International Basketball Championships 32 Everything Thread

by **Delaclava** » Tue Aug 03, 2021 9:52 pm

vox certaminis
When your plans fall apart, it's not easy to put them back together
Djordje Zubič, basketball forward, BC Athens and Delaclava national team

Sometimes it all just goes wrong.

Sometimes you figure out exactly what you're going to do, then an unexpected circumstance gets in the way. You figure it out again, you're ready to go, then the moment comes and it turns out you were completely lost anyway.

When we lost Rick at the very start of this tournament, we knew it wasn't going to be easy to start fresh. It's not because we don't have a team who can win the championship without him. Rodney and Sifiso and any other of our options, they're fantastic players who we knew they were going to have their time.

It's because we've had a vision, a destiny from the moment the final horn went in Manchester, and we'd lost the IBC final to Banija by 18 points in front of our own fans. After a little bit of time to mourn the loss and appreciate what we'd done, we immediately began to visualize exactly how we were going to make a new run and win that title, because we never wanted to feel like that again. Some pieces changed, new talent emerged, but we had a recipe that worked. We needed tweaks, but the base was there. The base was that Rick Jones was our captain and our leader, and he was going to be that for Delaclava's first world title. Until he wasn't.

We adjusted. We put in Sifiso Ntenga and Rodney Duncan, and we utilized their talents, and the skills that I bring, that Omar Harris brings, that Pekko Ranta brings, every single member of this team. And all in a row, almost with ease, we took down Hispinas and Pemecutan and Malandrin and Ko-oren.

But you know, winning games is actually easy? When you step on the floor, if everything's lined up right, you're in the flow with forty minutes, putting into practice everything you've worked on, and then you have more points than the other team and that's it. But no amount of consecutive wins does you any good if you're not convinced you're going to win the ones that count.

We lost to Dotivija last night.

We lost to Dotivija because we didn't play as well as they did. That is the one and only reason.

We had our skill. We had our gameplan. We had 15,000 amazing fans in Crystal Lake. And then the game started and none of it seemed to matter.

In truth, we've struggled to realize exactly how we win this tournament now. We're professional athletes - we should be able to get geared up for games against unranked teams, even if we're not sure we have the stuff to win games against Banija and Abanhfleft that aren't even on the calendar yet. But I'm human, and so it keeps me up at night trying to figure that out. Especially when we've made it to a final and now we can't not go back there, because we expect it and so do our fans.

I am the MVP, I have been the MVP for the last seasons, and when I play for BC Athens, even against Rick's Corcorran Flash, perhaps that is true, but when we wear the red and gold, it is absolutely incorrect, because now I have a team that is looking to me to lead, and I don't see how I can do it. Because I spent so much time envisioning how I'd lift that trophy with my whole team, I never stopped to prepare myself for how we might have to succeed in a completely different way.

We will continue to struggle, continue to fight. On paper, we are well in control of our own destiny with plenty of games to play. And in the meantime, we will try to accept this new reality, and imagine our new future within it.

The players we have can win the world title - now it's time to see it for ourselves.

by **Srednjaci** » Wed Aug 04, 2021 7:04 am

INTERNATIONAL BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS 32

SHOCK IN THE FIRST MATCH AT HOME
BY
Danijel Grlić

Srednjaci 61–90 HUElavia

Although our players opened this cycle with a victory, we knew that a difficult match awaited us against HUElavia. At the recently concluded Genia Basketball Cup tournament, our women's national team was defeated in Raspotochje by HUElavia in the semifinals. Now the boys have also lost. The HUElavia women’s team celebrated in the full hall of the BASKETBALL COLOSEUM in Catania. our basketball players failed to find an answer to the guests ’game. HUElavia controlled the match from start to finish. They made a difference from quarter to quarter. Brilliant were Daniela Fernandez and Xuxu Wu. Simply unstoppable.

Statements

" The girls played great. They played modern and fast basketball with quick passes and changes of positions. They were constantly moving around the field. They were hard to guard . I congratulate them on their victory and apologize to our fans who came to support us in such large numbers. We promise that we will definitely win the next game at home. This must not happen to us again. "Stjepan Markovic said.

Sarzonia 73–87 Srednjaci

On the wings of Stjepan Markovic, our basketball team defeated Sarzonia. Sarzonia had a 3-0 ratio until that match. In a great game at The Palestra in Woodstock, Stjepan Markovic scored 34 points. Great effect. The rest of our players also played brilliantly. Nikola Tomljanović collected 12 rebounds and 18 points, while Paradinović collected 6 rebounds and 22 points.
This striking trio played a top-notch game.

Statements : Davor Paradinović

" Actually , all this game I try to stay focused. As you know my wife is in hospital giving birth to a son.

REPORTER : congratulations , that is fenomenal

" Thank You. This was a really great game for us and I dedicate this victory to my son. And to my wife I wan to say : thank you baby, I love you !"

+16 AGAINST FIFTH BASKETBALL NATION FOR FIRST HOME WIN

Srednjaci 89–73 Valanora

The most attractive and challenging opponent in our group came to Katanija. Over 26,000 basketball fans came to see the fifth nation of the world, Valanora, and our players.
A match with a lot of beautiful moves and actions. Valanora tried to impose their authority from the beginning. With their long attacks, they tried to break the concentration of our players.
However, the turning point of the game,came in the middle of the third quarter when Valanora had a +7 advantage. After the time out called by our bench, there was a change in the first team. Bojan Kezele replaced Davor Paradinović, instead of Tomljanović the young Darko Vučemilović entered the game and nineteen-year-old Josip Mikić enters the position of playmaker. This is where the turnaround comes from. Young forces without respect for the opponent do a series of 12: 0 and turn the score around. The Valanora players are in a complete knock down. Their game falls apart. What had been beautifull orchestra was now falling apart without rhythm. By the end of the game, our basketball players are increasing their advantage.

Statements : Josip Mikić

" An incredible victory against such a renowned team. Valanora is a big basketball name. Glad I was a part of this evening.Thanks to all the spectators who cheered us on all this time. We know we disappointed them in the first game at home but now we have redeemed ourselves. Thanks again. "

Annyoeng Oppa 82–92 Srednjaci

For the first time, the coach of our team decided to send a changed lineup. The entire first team left to rest and Branko Stadić, Ronald Grauss, Georgy Georgiev, Samir Hamidović and Ante Carević received invitations. These young basketball players were brought in from the junior team. The starting lineup that came out against Annyoeng Oppa is Vedran Jurković, Vjekoslav Šonjić, Josip Mikić, Darko Vučemilović and Bojan Kezele. The mixed composition of youth and experience managed to bring a new victory to our team.

Statements : Ante Carević, 17y

" This was a big moment for me. My first call to A selection. In the first ten seconds when I went out on the field my legs were heavy. Out of excitement, I forgot to run. But as soon as I received the ball in my hands, everything disappeared. I am grateful to our coach for inviting me to the game. I am also grateful to my teammates who have trust in me."

Our national team is among the leaders in the group with a 4-1 win-loss ratio. We believe that our players will continue at this successful pace. It will be difficult because our group has several awkward and difficult opponents but the quality is on our side.

Group 1                          Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
 1 Srednjaci                       5    4   1   402  380  +22
 2 Sarzonia                        5    4   1   385  339  +46
 3 Omerica                         6    4   2   471  444  +27
 4 Valanora                        6    4   2   465  402  +63
 5 Annyoeng Oppa                   5    3   2   403  382  +21
 6 HUElavia                        5    2   3   377  355  +22
 7 The Togolese Republic           5    2   3   351  391  −40
 8 The Jovannic                    6    1   5   388  462  −74
 9 Bollonich                       5    0   5   353  440  −87

by **Ko-oren** » Wed Aug 04, 2021 7:54 am

A Multilingual Mess

Ko-oren's newly recognised minority languages

This has been coming for a while, but was only just confirmed by the Ministry of Domestic Affairs - straight from the office of the prime minister himself: the government will recognise the use and education of a handful more languages. This is only the fourth time that there has been such a monumental change (or addition) to the policy surrounding official languages. Originally, only Gehrennan was recognised. This was broadened to all Gehrennan languages, including Tarrashall, Aerellen, and Aviansolan. The second change came about when Mawr and Finisterran were recognised, for they are varieties that are only spoken in Ko-oren but stem from foreign language families (Celtic, and Romance, respectively). The third change was the recognition of the foreign languages that are identical to varieties spoken elsewhere (Dutch, Japanese, English, French).

The fourth change, then, are one that only a modern Ko-oren, in the middle of an international world, can make. Most languages are used by a small group of people across a small area, but are large enough to warrant their own education policies - and as a result, these languages will only be more and more visible. These include:
- Korean
- Ko-orenite Chinese (a pidgin of several Sinitic languages spoken/shared by the various Sinitic communities around Ko-oren) - Guohua (菓話)
- Basque (popular across Anaia)
- Icelandic (related to Old Norse, spoken in pockets in Sudaefjoll)

Notable for Korean and Guohua is that a subdivision, Yoshima Dongbu, immediately is a majority Korean/Chinese-speaking area, and that Japanese and Aviansolan lose their majority status in the region.

Some communities have not been given what they wanted, including the Banijan groups speaking Olusanke, the small German-speaking minority from Kotzellach, Vdaran Greek, and Pyazhnayan Russian. They could be added to the list in the future, but have been excluded for now.

