in 1950. The FIBA Basketball World Cup is an international basketball competition contested by the men's national teams of the members of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), the sport's global governing body. The championship has been held every four years since the inaugural tournament in 1950 (the 1958 tournament was postponed to 1959 and did not get back on its current schedule until the 1970 tournament was held three years after the 1967 tournament). The tournament was conceived during the 1948 Summer Olympics when FIBA leaders, seeing how successful the Olympic basketball tournament had become, wanted to hold a Championship every four years between Olympiads.
Vassilis Spanoulis
Vassilis Spanoulis (; born August 7, 1982) is a Greek professional basketball player for Olympiacos Piraeus of the Greek Basket League and the EuroLeague. A tall combo guard, he is nicknamed Kill Bill, V-Span, and MVP ("Most Vassilis Player"). Spanoulis was named the Balkan Athlete of the Year in 2009, the in 2012 and 2013, the Vatican's World Athlete of the Year (Giuseppe Sciacca Award) in 2013 and the EuroLeague MVP the same year. He has earned a record seven All-EuroLeague Team selections. Spanoulis first played for Gymnastikos S. Larissas, and enjoyed a highly successful career start. His skill-set earned him a transfer to Athens and Maroussi, where he won the Greek Basket League's Best Young Player award in 2003.
Olympiacos B.C.
Olympiacos B.C. (), also known simply as Olympiacos or Olympiacos Piraeus, is a Greek professional basketball club, part of the major multi-sport club Olympiacos CFP, based in Piraeus. The basketball club, founded in 1931, is one of the most successful clubs in European basketball, having won three EuroLeague Championships, one Triple Crown, one Intercontinental Cup, twelve Greek Championships and nine Greek Cups. They play their home matches at the Peace and Friendship Stadium. Olympiacos is a traditional powerhouse of the EuroLeague and besides their three European Championship titles (1997, 2012, 2013), they have also been five times EuroLeague runners-up (1994, 1995, 2010, 2015, 2017) and have participated, altogether, in ten EuroLeague Final Fours (1994, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2017).
Italy national basketball team
The Italian national basketball team () is administered by the Federazione Italiana Pallacanestro ("Italian Basketball Federation"). Italy has won 2 gold medals, 4 silver medals and 4 bronze medals at the FIBA EuroBasket, and 2 silver medals at the Summer Olympic Games. Italy has participated at 34 EuroBaskets, 8 World Cups, and 11 Summer Olympic Games. Italy is one of the founding members of the International Federation of Basketball (FIBA), and has one of the world's longest basketball traditions. The first match of the Italian national basketball team was played on 4 April 1926 in Milan, and it ended with a victory over France by 23–17.
1_Apprentice
ive never heard of it but i love basketball. tell me more about eurobasket.
0_Wizard
The league is called FIBA and was established in 1935. I'm surprised basketball is that popular in Europe!
The first championships was held three years after the establishment of FIBA, in 1935.
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EuroBasket
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Basketball in Greece
The sport of basketball in Greece erupted with the senior men's Greek national basketball team's win at the FIBA EuroBasket 1987 in Piraeus, which caused a general basketball euphoria in the country. Since then, men's Greek national teams have reached constant international success, leading Greece to join Russia, Serbia, Croatia, Italy, Spain, France, and Lithuania in the circle of European basketball powers. In addition to the national team's triumph in 1987, Greece won a gold medal at the FIBA EuroBasket 2005, silver medals at the FIBA EuroBasket 1989 and the 2006 FIBA World Championship, as well as the bronze medal at the FIBA EuroBasket 2009.
FIBA
The International Basketball Federation, more commonly known as FIBA, FIBA World, or FIBA International ( ), from its French name , is an association of national organizations which governs international competition in basketball. Originally known as the (hence FIBA), in 1989 it dropped the word "amateur" from its official name but retained the acronym; the "BA" now represents the first two letters of "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.
