Bahamas has won the FIBA Olympic Pre-qualifying match against the world cup champions Argentina. This is being seen as an underdog victory since the Bahamas has never qualified for the Olympic game. However, Argentina has been a formidable team in FIBA. From the Bahamas NBA star, Eric Gordon emerged as the most efficient performer in their historic game.?
Amidst their emotional win, however, a storm of controversy brewed, centered around Eric. He has signed with the Phoenix Suns this summer joining forces with Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. Eric was awarded NBA Sixth Man of the Year in 2017 when he was playing for the Rockets.?
Andres Nocioni calls out Eric Gordon
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Argentine basketball legend, Andres Nocioni, couldn’t stay silent in the wake of his national team’s loss. Nocioni fired shots at him and questioned the ethics of Eric Gordon’s recruitment by the Bahamas. He said, “Is it fair what the Bahamas did to nationalize a player who had already competed for the United States (even winning a World Cup) at the last moment?“, Nocioni?rhetorically questioned.?
Andres Nocioni calls out Eric Gordon after Argentina's loss to Bahamas
“Is it fair what the Bahamas did to nationalize a player who had already competed for the United States (even winning a World Cup) at the last moment? This signing at will is called the club league, not the… pic.twitter.com/kBnT7i86YZ
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 22, 2023
In 2010, Gordon played for the US and played a crucial role in helping the team secure a gold medal. Despite this previous commitment to Team USA, FIBA regulations allowed him to play for the Bahamas after meeting certain criteria.
Andres went on to label the move as more aligned with club league strategies than those typically associated with national team competitions. ?This signing at will is called the club league, not the national team competition. And it should be corrected?. His statement, both pointed and impassioned, called for a reevaluation of such signings and a correction in the process.
Eric Gordon shines as a top performer
The pre-qualifying match was nothing short of intense. As both teams battled for supremacy on the court, it was Eric Gordon who emerged as a standout player for the Bahamian squad. With his incredible speed, he easily maneuvered through defenders, sinking crucial shots in s close match of 82-75 points. Gordon scored a game-high of 27 points.?
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Andres’ remarks after the match have started heated debates among the fans. While every athlete can choose the nation they represent, others question whether these rules are being exploited by teams seeking an advantage. Of course, in the end, eligibility allows for players to switch, provided they meet the criterion.
What do you think? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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