Adam Zagoria covers basketball at all levels. He is the author of two books and an award-winning journalist whose articles have appeared in ESPN The Magazine, SLAM, Sheridan Hoops, Sports Illustrated, Basketball Times and in newspapers nationwide.
John Calipari has axed Detroit Pistons forward Charlie Villaneuva from the Dominican Republic National Team for being out of shape.
“Charlie was not in good form when we saw him,” Calipari, the Kentucky and DR head coach, told FIBA.com of the Queens, N.Y. native.
“He was overweight, and unfortunately, we could not slow down the entire team and it was a decision taken collectively. Last year, Charlie behaved really well with us and his only problem was his weight.
“An NBA player like him deserves respect and for respect, we have taken this decision.
“I enjoyed coaching him a lot. He is a great player.”
The Dominican roster still features Sacramento Kings small forward Francisco Garcia and forward Eulis Baez of the Spanish League, and Calipari believes the team can still secure one of the three spots for the London Olympics during the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Caracas.
“Francisco has to average around 18 points per game to compete with teams of a certain level,” Calipari said.
“His offense and that of Eulis are necessary. They have to give more and get more in the game.”
Adam Zagoria is a Basketball Insider who covers basketball at all levels. A contributor to The New York Times and SportsNet New York (SNY), he is also the author of two books and is an award-winning journalist and filmmaker. His articles have appeared in ESPN The Magazine, SLAM, Sheridan Hoops, Basketball Times and in newspapers nationwide. He also won an Emmy award for his work on the SNY mini-documentary on Syracuse guard Tyus Battle.
A veteran Ultimate Frisbee player, he has competed in numerous National and World Championships and, perhaps more importantly, his teams won the Westchester Summer League (WSL) championships in 2011 and 2013.
He lives in Manhattan with his wife and children.
John Calipari has axed Detroit Pistons forward Charlie Villaneuva from the Dominican Republic National Team for being out of shape.
“Charlie was not in good form when we saw him,” Calipari, the Kentucky and DR head coach, told FIBA.com of the Queens, N.Y. native.
“He was overweight, and unfortunately, we could not slow down the entire team and it was a decision taken collectively. Last year, Charlie behaved really well with us and his only problem was his weight.
“An NBA player like him deserves respect and for respect, we have taken this decision.
“I enjoyed coaching him a lot. He is a great player.”
The Dominican roster still features Sacramento Kings small forward Francisco Garcia and forward Eulis Baez of the Spanish League, and Calipari believes the team can still secure one of the three spots for the London Olympics during the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Caracas.
“Francisco has to average around 18 points per game to compete with teams of a certain level,” Calipari said.
“His offense and that of Eulis are necessary. They have to give more and get more in the game.”
