NOC News - USA Hoops Decision; Australia Picks Six; Estonian NOC Chief Retires

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Decision Time for USA Hoops

Team USA has some tough decisions to make in the next week or so.

According to a Monday report on FIBA.com, USA Basketball will reveal its preliminary 18-man squad for London 2012 by Jan. 18.

All signs point to a roster far better than the gold medal-winning one from 2010’s world championships and every bit as good as the Olympic champion "Redeem Team" from Beijing 2008.

"We have so much talent right now," USA Basketball boss Jerry Colangelo was quoted on FIBA.com.

"The pool is extraordinary."

Among the favorites to make Coach Mike Krzyzewski’s squad are 2008 gold medalists Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh,Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard, LeBron James, Chris Paul, Dwyane Wade and Deron Williams as well as 2010 world champions Kevin Durant, Kevin Love, Russell Westbrook and Derrick Rose.

The only national team newcomer up for consideration is reportedly Los Angeles Clippers power forward – and reigning NBA Slam Dunk champion – Blake Griffin.

A final 12-man roster as well as six alternates aren’t due to FIBA until June 18, but all 18 names must be to USOC headquarters by month’s end for drug-testing purposes.

Australia Picks Six

The Australian Olympic Committee has selected six sailors to represent Australia at the 2012 Olympics.

Included in the mix of sailors are Mathew Belcher and Malcolm Page, defending world champs in the 470 class. Page won the 470 event in Beijing with then skipper Nathan Wilmot.

"Defending the gold medal is what drives me for London," Page said in a statement. "I remember when I won my second World Championships that there was so much less pressure than when I won the first one, and I think it is the same for the Olympics. I see it as being an advantage to my competition that I’ve won gold before – I know I can do it again."

Sailing at the London 2012 Olympic Games will take place from Sunday 29 July – Saturday 11 August in Weymouth and Portland.

U.K. Sports Minister Calls for "Thrashing" of Australia

Jeremy Hunt, sports minister for the U.K., sent a strong message for Britain’s Olympic athletes–"thrash" their chief rivals Australia.

"I love Australia to bits, but it would give me no greater pleasure than to thrash them once again in the medals table," he said.

"We want to beat France and Germany but most important of all, we need to beat the Aussies."

At the Beijing Olympics, Team GB finished fourth overall with 47 medals including 19 gold. The Australians finished sixth with 46 medals. Not exactly a thrashing from Britain.

Estonian NOC President Steps Down

Mart Siimann, president of the Estonia Olympic Committee, will retire from the post at the end of the year. He joined the EOC in 2001.

Estonian media report that the two leading candidates to replace him are Vice President Neinar Seli and Secretary General Toomas Tõnise. "I have talked to both of them and they are good candidates," Siiman was quoted as saying.

"I have my preferences but I will not reveal them," he said, fearing undue influence on the elections due to his position.

Siimann also said he would not make a prediction on Estonia’s performance in London.

Kenya Olympic Budget

The National Olympic Committee of Kenya’s secretary general said the NOCK will spend $3.1 million prepping the country’s Olympic team this year.

"The Government is aware of the budget and we are set to meet with Department Of Sport officials this week to discuss preparations for the Olympics" said Francis Paul.

"Our aim is to record a better performance than Beijing 2008 by giving all the support we can to the teams."

Paul added the NOCK hopes to send "more than 100 competitors" to Beijing.

Written by Ed Hula III and Matthew Grayson.

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