Nike Basketball News

1-on-1: Rudy Fernandez vs. Marc Gasol - Better Player From Spain

TheLetterJ — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:55:05 GMT

Sweet-shooting. High-flying. Spaniard.

Big-bodied. Low post-patrolling. Spaniard.

Born in Palma de Mallorca, Rudy Fernandez is a 6'6" shooting guard with Slam Dunk Contest credentials and the NBA rookie record for three-point field goals made (159). He boasts Catalan League, FIBA EuroCup, Spanish King's Cup and ULEB Cup championships.

And on several of those title teams, Rudy was named MVP.

A first-round NBA Draft pick in 2007, he was named to the All-Rookie team last year.

Born in Barcelona, 7'1" Marc Gasol began making a name for himself at the Lausanne Collegiate School (Memphis, Tennessee) as a dominant high school big man living with his NBA All-Star big brother, Pau.

Marc returned to Europe and picked up a Spanish League championship and a Spanish League MVP before being selected in the second round of the 2007 NBA Draft.

After breaking Pau's franchise record for field goal percentage, Marc joined Rudy on the 2009 NBA All-Rookie team.

Two players. Two completely different styles of play. Two hometowns. One country.

But this one's no slam dunk:

Between Rudy Fernandez and Marc Gasol, who's the better Spaniard?

The Family: B-Roy Goes Big

Hotnix — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 17:16:32 GMT

The NBA has a long history of prolific point guards with ESP, magic hands, and unstoppable pickpocket skills. After his 42 point playoff performance, Portland’s Brandon Roy helping lead the renaissance of the floor general.

As veterans like Steve Nash begin to pass the torch to the next generation of point men, the big story of the past two seasons is worthy of a reality show like America’s Next Top Point Guard.

B-Roy stole the spotlight Tuesday night in Portland's face off against the Rockets. He took over the game from the jump, racking up ten points in the first 12 minutes alone. And after they traded hard earned baskets with Houston all night it was his 42 points that carried them to victory. But Brandon wasn’t alone in his attack.

The Blazer front court always has a way of controlling the paint. LaMarcus Aldridge showed his ever-expanding arsenal, contributing 27 points. Though he only put up four points, Greg Oden’s massive presence and shutdown defense kept the Rockets in check. Meanwhile, Rudy Fernandez continued to prove why he belongs in the league with dynamic dunks, two big steals and 11 crucial points. And with Brandon feeding them the rock, the dimes kept dropping, leading them to a 107-103 victory.

As we all know, people are quick to put Utah’s Deron Williams and New Orleans point man at the top of the point guard list. But based on last Tuesday’s performance and a season average of 22.6 points, 5.1 assists, 2.2 steals and 4.6 rebounds, Roy has led his team to a good postseason start and is keeping himself on the radar as the next big thing.

Brandon Roy and the Portland Trailblazers face the Houston Rockets for game three of their series Friday, April 24th at 7:00pm EST.

The Family: Versus

Hotnix — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 19:46:27 GMT

2008 goes out fighting with some major battles this week, but 2009 kicks off with 15 phenomenal games and a match-up between two of the league's youngest powerhouse teams.

It’s a battle born in opposite corners of the country when the New Orleans Hornets buzz into Portland to take on the Trail Blazers on their home court. It’s the first contest of 2009 for both teams, so both will be looking to start the year off right. Only one can come away with the win though, which is why we can expect a hard-fought game with guys from both time zones leaving it all out on the floor.

The Hornets will try to put the sting in Portland with the inspired play of David West and his squad, while Portland will look to its young scoring machines Brandon Roy, LaMarcus Aldridge, Rudy Fernandez and Greg Oden to win big at home. Setting the tone for ’09 is crucial for both teams, so don’t be surprised if the intensity level starts to get up near the Rose Garden roof. If your New Year’s resolution is to never miss a hot game, here’s your chance to make good on it.

NBA Regular Season

Monday, December 29

Orlando vs. Detroit @ 7:30pm ET

Tuesday, December 30

Cleveland vs. Miami @ 7:30pm ET

Wednesday, December 31

Denver vs. Toronto @ 7:00pm ET

Friday, January 2

New Orleans vs. Portland @ 10:00pm ET

Saturday, January 3

Houston vs. Atlanta @ 7:00pm ET