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So, what did the pitch to these NBA players look like? From what Rose said, it didn't seem as hard as one might think. "Well, Deandre played with the national team when he was 16 years old. I think they were in Mexico or Panama, so he played with the team then. Obviously, he went to Phoenix as the No.1 pick, but he always had obligations during the summer.
Tim Reynolds: USA beats Panama 88-58 in AmeriCup, moves to 1-1 and has the second half to play vs. Venezuela tomorrow (with a 27-point lead). FIBA site still shows it as 73-40 in the 4th, but yes, it's now a final.
Josh Lewenberg: After missing qualifying games earlier this summer, Cory Joseph, Oshae Brissett, Kevin Pangos & Kyle Wiltjer have been added to Canada Basketball's roster for the coming window. SMNT will hold camp in Victoria next week before hosting Argentina on Aug 25 & visiting Panama Aug 29
Shams Charania: Mississippi State's Iverson Molinar of Panama has agreed to a free-agent deal with the Milwaukee Bucks, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
Iverson Molinar is testing the professional waters but leaving his options open for a return to Starkville. Molinar announced Friday afternoon he had declared for the 2022 NBA draft but will not sign with an agent, maintaining his collegiate eligibility. The junior from Panama City, Panama, could return to Mississippi State next season.
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In a press release, the 24-year-old Utah Jazz star, who graduated from Greenwich Country Day School, said the legacy of his grandmother, who immigrated from Panama, inspired him to give back to the community where he grew up. “My grandma experienced what it was like to start from scratch and was determined to provide opportunities for her children and grandchildren that she never had. She knew the challenges we would face and taught us the importance of respecting yourself,” Mitchell wrote. “I see her determination reflected in the families who are trying to break the cycle of homelessness so that their children can have better lives.”
Dwayne Bacon and Henry Ellenson each scored 10 points for the U.S. ... Reggie Hearn (sprained ankle) did not play, but the Americans are hopeful he can play Monday at Panama. ... The U.S. scored exactly 28 points in each of the first, second and third quarters. ... All 11 Americans who played scored.
The other two Puerto Rican NBA players, José Juan Barea (Dallas) and John Holland (Cleveland) have already confirmed that they will play in the upcoming two games, on September 14 against Panama, and 17 against Argentina.
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Gary Forbes: For the game of basketball and more importantly the players who work hard to represent Panama. It's a disgrace having to put up with sum1. This might b the worst organized team I've ever been on and no fault to the players or coach. It's the President who shows lack of respect. But to no surprise Miguel Sanchiz did not show up. He is the worst thing to happen to the Panama basketball organization. Total disrespect
Gary Forbes: I have to be honest with you guys. Team Panama is struggling on the court due to behind the scenes issues. Our team is the only team not backed by our government and probably the only team without any sponsors. Our president, who I will not name, has put the team in a lose/lose situation in my eyes. Our practice facilities are subpar, practicing on 9-foot baskets, as your regulation baskets are 10 feet. Panama has a facility, “Roberto Duran” Coliseum, which we can’t use because it is a government owned facility. There are two federations in Panama and basically we are a private club team. Crazy, huh?
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