Lithuania men's national basketball team
The Lithuania men's national basketball team (Lithuanian: "Lietuvos nacionalinė vyrų krepšinio rinktinė") participates in FIBA's competitions. Despite Lithuania's small size, with a population of just almost 2.9 million, the country's devotion to basketball has made them a traditional force of the sport in Europe. The Lithuanian team won the last EuroBasket tournaments prior to World War II, in 1937 and 1939. The 1939 team was led by Frank Lubin, who helped popularize basketball in the country and was called the "grandfather of Lithuanian basketball". Following the country's annexation by the Soviet Union during the war, Lithuanian players frequently formed the core of the Soviet national team.
2015–17 FIBA–Euroleague Basketball controversy
The 2015–17 FIBA–Euroleague Basketball controversy is the dispute between FIBA and the Euroleague Basketball over who has control of the premier European-wide professional club basketball competition. The EuroLeague was originally established by FIBA, and it operated under its umbrella from 1958, until summer 2000, concluding with the 1999–00 season. That was when the richest and most popular European basketball clubs created Euroleague Basketball. FIBA had never trademarked the "EuroLeague" name, even though it had used that name for the competition since 1996. Euroleague Basketball simply appropriated the name, and since FIBA had no legal recourse to do anything about it, it was forced to find a new name for its championship series.
History of the FIBA Basketball World Cup
The History of the FIBA Basketball World Cup began with the first FIBA World Championship in 1950. The FIBA Basketball World Cup is an international basketball competition contested by the men's national teams of the members of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), the sport's global governing body. The championship has been held every four years since the inaugural tournament in 1950 (the 1958 tournament was postponed to 1959 and did not get back on its current schedule until the 1970 tournament was held three years after the 1967 tournament). The tournament was conceived during the 1948 Summer Olympics when FIBA leaders, seeing how successful the Olympic basketball tournament had become, wanted to hold a Championship every four years between Olympiads.
Basketball
Basketball is a limited-contact sport played on a rectangular court. While most often played as a team sport with five players on each side, three-on-three, two-on-two, and one-on-one competitions are also common. The objective is to shoot a ball through a hoop in diameter and high that is mounted to a backboard at each end of the court. The game was invented in 1891 by Dr. James Naismith. A team can score a field goal by shooting the ball through the basket being defended by the opposition team during regular play. A field goal scores three points for the shooting team if the player shoots from behind the three-point line, and two points if shot from in front of the line.
FIBA Basketball World Cup
The FIBA Basketball World Cup, also known as the FIBA World Cup of Basketball or simply the FIBA World Cup, between 1950 and 2010 known as the FIBA World Championship, is an international basketball competition contested by the men's national teams of the members of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), the sport's global governing body. Winning The World Championship is considered to be just as prestigious as the Olympic Basketball Tournament gold medal, tournament of IOC International Olympic Committee. The world championship it is considered to be the flagship event of FIBA. The world championship has been held every four years since the inaugural tournament in 1950, except for two occasions.
1_Apprentice
i knew soccer and cricket was. i never knew they played it over there. is it pretty popular?
0_Wizard
Apparently the Lithuania men's national basketball team has made them a serious force of the sport in Europe.
Despite Lithuania's small size, with a population of just almost 2.9 million, the country's devotion to basketball has made them a traditional force of the sport in Europe.
self_Lithuania_men's_national_basketball_team_1
Lithuania men's national basketball team
self_2_Lithuania_mens_national_basketball_team
Lithuania men's national basketball team
The Lithuania men's national basketball team (Lithuanian: "Lietuvos nacionalinė vyrų krepšinio rinktinė") participates in FIBA's competitions. Despite Lithuania's small size, with a population of just almost 2.9 million, the country's devotion to basketball has made them a traditional force of the sport in Europe. The Lithuanian team won the last EuroBasket tournaments prior to World War II, in 1937 and 1939. The 1939 team was led by Frank Lubin, who helped popularize basketball in the country and was called the "grandfather of Lithuanian basketball". Following the country's annexation by the Soviet Union during the war, Lithuanian players frequently formed the core of the Soviet national team.