Several smaller Gehrennan languages have also been added:
- Ilbikom (Northeast)
- Launott (Northeast)
- Tauconi (Finisterre)

As well as another native language that isn't tied to the Gehrennan family and may be an isolate:
- Burnek (Burnet Island)

by **Valanora** » Wed Aug 04, 2021 11:27 am

Dreams come and go like the ocean breeze
A mist that flows upon the sea
Something so fragile and yet so real
But are not often let to feel
Chasing across the ever after endlessly
A fruit that be forbidden
Always within sight of we who pursue her
Yet ever just outside our grasping reach
As the waves crash in and around from the rolling tide
Painting and carving the sparkling beach
As the chase continues ever onward in the ride
With hopes held up on high
Until that day we crash and slide
Or we spread our wings and fly

by **Nova Anglicana** » Wed Aug 04, 2021 12:32 pm

National Party split topples government, snap election set for five weeks' time

Marisa Lavallier, Reporter, Londinium Courier

Prime Minister Michael Ramsey has set a date for a snap election in five weeks' time. Mr. Ramsey asked the Governor-General to call the election after his government coalition lost a vote of no-confidence in the House of Deputies. By a vote of 48-52, the House of Deputies rejected the proposed Ramsey government, and after failed negotiations, Mr. Ramsey informed the governor-general that he did not command the confidence of the house and advised him to call an election.

Following the shocking revelation that King Voss, Brad Goodman, and Jack Ellis, the Interior Minister, Deputy Interior Minister, and Domestic Security Agency head (all members of the National Party), respectively, had allegedly aided in the Londinium mosque bombing, the Prime Minister made the decision to dismiss the remaining National Party ministers from his government and try to form a new, minority government. The re-shuffled Cabinet would have included another Libertarian as Justice Minister, with Justice Minister Edmund Baird moving to Interior, and two new People's Party faces in the Foreign Affairs and Immigration ministries (Foreign Affairs Minister Daniel Foster would take over at Defense). Ramsey hoped to gain the National Party's support for a "confidence and supply" agreement, whereby the former coalition partner would support the government in confidence and budget votes, but would not hold ministries. Had the National Party voted unanimously in favor of this agreement, Ramsey would have been able to form a minority government with 44 seats. However, the National Party split 6-4 against the government, leading to the 48-52 final tally.

At the heart of this disagreement was the rivalry between Rear Adm. (ret.) Hugh Townsend and Christopher Mathewson. Adm. Townsend, current Senator, former Defense Minister and current Acting Leader of the National Party (as Deputy Leader beforehand), wanted the party to accept the "confidence-and-supply" agreement, thus keeping the right wing in power. Even with a 44-seat minority government, Adm. Townsend argued, the National Party would still be able to get more of its policies passed in the House of Deputies, and even with Mr. Voss currently not attending Senate votes, the right would still hold a 15-14 advantage in that house of Parliament. A lost confidence vote would lead to an election, and better for the right to gain control of the narrative and attempt to win an election in a couple of years. On the other side, Mr. Mathewson, the National Party Chair, and Chair of the National Party Caucus in the House of Deputies, argued that voting against the government would strengthen their negotiating position. If Ramsey could not get a minority government, he'd either be forced to bring the National Party back into the government or call an election where he would likely be tarnished by association with Mr. Voss. Mr. Mathewson reportedly further stated that he thought the charges against the Interior Ministry officials were a political hitjob, and that the nation would respond positively to that narrative in an election, as they had with the surveillance scandal of last year. As such, the National Party split, and the Ramsey government lost the vote.

Following the successful vote of no-confidence, Mr. Ramsey attempted to negotiate a second vote for a minority government with the National Party, arguing that a snap election was the last thing the right wanted. But Mr. Mathewson and others stuck to their guns, demanding the National Party be a part of a new government, which the Prime Minister was unwilling to grant. As such, rather than call a second confidence vote, Mr. Ramsey asked for a snap election. The date is set for five weeks, with the mosque bombing likely to be the dominant issue in the election. The Prime Minister will have to convince the nation that he's successfully learned his lesson about the National Party, and that the nation was on the right track prior to the mosque bombing. For the Leader of the Opposition, Josephine Clark, her task is easier. Mrs. Clark simply has to argue that the right cannot be trusted with power and that the nation should return to the comfort of Progressive Justice Party-led government. The surveillance scandal will likely blunt that message somewhat, so the vote for neither the PJP or PP could see a sharp rise. Meanwhile, the National Party needs to reconcile Adm. Townsend and Mr. Mathewson in time to avoid an electoral wipeout based on the actions of Mr. Voss. The timeline the courts are pursuing ensures that his trial will not take place before the election, so as not to disrupt the potential vote.

The nation is headed for its first-ever snap election. How will the parties contest it? How will Nova Anglicans vote? And will it make a difference? The Senate cannot be dissolved by a vote of no-confidence, so the collective right will continue to hold at least fifteen seats in that body, giving them a measure of influence no matter the outcome.

Nova Anglicana 90-75 Pratapgadh

Team stats - 36/63 (57.1%), 12-26 3-pt (46.2%), 6-7 FT (73.7%)

G #3 Matty Stewart - 3-5/0-0/2-2 (8 pts)
G #8 Jimmy Haynes - 5-12/2-7/1-2 (13 pts)
G #12 Reggie LaPointe - 3-6/3-6/0-0 (9 pts)
F #25 Colin Klein - 8-13/3-5/2-2 (21 pts)
F #27 Alain Colbert - 4-6/0-0/0-0 (8 pts)

G #14 Patrice Broussard - 1-1/0-0/0-0 (2 pts)
G #35 Clement Villeneuve - 3-5/2-4/0-0 (8 pts)
G #17 Rex McKinney - 2-3/0-0/0-0 (4 pts)
G #10 Duncan Muir - 1-3/1-3/0-0 (3 pts)
F #32 Jonathan Stephens - 2-3/0-0/0-0 (4 pts)
F #22 Cory Montgomery - 2-4/1-1/0-0 (5 pts)
C #48 Jamie Brooks - 2-2/0-0/1-1 (5 pts)

Nova Anglicana 74-63 Southwest Eastnorth

Team stats - 23/53 (43.4%), 4-11 3-pt (36.4%), 24-27 FT (88.9%)

G #3 Matty Stewart - 1-3/0-0/6-6 (8 pts)
G #8 Jimmy Haynes - 5-12/2-4/3-4 (15 pts)
G #12 Reggie LaPointe - 3-5/1-3/1-1 (8 pts)
F #25 Colin Klein - 4-9/0-0/2-3 (10 pts)
F #27 Alain Colbert - 2-4/0-0/2-2 (6 pts)

G #14 Patrice Broussard - 0-1/0-0/2-2 (2 pts)
G #35 Clement Villeneuve - 2-4/1-3/0-0 (5 pts)
G #17 Rex McKinney - 1-3/0-0/2-2 (4 pts)
G #10 Duncan Muir - 1-2/0-0/2-2 (4 pts)
F #32 Jonathan Stephens - 1-4/0-0/2-3 (4 pts)
F #22 Cory Montgomery - 0-2/0-1/0-0 (0 pts)
C #48 Jamie Brooks - 3-4/0-0/2-2 (8 pts)

by **Mytanija** » Wed Aug 04, 2021 1:46 pm

ALPHABET HOOP - THOUGHTS ON MYTANAR BASKETBALL
by Almedina Radovanovic

MYTANIJA HAVE ONE OF THE BEST OFFENSES IN THE IBC

Mytanija moved to a perfect 6-0 record with back-to-back victories over Southwest Eastnorth (84-61) and Lisander (80-79). This record has been built on a free scoring offense which has clocked up an exhilarating 83.5 points per game so far during the IBC and Mirko Lazetic is hoping that they can keep it up for the remainder of the tournament: ‘being able to score like that gives us a chance to beat anybody’ the coach remarked following the upset win over the number 10 ranked Lisander. Zelimir Ateljevic did what he does best by scoring the game-winning bucket with 2.3 seconds left on the clock and Evgeny Fomin got a game-winning block on the final play of the game as Alessandro Hartins looked to get a shot off inside the key at the Norland Metropolitano in Soria.

Whisper it quietly but Mytanija could be making a play-off bid at this point, a win over Lisander really helps with that because coming into the tournament it was predicted by most to be one of the games Mytanija would struggle in. Banija and Nova Anglicana were others in this category, but as Mytanija amassed a 5-0 record against the other lower ranked teams in the group confidence has grown and the team looked as if they belonged out on the court with Lisander despite the 29 spots separating the teams in the rankings. The hope is that they can now replicate that against Banija (5-0) and Nova Anglicana (4-2) to really try and cement a place in the play-off qualification positions. Repeating the feat of going perfect against the lower seeded nations wouldn’t hurt in the second-half of the group stage either.

These wins have come mainly through the team out-performing all comers on the offensive end. When the defence has failed – and it has done that a few times – the likes of Fomin, Ateljevic and Kostojcinovski have really come into their own. Zhenya Razuvayev has also been a fantastic contributor off the bench, reproducing his on-court telepathy with Fomin that they so often display in the MKA Liga when playing for BK Magevskaya. Darko Belicanec has also been a great facilitator on offense, with his height and length at the point guard position making him pretty useful when teams try to switch onto him coming the other way.

