The 2010 FIBA World Championship kicked off today in Turkey and for San Antonio Spurs fans, eyes were on Brazil, France and Lithuania as Tiago Splitter, Nando de Colo and Robertas Javtokas played for their respective countries.

Here is how they did today in their opening round games.

de Colo:

Though the French national team pulled off the upset to defeat Spain, the defending World Champions, de Colo had a game to forget.

He played in the first half but did not see action in the second half. He drew the tough defensive assignment to guard Spain's Ricky Rubio but it was the Spanish defense on de Colo which seemed to throw him off his game.

Though he did show flashes of aggressiveness going to the rim in the first quarter when he drove strong into the lane against Spain's Marc Gasol but missed the shot.

He finished the game scoreless, got one steal which led to an easy score for France and drew a charge on the defensive end.

Javtokas:

Javtokas did not have a good game as well as Lithuania faced New Zealand. He played four minutes, shot 50% from the field, grabbed one rebound, had one blocked shot and scored two points.

Splitter:

Splitter had the tough assignment of guarding Iran's big man Hamed Haddadi who also plays for the Memphis Grizzlies. On two occasions, Haddadi blocked Splitter's shot attempts.

Splitter did show an all around game which should bring a smile to Spurs fans next season. He used his body well in the paint to get to the basket and even picked up the "and 1" in the first quarter.

In the second quarter, Splitter showed he can pass out of the paint when he found a Brazilian player at the opposite end of the court for an easy score. He also showed a knack for getting steals and scored most of his points in the paint.

At the half he scored seven points.

In the third quarter, Splitter showed he can run on the break and got a slam-dunk for Brazil but he continued to have the tough defensive assignment on Haddadi.

In the fourth quarter, Splitter had a huge dunk off a fast break and in the next play he ran the floor for an easy lay-up on a Brazil fast break.

What he showed was he can run up the court on fast breaks, cut to the rim, footwork in the paint and is constantly moving around the basket.

He finished the game with 13 points, shot 60% from the field, made 1/1 free-throws, grabbed four rebounds, had one assist, one steal and had one blocked shot in 23 minutes of play.

• Tiago Splitter

Splitter recently sat down for an interview where he spoke on going to the NBA, the 2010 World Championship and more. To see the interview click HERE to visit FIBATV.com.

• Rod Thorn

Current Philadelphia 76ers President, Rod Thorn, reflected on his time with the New Jersey Nets and spoke about the 2003 NBA Finals against the Spurs. He feels the Nets should have been the NBA Champions and not the Spurs. Looks like he isn't over it after all these years:

"With the Nets, we went to the NBA Finals twice, but we were outmatched with Shaq and Kobe the first time. We didn't have a shot. They were too good. I thought we had a great chance against San Antonio, though. We matched up well with them and we won one of the first two games in San Antonio. Then we were tied 2-2, and in Game 5 we throw the ball away in the last few minutes of a close game. We then go to San Antonio for Game 6 and have a double-digit lead and blow it. We should've been champions; I'll always believe that. (source nba.com)

Jeff and I got together to talk some San Antonio Spurs news, even though it's one of the slowest NBA months.

We talked about the one current Spur and two potentially future Spurs who are representing the silver & black in Turkey for the 2010 FIBA World Championship. Tiago Splitter will be playing for a powerhouse Brazil team. With the loss of Nene, Splitter should see more playing time, which worries both of us about the possibility of injury.

Nando de Colo, will be playing for France, and with Tony Parker not playing, de Colo should see plenty of playing time to prove himself and really gain some beneficial experience. Robertas Javtokas will be representing Lithuania. He kept his cool in one of the "friendlies" against the United States and it'll be good to see where he is at with his career.

We also talked about Danny Ferry coming back to the Spurs, I struggle to remember a former foreign NBA player's name coach Popovich wanted on the squad, some of the latest content on Project Spurs and we make fun of John Karalis of Red's Army on his NBA 2K10 player getting destroyed by video game Richard Jefferson.