Domantas Sabonis
Domantas Sabonis (born May 3, 1996) is a Lithuanian American professional basketball player for the Indiana Pacers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He previously played in Spain for Unicaja Málaga's junior and senior teams before playing two seasons of college basketball for Gonzaga. He is the son of the Basketball Hall of Famer Arvydas Sabonis, and was born in Portland, while his father was playing for the Portland Trail Blazers. Despite being only a 16-year-old, on September 5, 2012, Sabonis debuted for Unicaja Málaga against Cibona Zagreb. He was later loaned to Clínicas Rincón for the 2012–13 season.
BC Neptūnas
BC Neptūnas () is a basketball club from Klaipėda, Lithuania participating in the Lithuanian Basketball League and internationally in the Champions League. It was founded in 1962 under the name BC Maistas (English: Food) and in 1964, BC Maistas's name was changed to BC Neptūnas. The club carries the name of the Roman sea god Neptune. Neptūnas participated in the 2014–15 EuroLeague season and is only the third Lithuanian club to participate in the premier European basketball league, after Žalgiris and Lietuvos rytas. In 1966 Neptūnas won the Žalgiris friendship championship and next year with the same roster became runners-up.
Basketball in Lithuania
Basketball is the most popular sport in Lithuania. Lithuanian American basketball coaches and players in the 1930s helped Lithuania men's national basketball team win the last EuroBasket tournaments prior to World War II, in 1937 and 1939, causing a massive impact in Lithuanian society and a basketball popularity spike. Since then, despite Lithuania's small size, with a population of just almost 2.9 million, the country's devotion to basketball has made them a traditional force of the sport in Europe. Following the country's annexation by the Soviet Union during the war, Lithuanian players frequently formed the core of the Soviet national team, and the Lithuanian people strongly supported local club BC Žalgiris, particularly against Russian squads.
Lithuania
Lithuania (; ), officially the Republic of Lithuania (), is a country in the Baltic region of northern-eastern Europe. One of the three Baltic states, it is situated along the southeastern shore of the Baltic Sea, to the east of Sweden and Denmark. It is bordered by Latvia to the north, Belarus to the east and south, Poland to the south, and Kaliningrad Oblast (a Russian exclave) to the southwest. Lithuania has an estimated population of 2.8 million people , and its capital and largest city is Vilnius. Lithuanians are a Baltic people. The official language, Lithuanian, along with Latvian, is one of only two living languages in the Baltic branch of the Indo-European language family.
Basketball in Greece
The sport of basketball in Greece erupted with the senior men's Greek national basketball team's win at the FIBA EuroBasket 1987 in Piraeus, which caused a general basketball euphoria in the country. Since then, men's Greek national teams have reached constant international success, leading Greece to join Russia, Serbia, Croatia, Italy, Spain, France, and Lithuania in the circle of European basketball powers. In addition to the national team's triumph in 1987, Greece won a gold medal at the FIBA EuroBasket 2005, silver medals at the FIBA EuroBasket 1989 and the 2006 FIBA World Championship, as well as the bronze medal at the FIBA EuroBasket 2009.
Baltic states
The Baltic states, also known as the Baltic countries, Baltic republics, Baltic nations, or simply the Baltics (, , ), are the three countries in northern Europe on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea: Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania  The Baltic states cooperate on a regional level in several intergovernmental organizations. All three countries are members of the European Union, NATO and the Eurozone. They are classified as high-income economies by the World Bank and maintain high Human Development Index. Estonia and Latvia are also members of the OECD, while Lithuania is a prospective candidate.
1_Apprentice
interesting. tell me more about them.
0_Wizard
Lithuania only has a population of 2.9 million but the country is very devoted to basketball.
Despite Lithuania's small size, with a population of just almost 2.9 million, the country's devotion to basketball has made them a traditional force of the sport in Europe.
self_Lithuania_men's_national_basketball_team_1
Lithuania men's national basketball team
self_0_Lithuania_mens_national_basketball_team
Lithuania men's national basketball team
The Lithuania men's national basketball team (Lithuanian: "Lietuvos nacionalinė vyrų krepšinio rinktinė") participates in FIBA's competitions. Despite Lithuania's small size, with a population of just almost 2.9 million, the country's devotion to basketball has made them a traditional force of the sport in Europe. The Lithuanian team won the last EuroBasket tournaments prior to World War II, in 1937 and 1939. The 1939 team was led by Frank Lubin, who helped popularize basketball in the country and was called the "grandfather of Lithuanian basketball". Following the country's annexation by the Soviet Union during the war, Lithuanian players frequently formed the core of the Soviet national team.