Fomin and Lekov are a deadly duo in the post too, Fomin’s double-threat ability as both a scorer and a creator keeping defenders honest. Lekov has come into his own as the group stage has worn on, gradually becoming more confident in his attempts to bully opponents with his size. At 23 there’s time for the KK Avnalia big to follow a similar trajectory to that which Fomin has been on over the past few years. If Lekov could learn a little bit of Fomin’s passing ability then we would have quite the pair of playmaking big men. During this tournament the two have hit it off and they are a big part of the offensive successes of this team.

Mytanija have a bye on match day 7 of the group stage, a chance for the team to take a welcome rest and perhaps review their performances up until this point. Mirko Lazetic will be working hard to try and find out how to raise the team’s defensive level to the same standard that it has been performing offensively. It might just be the case that the personnel that he currently has available to him are just better at scoring points than they are at stopping them being scored. The team does seem to a bit lax on the perimeter at times, though Fomin (and Lekov) offers an imposing presence on the inside which can keep things tight there.

Whatever Lazetic comes up with he will hope he can implement a fix quickly, on match day 8 Mytanija have a crucial game against number 13 ranked Nova Anglicana. Not too many had expected the national team to be in this position at this point in the tournament, with a 6-0 record, but another upset win in that game would really put Mytanija in a strong position. It would give the team the head-to-head advantage over both the second and third seeds in the group at this point in the schedule and well in play-off contention ahead of a tough match-up against Banija. Nova Anglicana represent an extremely difficult assignment, but this team have upset the odds before during this tournament. Few would dare to underestimate their chances of doing it again.

by **Kohnhead** » Wed Aug 04, 2021 6:18 pm

Kohnhead Basketball Team

Nation Name: The Galactic Empire of Kohnhead
Shortened: Kohnhead
Trigramme: KND
Record: 15-16
Rank: 28
Nickname: The Brains
Achievements in Basketball: Gold Coast Basketball Tournament - 2nd Place
Team Info: Basketball was not a very popular sport in Kohnhead until just recently when the domestic Basketball league was created with 8 teams who play a double round robin in one of the shortest schedules there is. They played very well at the Gold Coast Basketball Tournament in Northwest Kalactin finishing in second to 6-0 Sarzonia. The team looked a lot better than anyone had expected but couldn't really carry that momentum into the IBC finishing 5th out of 6 in the Yellow Group with a 3-7 record. In the 31st IBC Kohnhead did better finishing the Group Stage with a 5-5 record before going 3-2 in some consolation games to end up in 25th place of the tournament, a solid finish.

Starting V

PG: #2 Francis McCall  Swisston City Cadillacs (19)
SG: #7 Sammy Winters   Lithrop Lobsters        (22)
SF: #24 Darren Summers  Lithrop Lobsters       (26)
PF: #26 Marilyn Molina  Barnley Bison          (31)
C:  #29 Audrey Nicholls Porter Pandas          (28)

Bench

PG: #25 Joseph King    Kohnhead City Brains       (26)
SG: #17 Taylor Emerson Dawson Dingos              (34)
SF: #23 Patrick Ali    Goldberg Guardians         (26)
PF: #50 Parker Moon    Swisston City Cadillacs    (34)
C:  #8 Grant Thomson   Kohnface City Con.         (26)
G:  #00 Andre Parker    Lithrop Lobsters          (31)
F:  #25 Caitlyn Burton  Barnley Bison             (35)

Head Coach: Jarrad Munro (43) Swisston City Cadillacs

Home Court: Swanson Bank Arena (16,400)

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose My Scorers: Y
Godmod scoring events: Y
RP injuries to my players: Y (Let me know if you do so, you don't need to ask for permission I just would like to know via tg or pm on discord)
Godmod injuries to my players: Y
Eject my players: Y (Same as injuries)
Godmod other events: N

by **Quebec and Shingoryeo** » Wed Aug 04, 2021 8:13 pm

Narrator of a miniseries: The popularity of basketball in Quebec and Shingoryeo - regardless of how disappointing they were last IBC - may be enough to suggest that the Grim Reapers are on their full swing. Of course, that's certainly true, especially with the women having their own Silver Generation (to differentiate from the Golden Generation two decades ago) and the men having better player development than ever. Everybody wear Hazel Hanson-Conavacio sneakers or Heo Myeong-Yoon jerseys after all, and it's like we are back to the days when Alison Dubois landed halfcourt shots and Riley Jeon-Keane would dunk once every match.

there are still lots of transitions happening even as the key stars continue to play well, and stifling competition by the youth and the veterans suggests that. In middle of all the news, quietly a rookie has taken the starter spot, and maybe it's time to look into a bit about life and career of that 21 year old forward. Jin Chang-Sook, the superstar for her hometown school Farrer University, is arguably the most promising prospect from Quebecois basketball under the age of twenty three.

The incoming senior for Farrer, who has played largely as centre for Farrer but a combo forward playing 3 and 4 in Quebec and Shingoryeo, had a phenomenal junior season when she, on the championship year for the Martlets, won the QIS Most Valuable Player and QIS Championship Player of the Tournament, and was placed placed on First-team all-Quebecois selection for third straight year. Her performance, not common for a women's player (mostly due to the level of competition and depth there) was brought to the attention of Grim Reapers' women's head coach, Riley Jeon-Keane, she was immediately penciled into the senior team where she was named the starting power forward after excellent training camp.

Slightly undersized but gritty, powerful and with focus, Jin Chang-Sook knows how to score from every direction and on every zone, whether it be on paint or the three-point line. The potential's there, and we cannot help but to state that hopefully with a good performance on the IBC, we may be seeing what could be the start of a brilliant career to come, whether it be at home or abroad.

With this in mind, it may be the time to look into the life and career of this young power forward, to see the current state of Quebecois basketball, and how Jin, while still figuring out many things on her twenty-one years of life, is looking to make difference on anywhere she goes. We also hope that by looking into her career, we'll be able to cover a bit into the basketball scene and the culture into this country as well, and that both men and women's games would be portrayed in honest light possible...

by **Felinetopia** » Wed Aug 04, 2021 9:37 pm

Knock knock. Come in! The door opens to my office. A young Cheetah, no more than three years old, comes in to the room. She looked a little nervous but no more than what you see from a typical Cheetah.

"Excuse me, Mr. Riley but could I get 5 minutes to speak to you?" she said, bowing her head forward.

"Honestly, I don't recognize you but go ahead," I said.

"Thank you, Mr. Riley." The cheetah took a deep breath and mumbled something under her breath. "So as you know, basketball is one of the fastest growing sports in the country and basketball players around the world are wanting a more formal competition to compete in."

"Make sense and as we are here to promote sports in Felinetopia."

"Yeah! And to help drum up interest in establishing a bigger interest in the sport, I propose that we send a team off to the International Basketball Championships that are happening in Chromatika next month."

What in the world is she thinking? We don't have any pro teams in any of the nations in the world. Basketball is just a street game right now. These cats would probably get wiped off the court and possibly embarrass the world in the multiverse. "Ma'am, the state of basketball in Felinetopia is not in a shape to send a team to multiversal competition."

"But I do have a provisional roster of cats from all over Felinetopia who are willing to play in this tournament."

"How many cats are on this roster?" as I raise my eyebrow.

"About 25 cats. And in International tournaments, they have a 15 person roster so we should have enough cats to take to Chromatika."

Dam! She is prepared and determined to find her way to this tournament. "Well, they aren't going to get a lot of glory considering how young the team is and we don't have much in the budget for new sports right now. But I can try to finagle something out to get you guys to Chromatika. We will flesh out the details later."

"Thank you very much, Mr. Riley." She bows her head down.

"By the way, I didn't get your name ma'am."

"Oh, it's Nyah Gnem. And let's give you my contact information." She gets a out a piece of paper and writes down her phone number and email with her tail. "There you go." She hands me her contact info.

"Alright, go get the team ready for the International Basketball Championships Ms. Gnem!" She nods as she gleefully trots out of the room. Perhaps it time to get a Basketball Commissioner for the FSU if we are going to take on Basketball. With her enthusiasm and organizational skills, perhaps she can do the job.

by **Bollonich** » Wed Aug 04, 2021 9:59 pm

More disappointment as basketball turns out to be a disaster
Since Bollonich’s participation in sports, we had always been at a competitive level. Despite not being the best we always managed to compete and that was again our goal going into the International Basketball Championship. Our goal was to compete and try to win, but since the beginning of the tournament things have just gotten from bad to worse.
After losing to the Togolese Republic on Matchday 4 after receiving a bye we were sitting in last place with 0 wins out of 3 matches. The game had been a close game at home but we didn’t manage to come out on top which is what mattered. Next up were fellow nation at the bottom Jovannic. But before we faced Jovannic at home we came up against strong opposition in Omerica who were currently in second place. Facing Omerica, we didn’t expect to win and we didn’t as they inflicted a heavy defeat by a margin of 92-71. This defeat was not to affect us however as we were confident about our chances against Jovannic at home who were currently on 5 losses from 5 games. The game at home against Jovannic was en extremely close one with nothing to separate the two sides after the four quarters which meant we went into overtime. And that is where the game was won with Jovannic emerged victorious winning the game 83-87 after overtime.
Another close game which we had lost meant we were now 5 losses from 5 games sitting at 9th place in Group 1 with Srednjaci leading the group with 4 wins out of their 5 games. Bollonich's basketball side have shown courage and strength and gotten very close to their opposition but failed to capitalise on this with this coming to bite us in the back in the end. It will however be hoped that we would put up better performances against our next opponents, Srednjaci and HUElavia.

by **Chromatika** » Wed Aug 04, 2021 10:09 pm

Chromatika in IBC 32:
Matchday 5 & Matchday 6: Winning Trends

The first:

In Pemecutan
Rowaine Maera, off the bench
Twenty points sure is nice.

