By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
SHENZHEN – Coach Pop was on a light mood after the game against Greece and that included even his version of self-sarcasm.
And after the end of the press conference, Gregg Popovich shouted: “No Australians allowed in the room.” One may think that he is kind of bitter for the pre-tournament defeat by the Boomers, but the truth is that he had a specific target in mind.
Australian legend Andrew Gaze was really in the room, and his former coach recognized him. Gaze is a legend in FIBA basketball, and until recently he was second in the all-time leading scorers’ list of the FIBA World Cup. Luis Scola pushed the Australian sharp-shooter in the third spot; still, the big picture remains the same.
Gaze currently works for FIBA media. However, back in 1999, he was a member of the San Antonio Spurs during the season in which they won their first ring.
It was one more proof in the FIBA World Cup that it’s a small basketball world after all. And also considering the fact that the USA may end up playing against Australia in the quarterfinals, Popovich is right for taking his precautions.
Photo credit: FIBA.Basketball