Lithuania
Lithuania (; ), officially the Republic of Lithuania (), is a country in the Baltic region of northern-eastern Europe. One of the three Baltic states, it is situated along the southeastern shore of the Baltic Sea, to the east of Sweden and Denmark. It is bordered by Latvia to the north, Belarus to the east and south, Poland to the south, and Kaliningrad Oblast (a Russian exclave) to the southwest. Lithuania has an estimated population of 2.8 million people , and its capital and largest city is Vilnius. Lithuanians are a Baltic people. The official language, Lithuanian, along with Latvian, is one of only two living languages in the Baltic branch of the Indo-European language family.
History of Lithuania
The history of Lithuania dates back to settlements founded many thousands of years ago, but the first written record of the name for the country dates back to 1009 AD. Lithuanians, one of the Baltic peoples, later conquered neighboring lands and established the Grand Duchy of Lithuania in the 13th century (and also a short-lived Kingdom of Lithuania). The Grand Duchy was a successful and lasting warrior state. It remained fiercely independent and was one of the last areas of Europe to adopt Christianity (beginning in the 14th century). A formidable power, it became the largest state in Europe in the 15th century through the conquest of large groups of East Slavs who resided in Ruthenia.
Basketball in Lithuania
Basketball is the most popular sport in Lithuania. Lithuanian American basketball coaches and players in the 1930s helped Lithuania men's national basketball team win the last EuroBasket tournaments prior to World War II, in 1937 and 1939, causing a massive impact in Lithuanian society and a basketball popularity spike. Since then, despite Lithuania's small size, with a population of just almost 2.9 million, the country's devotion to basketball has made them a traditional force of the sport in Europe. Following the country's annexation by the Soviet Union during the war, Lithuanian players frequently formed the core of the Soviet national team, and the Lithuanian people strongly supported local club BC Žalgiris, particularly against Russian squads.
Economy of Lithuania
Lithuania is a member of the European Union and the largest economy among the three Baltic states. It also has the highest GDP per capita in PPP. Lithuania belongs to the group of very high human development countries. Lithuania was the first country to declare independence from Soviet Union in 1990 and rapidly moved from centrally planned to a market economy, implementing numerous liberal reforms. It enjoyed high growth rates after joining the European Union along with the other Baltic states, leading to the notion of a Baltic Tiger. GDP growth reached its peak in 2007, increasing by 11.1%, and still growing slightly in 2008.
Kaunas
Kaunas (; ; also see other names) is the second-largest city in Lithuania and has historically been a leading centre of Lithuanian economic, academic, and cultural life. Kaunas was the biggest city and the centre of a county in Trakai Municipality of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania since 1413. In the Russian Empire, it was the capital of the Kaunas Governorate from 1843 to 1915. It served as temporary capital of Lithuania during the interwar period, while the traditional capital of Vilnius was incorporated into Poland. During that period it has been nicknamed the Little Paris because of rich cultural and academic life, fashion, construction of countless Art Deco, Lithuanian National Romanticism architectural style buildings as well as popular furniture, interior design of the time and widespread café culture.
Ukraine
Ukraine ( ; ), sometimes incorrectly refered to as the Ukraine, is a sovereign state in Eastern Europe, bordered by Russia to the east and northeast; Belarus to the northwest; Poland, Hungary, and Slovakia to the west; Romania and Moldova to the southwest; and the Black Sea and Sea of Azov to the south and southeast, respectively. Ukraine is currently in a territorial dispute with Russia over the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia annexed in 2014 but which Ukraine and most of the international community recognise as Ukrainian. Including Crimea, Ukraine has an area of , making it the largest country entirely within Europe and the 46th largest country in the world.
1_Apprentice
do they have to go to college to play like in the US?