The second:

Then, returning home
Seven in double digits
Shuts the door early.

The third:

Now in the easy part
Of this very long group stage
Can not let up now!

by **Chromatika** » Wed Aug 04, 2021 10:37 pm

How is your team looking as we near the halfway mark? Time to see! This your MD7 & MD8 cutoff.

Group 1
Matchday 7 BYE: Omerica
The Jovannic 70–76 The Togolese Republic
Srednjaci 83–68 Bollonich
HUElavia 77–68 Annyoeng Oppa
Sarzonia 77–81 Valanora

Group 1                          Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
 1 Srednjaci                       6    5   1   485  448  +37
 2 Valanora                        7    5   2   546  479  +67
 3 Sarzonia                        6    4   2   462  420  +42
 4 Omerica                         6    4   2   471  444  +27
 5 HUElavia                        6    3   3   454  423  +31
 6 Annyoeng Oppa                   6    3   3   471  459  +12
 7 The Togolese Republic           6    3   3   427  461  −34
 8 The Jovannic                    7    1   6   458  538  −80
 9 Bollonich                       6    0   6   421  523 −102

Matchday 8 BYE: Valanora
Annyoeng Oppa 73–80 Sarzonia
Bollonich 71–68 HUElavia
The Togolese Republic 66–91 Srednjaci
Omerica 78–62 The Jovannic

Group 1                          Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
 1 Srednjaci                       7    6   1   576  514  +62
 2 Omerica                         7    5   2   549  506  +43
 3 Valanora                        7    5   2   546  479  +67
 4 Sarzonia                        7    5   2   542  493  +49
 5 HUElavia                        7    3   4   522  494  +28
 6 Annyoeng Oppa                   7    3   4   544  539   +5
 7 The Togolese Republic           7    3   4   493  552  −59
 8 The Jovannic                    8    1   7   520  616  −96
 9 Bollonich                       7    1   6   492  591  −99

Group 2 BYE: TJUN-ia
Aristan Republic 65–90 Ranoria
Crystal Empire 67–80 Trolleborg
Drawkland 74–51 Saterun
Græntfjall 95–78 Magnecia

Group 2                          Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
 1 Drawkland                       6    5   1   531  411 +120
 2 TJUN-ia                         6    5   1   492  418  +74
 3 Græntfjall                      6    5   1   528  431  +97
 4 Crystal Empire                  6    3   3   463  488  −25
 5 Ranoria                         6    3   3   438  495  −57
 6 Saterun                         6    2   4   420  448  −28
 7 Aristan Republic                7    2   5   507  594  −87
 8 Trolleborg                      6    2   4   437  463  −26
 9 Magnecia                        7    1   6   514  582  −68

Matchday 8 BYE: Magnecia
Saterun 70–94 Græntfjall
Trolleborg 66–79 Drawkland
Ranoria 75–74 Crystal Empire
TJUN-ia 95–66 Aristan Republic

Group 2                          Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
 1 Drawkland                       7    6   1   610  477 +133
 2 TJUN-ia                         7    6   1   587  484 +103
 3 Græntfjall                      7    6   1   622  501 +121
 4 Ranoria                         7    4   3   513  569  −56
 5 Crystal Empire                  7    3   4   537  563  −26
 6 Saterun                         7    2   5   490  542  −52
 7 Aristan Republic                8    2   6   573  689 −116
 8 Trolleborg                      7    2   5   503  542  −39
 9 Magnecia                        7    1   6   514  582  −68

Group 3
Matchday 7 BYE: Mytanija
Nova Anglicana 66–63 Lisander
Banija 90–75 Southwest Eastnorth
Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom 76–78 Pratapgadh
Venmere 66–67 Gatchingerrak Union

Group 3                          Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
 1 Mytanija                        6    6   0   501  413  +88
 2 Banija                          6    6   0   473  403  +70
 3 Nova Anglicana                  7    5   2   550  476  +74
 4 Gatchingerrak Union             7    3   4   489  517  −28
 5 Lisander                        6    3   3   449  417  +32
 6 Southwest Eastnorth             6    2   4   425  461  −36
 7 Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom       6    2   4   438  477  −39
 8 Pratapgadh                      6    1   5   417  486  −69
 9 Venmere                         6    0   6   401  493  −92

Matchday 8 BYE: Gatchingerrak Union
Pratapgadh 61–81 Venmere
Southwest Eastnorth 52–71 Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom
Lisander 64–78 Banija
Mytanija 74–67 Nova Anglicana

Group 3                          Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
 1 Mytanija                        7    7   0   575  480  +95
 2 Banija                          7    7   0   551  467  +84
 3 Nova Anglicana                  8    5   3   617  550  +67
 4 Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom       7    3   4   509  529  −20
 5 Gatchingerrak Union             7    3   4   489  517  −28
 6 Lisander                        7    3   4   513  495  +18
 7 Southwest Eastnorth             7    2   5   477  532  −55
 8 Venmere                         7    1   6   482  554  −72
 9 Pratapgadh                      7    1   6   478  567  −89

Group 4
Matchday 7 BYE: Corvadakia
Kohnhead 91–80 Valentine Z
Equestria 101–59 Indusse
Hebitaka 79–64 Felinetopia
Hannasea 78–73 Quebec and Shingoryeo

Group 4                          Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
 1 Quebec and Shingoryeo           7    6   1   562  446 +116
 2 Equestria                       6    5   1   482  410  +72
 3 Indusse                         6    4   2   482  440  +42
 4 Corvadakia                      6    3   3   431  437   −6
 5 Hebitaka                        6    3   3   450  429  +21
 6 Hannasea                        6    3   3   441  446   −5
 7 Kohnhead                        7    2   5   463  551  −88
 8 Valentine Z                     6    2   4   409  500  −91
 9 Felinetopia                     6    0   6   381  442  −61

Matchday 8 BYE: Quebec and Shingoryeo
Felinetopia 65–74 Hannasea
Indusse 76–80 Hebitaka
Valentine Z 60–82 Equestria
Corvadakia 65–70 Kohnhead

Group 4                          Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
 1 Quebec and Shingoryeo           7    6   1   562  446 +116
 2 Equestria                       7    6   1   564  470  +94
 3 Hebitaka                        7    4   3   530  505  +25
 4 Indusse                         7    4   3   558  520  +38
 5 Hannasea                        7    4   3   515  511   +4
 6 Kohnhead                        8    3   5   533  616  −83
 7 Corvadakia                      7    3   4   496  507  −11
 8 Valentine Z                     7    2   5   469  582 −113
 9 Felinetopia                     7    0   7   446  516  −70

Group 5
Matchday 7 BYE: Pemecutan
Malandrin 50–80 Hispinas
Ko-oren 78–80 Chromatika
Dotivija 70–73 Abanhfleft
Vikanias 60–84 Delaclava

Group 5                          Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
 1 Abanhfleft                      6    6   0   473  409  +64
 2 Chromatika                      6    5   1   499  466  +33
 3 Delaclava                       7    5   2   571  491  +80
 4 Dotivija                        6    4   2   458  449   +9
 5 Malandrin                       7    3   4   508  561  −53
 6 Vikanias                        6    2   4   431  461  −30
 7 Hispinas                        6    2   4   441  440   +1
 8 Pemecutan                       6    1   5   424  476  −52
 9 Ko-oren                         6    0   6   419  471  −52

Matchday 8 BYE: Delaclava
Abanhfleft 96–67 Vikanias
Chromatika 91–61 Dotivija
Hispinas 74–62 Ko-oren
Pemecutan 84–65 Malandrin

Group 5                          Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
 1 Abanhfleft                      7    7   0   569  476  +93
 2 Chromatika                      7    6   1   590  527  +63
 3 Delaclava                       7    5   2   571  491  +80
 4 Dotivija                        7    4   3   519  540  −21
 5 Hispinas                        7    3   4   515  502  +13
 6 Malandrin                       8    3   5   573  645  −72
 7 Pemecutan                       7    2   5   508  541  −33
 8 Vikanias                        7    2   5   498  557  −59
 9 Ko-oren                         7    0   7   481  545  −64

by **TJUN-ia** » Thu Aug 05, 2021 7:32 am

After another two comfortable wins were added to the tally for IBC32 play, the Hoops-Jags of TJUN-ia were sitting pretty at the top of the Group 2 table at 5-1. Bao Zhou certainly enjoyed that fact despite the upcoming bye, but he knew that he had to push on no matter the current position in order to qualify for the playoffs in Chromatika at the earliest opportunity. He would only get to play one game in this two Matchday stretch this time but in his eyes, his Dynasty deserved all of it and then some for what they have done so far for TJUN-ian Basketball.

