The NBA, FIBA and the Finnish Basketball Association announced that Basketball without Borders Europe will be held Sept. 7-10 at Kisakallio Sports Institute in Lohja, marking the first time that the NBA and FIBA’s global basketball development and community outreach program will be held in Finland. BWB is celebrating its 15th anniversary this summer. BWB Europe will bring together the top male players born in '99 from across Europe to learn directly from NBA and FIBA players and coaches and to compete against the best young players from the continent. BWB Europe will also include a Jr. NBA camp for local youth and NBA Cares community outreach efforts teaching the importance of a healthy, active lifestyle and the values of the game. Nike, a BWB global partner since '02, will outfit the campers and coaches with Nike apparel and footwear (NBA).
BCCI TO TRIAL PINK BALLS: In the lead-up to "possibly hosting a day-night Test" in '16, the Board of Control for Cricket in India is in talks with British ball manufacturer Dukes for a supply of pink balls. Generally, "cricket in India is played with the SG ball, and in the only floodlit Test so far -- between Australia and New Zealand in 2015 -- a pink Kookaburra was used." However, former India captain and BCCI Technical Committee Chair Sourav Ganguly reportedly "suggested exploring all options." A BCCI office bearer said, "Sourav feels that the Kookaburra seam could be a problem in Indian conditions. He suggested that we should also check out with Duke company, if they can manufacture pink balls with pronounced seam. We are expecting a consignment from Dukes" (PTI, 6/16).
NARROWING THE LIST: The BCCI said that a panel including former cricket captains Sachin Tendulkar and Ganguly will select India's next head coach from a shortlist of 21 candidates by June 22. The BCCI received 57 applications and "despite recommending a smaller pool of nominees, all of the petitions will still be available to a panel" which also includes former test batsman VVS Laxman (REUTERS, 6/16).