So then, what do you do when you're on a bye? Watch your competition, of course! That was what the Jags were doing over the rest period, as well as training as per usual, and the main focuses were on two teams in particular: Graintfjall and Drawkland. Both teams would end up as comfortable winners in their games which meant that they joined TJUN-ia at the same record of 5-1 at the top of the table, with Drawkland in 1st only on Point Differential (DWK +120, TJU +74, GRÆ +97). The battle for a potential 4th placed qualifying spot is tight, with the Crystal Empire currently leading the way at 3-3.

After a nice break, the Jags returned to the Unity Centre in Riverside to kick their campaign back underway as another debutant in the form of the Aristan Republic, who entered our shores at 2-5 so far. We knew nothing about this team entering this contest and we still don't know much even after, but what we do know is that they certainly are a team in development and posed nearly no threat to the Jaguars in this contest. We beat them by 29 points in the end, Jean-Jacques Mpolando helping provide 14 of them, and many are certainly getting used to seeing our record books covered in green wins.

As we return to regular activities, we are approaching the halfway stage of an incredible IBC so far. There will be tough games ahead in the near future for this team but if Zhou can keep up what he is doing, then nothing will be impossible at all. A road double-header sees us cross the halfway point as we face both the 5th placed Crystal Empire and our fellow 6-1 team in the form of Drawkland. We may be in a good position as of now, but we must push on if we want to keep this up. GO JAGS!

Current Standing (Group 2): 2nd (6-1)
Last 2: BYE, W 95-66 vs Aristan Republic (UR)
Next 2: @Crystal Empire (32), @Drawkland (5)

by **Magnecia** » Thu Aug 05, 2021 9:16 am

Chester City Times- Sports Special

Who Will Take The Responsibility?

By John McDowell

Joe Brown in action against Graentfjall

After yet another defeat, the Magnecian National Basketball team is reeling in the last position of their group at the end of matchday 8. The last one was a bye. With 6 defeats and only 1 victory to their name, there can be no doubt that the team has disappointed every Magnecian basketball fans. Or, has it? Now, this is where the interesting thing starts. To be very honest, not many people were expecting great things from this Magnecian team, which is filled with new drafts(including 3 players who were drafted in the 2021 MBL Drafts) and ageing stars or free agents who have barely managed to get a team with Joe Brown being the only permanent player of the MBL and the recognizable name among these rather 'not so popular' group of players. Don't get me wrong, the other lads are an extremelly talented bunch of people, but the do lack in experience, and the difference in quality is brutally evident. Joe Brown has almost been a heart and soul of the team, and indeed the one man army among these rather inexperienced, tensed bunch. The results truly do not represent his performance. So what is Brown doing here, when most of the other big names are missing? Well, Brown's recovering from a ligament injury, and last day itself Boris(Brown's personal trainer) told me that Brown is still not 100 percent fit. The thing is, the MBA has decided to send in Brown to see how much he had actually recovered. They will not be dissappointed.

But the rather commonsensical question is, why the hell did the MBA send a bunch of inexperienced or aged or slightly injured group of people in Magnecia's first time participation in the IBC? Why were the players(except Brown) who won Gold in the Kepler Basketball Championships in 2020 not selected for this tournament too? If anyone follows the MBA website regularly, they will get their answer. This is because, the MBA were forced to send a team to the IBC, unwillingly. But why are the MBA so unwilling? They even send an U-19 squad to the Olympic Games. Doesn't all these sound ridiculous? Well, it does but there's a reason behind this. The MBL 2021-22 season will start from August 20th, and the Pre-Seasons are going on at a full fledge. But these players, who are doing their international duty have not been able to participate in the Pre Seasons. If Magnecia does qualify, then they'll also miss a few games of the MBL. Moreover, if anyone get injured, then they'll miss even more games. Naturally, the MBA committee does not want that to happen. The MBA gets a huge amount from the MBL, Magnecia's premier basketball tournament. If major stars do not participate in it, MBL will suffer from spectator droughts, and naturally the revenue will fall. Star power can not be denied. See, not that I am defending the MBA's decision or ruling, because I was a former President of MBA. These are raw facts. Moreover, unlike in some sports like football and in the European countries, playing in a domestic league here in Magnecia for any sport generates much more popularity and salary than playing for the national team does. Earlier, only amateurs used to participate in international tournaments for Magnecia. But times have changed now, and now professional players are participating. But, league of any major sport viewership is still significantly higher than the international tournaments in Magnecia. Of course, the MBA wouldn't wanted to waste their star players in the international tournament, and ruin this season of MBL. They can't afford to. The pandemic had already wrecked a havoc. The MBA can not take any more chances. Incumbent MBA President and former MBL All Star, Michael Murphy, has clearly outlined this fact in his tweet, where he wrote: "Sorry folks, but no we can not waste our big guns in either the IBC or the Olympics. We have the MBL to look after. These clashing schedule make it very difficult for us to accommodate." He is right and bloody honest.

Now coming to the players. Many fans have recently accused the players of being 'unpatriotic' for refusing to participate and represent the national team, and for instead opting to keep themselves fit for the MBL. All these slender campaigns began after Herbert Marshal clearly answered: "I'm more worried 'bout the MBL, man." The dual irony is that, firstly these very people will once again blame these very players if they fail to deliver in the MBL, and secondly, these are the very players who participated and won the Gold medal in the KBC. The players are professional beings after all, and are human being. I don't know whether the players are patriotic or not, but I do certainly know that they ain't robots.

But the point that all of us are missing out is, who the hell will take responsibility for such poor performances of the national team in the IBC. The players? The head coach Mike Rhoades? Or the MBA? Well, it's for the readers to decide.
.

Note: The writer is a former President of the Magnecian Basketball Association. The words of the writer is their personal opinion, and not that of Chester City Times. Chester City Times is neither responsible for, nor endorses, any of the words that have appeared in this editorial.

by **Hannasea** » Thu Aug 05, 2021 10:53 am

There was a young man Ethan Cox,
Who came through with two super clutch blocks;
He bricked all his threes,
And couldn’t hit his frees,
But who cares when his D totally rocks!

There once was a cat named Sharifa,
Whose teammate Nyah Gnem was a cheetah;
But neither could score,
When Jacques was on the floor:
He swatted their shots into the bleachers!

by **Venmere** » Thu Aug 05, 2021 6:34 pm

VNBT WINS FIRST INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT GAME

During the postgame press conference, coach Perry Whittaker voiced what millions of fans, as well as the players and the VNBT office, must have been thinking.

"Finally!"

Venmere came away with their first win in an international tournament by beating Pratapgadh 81-61. Couple that with a 1-point (67-66) loss to Gatchingerrak Union the day before, and spirits are higher than they've been this whole tournament with the team.

It hardly matters that Venmere is 1-7 and nowhere near looking to qualify for the next round. All that matters is they won! And, they're no longer bottom of their group.

Finally!

by **Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom** » Thu Aug 05, 2021 11:09 pm

RekanSport
International Basketball Championships 32 Update
By Anastasia Gfrörer

After an upset win streak two years ago, the Rekan basketball side just missed out on the second phase of play. This season the Rekan team is on the cusp of contending again, though it will require moving up against stiff competition, and continuing to play against other rivals for the top three. The next two matches could prove pivotal.

The side faced a start almost opposite to the four win run that kicked off the thirty first championship. Mytanija and Campeonato Esportiva dream killers Nova Anglicana bested the Rekans by 16 and 31 points respectively. The World's number one ranked team was next up, and the 79-58 result wasn't in doubt at any point. Luka Baum took blame, but did not resign from his post as coach, citing a schedule with tricky teams. He instead promised a "New Start" for the side. New confidence, and a lighter schedule saw the Rekans win two games in a row. A loss versus Pratapgadh was a major worry. The Rekans clearly underestimated their competitors and lost on a buzzer beater. Big Z's Southwest Eastnorth team were punished for the good fortune of Pratapgadh. Now Zeta Reka is fourth in Group 3.

IBC 32; Group 3                    Pld  W   L   F    A    D 
 1 Mytanija                        7    7   0   575  480  +95
 2 Banija                          7    7   0   551  467  +84
 3 Nova Anglicana                  8    5   3   617  550  +67
 4 Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom       7    3   4   509  529  -20
 5 Gatchingerrak Union             7    3   4   489  517  -28
 6 Lisander                        7    3   4   513  495  +18
 7 Southwest Eastnorth             7    2   5   477  532  -55
 8 Venmere                         7    1   6   482  554  -72
 9 Pratapgadh                      7    1   6   478  567  -89

With almost half of the tournament's opening phase in the back mirror, Lisander will step up to face Zeta Reka next, followed up by a rematch against insurgent contenders Mytanija. The Tomas Belić Arena at the National Sports Complex will host two important matches. "A higher rated side with an equal record is being followed up by the leaders of the group," the Aleiusia Star reported in an article about transportation to the venue, "Lisander and Mytanija will be a pivotal home series for us," RekaTV basketball analyst and former player Luka Jakšić said on the air.

Lisander will be playing a Rekan side without small forward Niko Geier, who also missed the Southwest Eastnorth game due to a rolled ankle. Top PPG players Joel Iwanić and Zoran Wasiljewić will be in both upcoming matches. "Our method is starting to work" Wasiljewić said to the media, "I feel like Lisander's line up is full of greenhorns. They are not ready to beat us yet." Bold words to say against a team which still has some solid parts from the last tournament. It is true that Baum's system is being worked into the new players on the squad, and the side is beginning to keep the ball out of opposition hands. With both teams on three wins they will look to halve the two win gap between them and third place Nova Anglicana. "We'd not like to rely on finishing fourth" Luka Baum said in a press scrum after defeating Southwest Eastnorth.

A small political brouhaha ignited over the upcoming rematch against Mytanija, "I hope we can beat them!" reserve player Žarko Wukić wrote on social media platform twii.tur, "their names remind me of Ogroven too much." The extended comment received condemnation from Ogroven City Mayor Marko Botić. The mayor spoke out online, describing Wukić's mindset and his words as, "Typical ethnic elitism." Botić has been known for mentioning cross-ethnic topic when others do not. Botić is a staunch advocate for Ogroven to have separate status in the federal framework from the rest of Zeta Reka. The Federal Basketball Association gave no comment, though rumors are that coach Baum took Wukić to task in private.

RekanSport Top 6:
Regulars Season Recaps, Football, Basktball and more
Cyclist robbed at revolver-point in Ofau
International Basketball Championships 32 Update
Rybki confident in comeback
Editorial: "Will The Money Run Out?"
Rekan brand sponsors Olympic Games
Free Articles remaining this month: 4

by **Ko-oren** » Fri Aug 06, 2021 3:25 am

Ko-orenite Surnames

As per the Gehrennan standard, everyone is required to register at least one first name and one surname. And luckily, the foreign languages that came to Ko-oren and the cultures associated with them already adhere to that standard - as does well over 90% of the multiverse. Within the Dragonfly Archipelago, finding someone with two (or more) surnames is fairly rare - even with many foreign cultures and their customs around adopting a second surname after marriage. Over here, sometimes, the surname of the partner is shortened and used as a middle name - one that can be registered with your municipal government but never shows up in official documents. And even that practise virtually only exists within the Gehrennan language area, which immediately poses the main problem for this article. How do you keep track (and standardise) surnames across well over a dozen official languages and several scripts?

For the most part, you don't.

The rest is a problem for the Secretariat of Information, Language, and Communications, as well as a little bit of the Secretariat of the Government. They are the ones in charge of finding out what combinations of scripts and characters exist, and what should be allowed. Even if the Ko-orenite government isn't too liberal on many issues, there are very few naming restrictions in place. As long as you have a given name and a surname (if either of those are comprised of logogrammes (characters), they must be accompanied by a standard pronunciation), and none of those contain numerals or interpunction other than a dash or an apostrophe, you're fine.

Locally, you can find a few interesting quirks.

English
Surnames in the English-speaking community are much like you find them abroad. Last names based on (historic) professions like Smith or Cooper, based on patronyms (Johnson, Jackson), or geographic features (Brooks, Churchill) are quite international. In our country, you can find matronyms as well (Marison, Mariott), as well as a lot of references to what comes out of the soil in the southwest (Redberry, Lavender). In the southeast, you'll find more professions and industrial names (Redsmith, Glass).

French
These include many patronyms and some professions, and have developed an interesting amount of 'true' Ko-orenite surnames, relating to our geography. Some families are named after regions (Amandine, Gerènne, Alarais, Maillarais), cities (Aminey, Létouillier, Granon), rivers ((L)Avrilien), and many more.

Dutch
These are fairly international, but like the French names, include some local names like Van Schemerdrecht, de Laringer, but also includes some natural names like in the English examples: Ro(o)debes, Purperberk, etc.

Japanese
Japanese surnames typically consist of two to three characters (With plenty of single-character names), and that's no different on the Archipelago. The amount of some of these characters differs heavily locally, and can feel somewhat uniquely Ko-orenite: 実 (mi), 果 (ka) for fruits, as well as many colours and flower names, occur heavily.

by **Trolleborg** » Fri Aug 06, 2021 7:23 am

TROLLEBORG NATIONAL BASKETBALL TEAM

This is fourth tournament in which team take part, but its performance so far is rather mediocre. Team played well, and there was no shortage of talent – this was proved by good quality of play of individual players as demonstrated in individual skills competitions. But even smallest success avoid our team. Basketball is rather popular sport in Trolleborg, distant third after football and hockey, so bad results annoyed big army of fans of this sport.

Lineup of the team as follows:

C –

№11. Kasper Hendrix (32).
№15. Bradin Dagda (30).

PG –

№4. Torfinn Timden (29).
№6. Soren Lundestrom (24).

SG –

№6. Ruud Aarst (28)
№ 7. Maarten Seigers (25)

PF -

№2. Jutil Morland (26)
№12. Roan Keano (31)

SF -

№10. Torstein Brass (32)
№9. Martin Ogtrop (30)

Team played in green (first kit) and red (second one) and usually play very conservative, while avoid fouls and being fouled (and this, maybe, don’t allow the team performing at a good level in international competitions).

<b>Style –5 </b>
My opponents, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my scorers: Y
Godmod scoring events: N
RP injuries to my players: Y
Godmod Injuries to my players: N
Suspend my players: Y
Godmod suspension events: N
Godmod other events: N (usually not, but if you have something interesting in mind, let me know and we try to find middle ground)

by **Trolleborg** » Fri Aug 06, 2021 7:24 am

Greetings, compatriots!
This is TTV with a breaking news from International Basketball Championship. Our team is doing much less than great in this tournament, our team clearly underperformed, lost many games our players definitely can win, already lose every hope to make in into playoffs, and head coach already resigned after first half of games. There was no obvious candidate to replace him right now and we have no time to find someone from abroad, because tournament is already on the way.

As Basketball Federation try to do so nevertheless (applications welcome, by way), fans and specialists voted to give a reins to none other than our national leader, Vladimir Finn. He is well-known sportsman, even make a way into the national fencing team on the recent Olympic games, and altought not have a much experience in both basketball or coaching, he accept this position. “If wounded and bleeding souls of the fans needed this ointment, I’m agree to run national basketball team as far as searching for a real coach go on. I must add, that my appointment is definitely not the the way out of this situation, and probably even not change course of events slightest, but I will do as much as only can”.

Vladimir Finn already join team, taking two the active basketball coaches from our league as aides, and making a first training session – it’s interestingly enough, that he did this behind the closed gates. Mass media is not notified if he plan some changes in the squad. Our national leader is known for his preference for a strong and fast game with a varied passing, but things, probably, will be different in this case – this is one thing if you see game on TV and understood it rather good and coaching team himself is completely other. But as we all know, Vladimir Finn is never shied away from responsibility when his people ask for something.

The huge popularity of the national leader means that in the near future the whole country will turn to cheer for the team, even people who are not very interested in basketball. Probably, tickets to the games of national team will be in great demand soon, as people will go to support players and their new coach.

by **Srednjaci** » Fri Aug 06, 2021 8:43 am

INTERNATIONAL BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS 32

FANTASTIC GAMES IN THE CONTINUATION OF THE COMPETITION
BY
Danijel Grlić

Srednjaci 83–68 Bollonich

The leadership of the national team felt that there was no need to introduce the best players against Bollonich. At Coloseum Hall, the coach opted for a new, younger combination that had already been proven in the previous match versus Annyoeng Oppa. The top five from the first team rested in this game . Vedran Jurković, Vjekoslav Šonjić, Josip Mikić, Darko Vučemilović and Bojan Kezele were the starting five. And the bench consisted of Branko Stadić, Ronald Grauss, Georgy Georgiev, Samir Hamidović and Ante Carević. The first quarter was more even between this two opponents. Bollonich, although the worst team in our group, showed that they know how to play basketball and that they know how to play several top combinations. However, as the game progressed, our basketball players played better in defense and the Bollonich players were no longer able to be effective. The best in our ranks was Bojan Kezele with 28 points and 12 assists.

"At first we were sluggish, we didn't know what to expect from them. But as the match progressed, we warmed up and played better and more aggressively. They couldn't keep up with that high pace. I'm happy with my game. I believe this team can also to a better result than before. "said Bojan Kezele after the game.

ANOTHER CONVINCING GAME BROUGHT SELF-CONFIDENCE

The Togolese Republic 66–91 Srednjaci

The return of the top starters five to the game marked this match against The Togolese Republic. Matković, Marković, Paradinović and company were an unsolvable enigma for The Togolese Republic players. The match was a one-way street and from the beginning it was known who would be the winner. Our basketball players showed great knowledge and quality. At the end of the first half, the result was 42:20 for Srednjaci. The coach then rotates the team in the second half. The top five occasionally appear and the player from the bench plays most of the game until the end. A smart move considering that the Olympic Games are approaching their beginning and all players need to play. By the end of the match, the difference only grew and at one point it was +35. Matkovic and Kotromanovic were the most efficient. Both players scored 26 points each, but Matković also scored 14 assists.

"We played as much as we should. Although we were very careful because we didn't want HUElavia to happen again. Congratulations to the professional staff and the guys on the victory. These young men who are coming are playing atomic basketball. I'm looking forward to new matches." said Danijel Matkovic, the player of the match.

Our well-coordinated national team is playing brilliantly in this cycle. Although the coach with the professional staff rotates the players, our national team is playing better and better. We are currently in first place in the group.
It's only half the competition. There are still a lot of matches ahead of us, but the situation is great for now and we hope that it will stay that way.
Group 1                          Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
 1 Srednjaci                       7    6   1   576  514  +62
 2 Omerica                         7    5   2   549  506  +43
 3 Valanora                        7    5   2   546  479  +67
 4 Sarzonia                        7    5   2   542  493  +49
 5 HUElavia                        7    3   4   522  494  +28
 6 Annyoeng Oppa                   7    3   4   544  539   +5
 7 The Togolese Republic           7    3   4   493  552  −59
 8 The Jovannic                    8    1   7   520  616  −96
 9 Bollonich                       7    1   6   492  591  −99

by **Mytanija** » Fri Aug 06, 2021 8:44 am

ALPHABET HOOP - THOUGHTS ON MYTANAR BASKETBALL
by Almedina Radovanovic

HOW TO SOLVE A PROBLEM LIKE BANIJA? MK.2

That was the question I asked at the start of my article prior to the start of IBC 31 when Mytanija opened the group stage against the number one ranked team in basketball, Banija. On that occasion the Mytanar national team took a real beating in all phases of the game, falling to a 94-58 defeat before improving slightly to keep the score to a mere 79-59 loss on the second occasion the two teams met during that tournament. Mytanija seem to have had rotten luck in group draws upon their return to the international basketball scene, drawing Banija once again during IBC 32. So the question remains: how do you solve a problem like Banija?

This time around Mytanija come into the tournament ranked 39th, Banija still remain number one, but Mytanija are no longer the unranked novices that they were heading into IBC 31. This team have had a tournament to get used to international matches, travel and the improved level of opposition. Between IBC 31 and IBC 32 they have also added some new faces to the team and there is a feeling that the two key men – Evgeny Fomin and Zelimir Ateljevic – have hit a new level of ability in the intervening period. This Mytanija team is definitely better and for the most part it is because those that were already in the team have stepped up to the plate and improved once they realised they would need to in order to compete in international basketball.

That has resulted in a Mytanar team which has raced out into a 7-0 record through the first-half of qualifying with only Banija left to play. This run has seen Mytanija defeat higher-ranked opposition in the form of Lisander (10); Nova Anglicana (13); Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom (28); and Southwest Eastnorth (32). Not bad for a team ranked 39th in the multiverse. Is it possible that they could take yet another scalp in the form of the group’s top-ranked nation? The match-up will be played out at Kabaka’s Court in Busukuma, something which doesn’t necessarily help Mytanija but it could also take a little bit of pressure off given the skyrocketing sense of anticipation surrounding this team. The Mytanar public are really beginning to believe something could be afoot.

They might be getting ahead of themselves a little, but in fairness they do have some good reasons to do so. It is possible that Mytanija’s #39 ranking could be a bit of a false image, those years away from international basketball didn’t necessarily mean that Mytanar basketball sunk to a #39 standard. The quick progress since Mytanija’s return to the IBC perhaps demonstrates that the level is a little bit higher than that. Some doubters have also pointed to the fact that the Mytanar team started the tournament with a relatively forgiving schedule which has allowed them to gain confidence and familiarity with the rest of the team. Other nations might have had more difficult starts, but everybody has to play everybody else twice when it is all said and done.

Two 7-0 teams will meet when Mytanija and Banija play and only one will come out with a perfect record. Mytanija will be underdogs, the difference in rank is there for a reason, but they have shown such dramatic improvement over the course of this IBC that they have nothing to fear from Banija. There was the sense that when meeting them for the very first time, at the start of IBC 31, that some were almost star struck and perhaps felt a little out of their depth. The gap was closed somewhat in the second meeting between the teams, but this time it should be even closer.

And what are the solutions to the problem? How do you solve a problem like Banija? Dominating the boards would be a start, with Banija sometimes struggling in that aspect of the game. Mytanija are strong fundamentally and rebounding is something some of our players have down to an art form, particularly bigs Fomin and Lekov; and also the all-action Ateljevic. That’s definitely one aspect which Mytanija will have to succeed if they want to win. A second area is ensuring that they slow the Banijans down. They love to play end-to-end and are extremely efficient in transition. If Mytanija can stop that and ensure that the Banijan team have to run plays to beat the Mytanar defence rather than allow them to utilise their speed and physicality then it will improve Mytanija’s chances.

Finally – possibly the most difficult thing Mytanija will have to do – they will have to find a way to puncture and punch holes in the 1-3-1 zone defence. It caused Mytanija issues last time with the team averaging only 58.5 PPG against Banija at IBC 31. Mytanija have much the same personnel, returning Kostojcinovski, Ateljevic and Fomin as starters from that team. They are now averaging 82.1 PPG during this tournament. Mytanija’s offensive output has improved. Mirko Lazetic has relied on Fomin’s playmaking ability and the big man has almost become a point centre for the team with a lot of the offence running through him. Ateljevic’s slashing ability and Kostojcinovski’s outside shooting have been delivering on the opportunities Fomin can create, with Fomin also scoring at a decent clip himself. The trio will need to work just as well against Banija to create and score against a defence which caused them problems last time.

Do those three things (simple, right?) and Mytanija might well solve the Banijan problem.

by **Valanora** » Fri Aug 06, 2021 11:54 am

The Dragons are obviously in a time of transition but even so, no one seriously believed that at the halfway point of the group stage, they would be third in the table despite being the top seed of the group. There was an expected amount of time needed for the team to learn to play a different style of game, but success was also expected. Instead two shock upsets were the Dragons had absolutely miserable shooting nights has left the Vanorian team with a lot of work to do if they want to win this group and secure their passage go the playoffs. As we have already seen, the team is far from upset proof.

If there is a bit of a silver lining to be had with what was an otherwise disappointing first half of the group stage, it is that in the most difficult game, the Dragons delivered. On the road against a Sarzonia team and crowd that desperately wanted to see the Dragons back home with another loss, the team came in clutch. Riding a 10 to 0 run im the middle.of the fourth quarter to take the lead in a game that was back and forth and hotly contested, the Drahons were able to show the sort of class that wlone might expect from a top five team. It was far from an easy game, with the crowd noise defeaning and leading to some uncharacteristic turnovers in the first half that let the hosts jump ahead, but the second half saw a more disciplined group and were able to whittle.away at the lead till the took it themselves with five minutes to go, never looking back.

Resiliency is an oft overlooked and taken for granted trait when it comes to a team. Resiliency however will be the key to the Dragons coming out in the second half of the group stage and putting up a performance that the fans in the Empire expect out of a team that is battling to be among the elite of the game. Skill at the top levels.of the game are high all around and it is teamwork and resiliency, that hunger and desire to rise above all obstacles that is the difference at these levels. Already Vanorians have proven recently that they have that fire to overcome, with an absolute marvelous showing in the NSCAA and rose to the elite after being good but not great for so long. It is time for the professionals to learn from the kids and dig deep so that they might soar.

by **Nova Anglicana** » Fri Aug 06, 2021 12:55 pm

As snap election approaches, how is each party doing?

John McAvoy, Political Columnist, Londinium Courier

The snap election is rounding into its final week, with parties trying to make their case for why voters should put them into office. Let's take a look at some of the issues and see how the parties are doing. Nova Anglicana uses a mixed-member proportional system that elects 50 Deputies from constituencies and 50 from a national list. Voters have two votes, one for their constituency and one for a party. A party must receive at least 2% of the list vote to be represented in the House of Deputies, unless they win a constituency.

People's Party

The People's Party are in a tough spot. As the largest party of the right, and with Michael Ramsey the leader who brought the National Party into the government, they are tarnished by association with King Voss. Ramsey has distanced himself from the National Party, saying, "As soon as we knew the extent of the mosque incident, I made the responsible decision." He's promising to run a two-party government without the Nationals and saying that he has faith in the justice system. He's championed the budget cuts, tax cuts, and what would have been welfare cuts, saying that his government was "on track to unleash historic growth and get Nova Anglicana back to work", and promised more of the same if elected. At the moment, it's unclear whether voters believe him, as his party has dropped to 25% in polls.

Progressive Justice Party

The PJP have come out swinging in this snap election campaign. Under Opposition Leader Josephine Clark, the PJP has blasted the collective right as "unfit to govern" and "willing to harbor bigots in order to slash taxes for the top 1% and gut social services for the rest of us." She's calling for increased investment in families, a scaling back of the Interior Ministry, and becoming more open to the world. She's mentioned looking to Esportiva for an expansion of trade, tourism, and regional collaboration, while saying that "we need to walk the walk when it comes to being a welcoming and safe country for all." It looks like her strategy is working, as the PJP are topping the polls at 32%. It's not a huge lead, but it's significant enough.

National Party

The National Party is reeling. Faced with the arrest of their leader, who has been denied bail, and the bombing scandal affecting not just Voss, but the whole party, they have dropped to the low single-digits, with polls putting them at an average of 2.8%. Acting Leader Rear Admiral Hugh Townsend has been trying to play down his party's association with Voss and the bombing, instead pursuing a military-first platform. He's highlighted their role in fighting for higher defense spending and better benefits for veterans while also touting lower taxes. This strategy has been complicated, however, by party chair and Deputy Christopher Mathewson. Mathewson has been vociferously defending Voss, saying that he was trying to keep the nation safe and that the whole thing was a plot by the left to destroy "right-wing patriots" in Nova Anglicana. We'll see who voters are listening to.

Liberal Secularists

Emily Waterford is struggling to get her party back onto the right foot after she lost two members of her party's left flank to Equality via floor-crossing. She's tried to make up for it by emphasising her party's bona fides on secularism. She's arguing that the National Party was fueled by a form of malignant Christian nationalism, and that Nova Anglicana should strongly reject that by voting for parties that are more explicitly secular. She's also calling for education reform to teach anti-racist principles and "an unbiased history of Nova Anglicana" that places greater weight on Nova Anglicana's history as a home for the world's oppressed. Her party is polling at a shade above 8%.

Libertarian Party

The Libertarians are doing everything they can to distance themselves from King Voss and the National Party. Leader William Dawson has been highlighting some of the differences between his party and the Nationals at most campaign stops and condemning the attacks in strong terms. He's calling for voters to rally to "a party that knows, whether it's the left or the right, government power can be too easily abused." He promises major reforms to the security apparatus if voters return the party to government and is also touting the budget surplus and tax cuts achieved by the government coalition. The Libertarians appear not to have suffered too much from their participation in the coalition, and maybe even benefited, as they are polling around 9%.

Stewardship Party

Marilyn Greenfield is entering her final term as a Deputy, but she's been the undisputed leader of Nova Anglicana's green political party. She's continued to hammer home traditional points about renewable energy and First Nations issues while quietly supporting Clark's rhetoric about the irresponsibility of the right. Although it hasn't been a particularly fiery campaign for her, she's well-liked among voters and frustration with the two large parties appears to be bleeding over into support for the Stewardship Party. They're polling at just over 10%, which would be their highest result yet.

Equality

This party, which advocates for social democracy, democratic socialism, and the interests of underserved groups, is on track to enter the House of Deputies on its own for the first time, polling just over 2% at the moment. I say "on its own" because of course Equality has four Deputies who joined the party via floor-crossing, led by Samantha Speer, the failed PJP leadership candidate. They're bashing the National Party and calling for increased attention to be paid to the issues of Muslims, women, First Nations, and other people of color. A little drama here, as Kristine Fletcher is still the official party leader, though Speer leads the caucus in Parliament. Fletcher is #1 on the party list, while Speer is #2, just in case anyone forgot who's really in charge here. Unfortunately for Equality, unless Speer or others can overachieve in their constituencies, they're not polling high enough to return four Deputies to Parliament.

The collection of various minor parties

Here we have Democracy, advocates of pure proportional representation, who are trying to argue that not only should we have changed our electoral system, we should have abolished the Senate to "allow voters the chance to have real change in government." We also have the Socialist Workers Party, who are trying to argue that only socialism would have "prevented the rise of fascists and their enablers". Following them are the Dominionist Party, who are trying to argue that "in a society based on Christianity and Biblical principles, this never would have happened,", perhaps because they want to ban non-Christian immigration. And finally, and perhaps most persuasively, the Newfoundland Independence Party are trying to argue that the dysfunction of the central government makes it all the more important for Newfoundland and Labrador to control its own destiny. All are polling well below 1%.

So with the PJP in the lead, perhaps we'll see a return to centre-left governance in Nova Anglicana. But incredibly important are the 9% of voters who are still undecided. Whoever they break to, if they break uniformly, will see a big boost and will likely determine who will end up on top in just about a week.

Polls

PJP - 32%
PP - 25%
SP - 10%
LP - 9%
Undecided - 9%
LSP - 8%
NP - 3%
EQY - 2%
MNPs - 2%

Nova Anglicana 66-63 Lisander

Team stats - 22/50 (44.0%), 6-15 3-pt (46.2%), 16-20 FT (80.0%)

G #3 Matty Stewart - 1-4/0-0/4-4 (6 pts)
G #8 Jimmy Haynes - 3-6/2-4/2-3 (10 pts)
G #12 Reggie LaPointe - 1-4/1-3/0-0 (3 pts)
F #25 Colin Klein - 2-5/0-2/2-2 (6 pts)
F #27 Alain Colbert - 9-14/1-2/3-4 (22 pts)

G #14 Patrice Broussard - 1-2/0-0/1-1 (3 pts)
G #35 Clement Villeneuve - 1-3/1-1/1-2 (4 pts)
G #17 Rex McKinney - 2-4/0-0/0-0 (4 pts)
G #10 Duncan Muir - 0-2/0-1/1-2 (1 pts)
F #32 Jonathan Stephens - 1-3/0-0/2-2 (4 pts)
F #22 Cory Montgomery - 1-2/1-2/0-0 (3 pts)
C #48 Jamie Brooks - 0-1/0-0/0-0 (0 pts)

Nova Anglicana 67-74 Mytanija

Team stats - 25/58 (43.1%), 10-25 3-pt (40.0%), 7-13 FT (53.8%)

G #3 Matty Stewart - 1-2/0-0/2-2 (4 pts)
G #8 Jimmy Haynes - 6-13/3-7/1-2 (16 pts)
G #12 Reggie LaPointe - 3-7/2-6/1-1 (9 pts)
F #25 Colin Klein - 3-6/0-1/1-4 (7 pts)
F #27 Alain Colbert - 1-4/0-0/0-2 (2 pts)

G #14 Patrice Broussard - 0-2/0-0/2-2 (2 pts)
G #35 Clement Villeneuve - 3-7/1-4/0-0 (7 pts)
G #17 Rex McKinney - 2-2/0-0/0-0 (4 pts)
G #10 Duncan Muir - 2-4/1-3/0-0 (5 pts)
F #32 Jonathan Stephens - 2-2/0-0/0-0 (4 pts)
F #22 Cory Montgomery - 4-6/3-4/0-0 (11 pts)
C #48 Jamie Brooks - 0-3/0-0/0-0 (8 pts)

by **Banija** » Fri Aug 06, 2021 3:49 pm

Banija enters into two game homestand against Mytanija & Nova Anglicana looking to prove that they are still top dogs in basketball

Banijan basketball fans cheering the team on at the IBCs

BUSUKUMA, NATIONAL CAPITOL REGION- The International Basketball Championships are in full swing, and the Banijans are standing at 7-0 as we approach the halfway mark. After falling in the quarterfinals of the AOBCs on home soil, ending the Banijans quest to make it four consecutive trophies in four consecutive major tournaments, the national team is motivated for the threepeat here.

"WE still feel as if we are one of, if not the, best basketball teams in the multiverse." Head Coach Isaiah Lavaga said. "There are plenty of high-quality, elite basketball sides right now. We know what the Quebecois can do. We've seen what Delaclava can do. Newmanistan, unfortunately, isn't here, but plenty of nations feel as if they can take the role of #1 contender. Mytanija and Nova Anglicana are two nations that fit that bill, which will make this home stand a very interesting one. We've got history with both- we played Nova Anglicana in the knockout stages of the last two IBCs, while we played Mytanija twice in the group stages last year. There's a lot of familiarity there."

Mytanija, in particular, has been impressive throughout the tournament. Like Banija, but almost entirely unexpectedly, they've launched off to a 7-0 start in the group stages of this tournament as well, which means that the 'Battle of the Nijas' will be a fight between two undefeated squads, for sole possesion of first place in the group. Coach Lavaga has talked about the improvements he's seen looking at Mytanijan film from last tournament to this tournament. Kizza Alanso talked about what he noticed on film as well.

"This Mytanijan team seemed so shell shocked when we played them three years ago." Kizza Alanso told reporters. "But this year- the moment is certainly not too big for them. They've come to this tournament motivated, scared of nothing, intimidated by none, and are out here to collect names and kick ass. And that's what they've done. They've beaten all these teams ranked higher than them already. The way they're playing, even though they are coming into our house, in our nation's capitol, they have to be feeling some kind of confident."

"It's a huge tilt for the team." Said the starting point guard, Akabueze. "Coach has talked about it- he's got this down as an important marker for us. Mytanija is a team that, in my opinion, is ready to knock some of the more established nations off their perch one tournament early, and declare themselves a top 10 nation in international basketball. And they've done a hell of a job of that so far. But playing at the Kabaka's Court, we're going to have to get after them. Our fans are great, and they get on top of opponents. The Kabaka's Court, especially, is one hell of a noisy venue. We've got to play great, aggressive defense and blitz them early, allow our crowd to get into it. If we do that, that is certainly the way for long-term success."

The Banija v. Mytanija game has received a lot of hype, considering its a matchup between two 7-0 squads. But Nova Anglicana is right after- and should not be overlooked. Assistant Coach Oscar Laboto talked about them as well. "We're very familiar with the other Lions, as this is the third straight tournament we've played them." He said. "They've got elite talent at many different positions, that's why we're consistently playing them late into tournaments. They're going to be extra motivated to play us in Istria- so we will be ready for them. But if we can win these next two games, then all of our goals will be in front of us. A loss is not disastrous- but we don't want to let anybody celebrate on our home court."

Two huge games against elite opposition- Mytanija in Busukuma, and then Nova Anglicana in the Olympic City. Will the Lions triumph? Or will one of the challengers be the first to draw blood against us at this year's IBCs? We'll find out very, very soon.

International Basketball Championships 32 Everything Thread

DROP IT DOWN!: A Well-Earnt Bye And A Clean Win

Limericks

Who is online