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Intro Music: Paranoid by Black Sabbath

Back in 1996, the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks made a trade which resulted in the Spurs receiving Charles Smith and Monty Williams while the Knicks received JR Reid, Brad Lohaus and a 1996 first round pick.

The Spurs were looking to replace Dennis Rodman who was traded to the Chicago Bulls for center Will Perdue.

However, did you know the Spurs really wanted to trade for Charles Oakley?

Instead, the Knicks turned to the Spurs, who originally called Grunfeld about acquiring Charles Oakley. San Antonio was looking for a power forward to replace Dennis Rodman and the Spurs now feel they have their man.

This made me think how Oakley would have been a suitable replacement for Rodman in the 1995-1996 season and how a David Robinson, Sean Elliott and Oakley front-court would have been formidable. Not to mention, he would have helped erase the "soft" label the Spurs had.

It also made me wonder if Oakely would have made a difference in the playoffs that year against the Utah Jazz.

That season, the Spurs finished first in the Midwest Division with a record of 59-23. In the playoffs they beat the Phoenix Suns in the first-round (3-1) but lost in the Western Conference semi-finals (4-2) to the Jazz.

In the playoffs for that season, Smith averaged 5.1 points, 50% from the field, 3.7 rebounds and averaged 37% from the free-throw line. Oakley averaged 13.1 points, 50% from the field, 8.6 rebounds and shot 69% from the free-throw line for the Knicks.

More importantly, Oakley would have been a big help in challenging the Jazz. He would have been a defensive pain for Karl Malone and would have provided the toughness the Spurs desperately needed.

He would have taken pressure off Robinson (who often had to guard Malone) leaving him to become a weak-side defender. It would have also left Robinson to defend and have his way on the offensive end against the likes of Greg Ostertag, Antoine Carr and Felton Spencer. Also, Oakely was the "enforcer" type. If any opposing player would have laid a hard foul on his teammate, they would have had to answer to him.

However, Oakley would have had trouble if Malone took him away from the paint and started to hit his outside shots. Oakley was not a quick defender away from the basket.

As for Smith, he lasted two seasons with the Spurs before retiring in 1997 due to injuries but I leave you with this. Here is what former Spurs' GM, Gregg Popovich, had to say about Smith when the trade was finalized:

"We are thrilled to have been able to make this deal," said Spurs GM Gregg Popovich. "Charles Smith is exactly what our team needed at the power forward position. Our frontline of David Robinson, Charles Smith and Sean Elliott is going to be among the best in the NBA."

Sports Illustrated ranked Tiago Splitter number four, Nando de Colo number seven and Robertas Javtokas number nine on their list of players to watch in the upcoming 2010 FIBA World Championship.

Splitter:

The Brazilian team is loaded with talent, most notably Leandro Barbosa, but Tiago Splitter is the team's true rising star. The 6-foot-11 center was named the Spanish League MVP in 2010 and will play for the San Antonio Spurs this season. With Brazilian center Nene expected to miss the tournament, Splitter will be called upon heavily, and he could have a breakout performance.

As mentioned, Nene will be out of the tournament which means more minutes for Splitter. For Spurs fans this has to raise some concerns seeing how with an increase in playing time means an increase in risk of injury.

de Colo:

An array of French stars are sitting out the 2010 World Championship -- Tony Parker and Joakim Noah to name a few -- but the team is still loaded with young up-and-comers, including 6-foot-6 combo guard Nando De Colo. He struggled in France's pre-worlds exhibition game against the U.S. but has shown loads of potential in recent years, which led the San Antonio Spurs to select him in the 2009 draft.

de Colo has two more seasons with Valencia which will help him develop his game more. By then he should make the jump to the NBA. Recently, Valencia did increase his buy out so if the Spurs are looking to bring him over anytime soon, this could be an issue.

Javtokas:

A member of the Lithuanian national team since 2002, Robertas Javtokas is one of the best big men in the competition. A motorcycle crash stalled his career in 2002, but Javtokas has since recovered and reclaimed his dominance. The 6-foot-11 center scored 10 points and pulled down six rebounds in an exhibition against Team USA on Aug. 21, holding his own against the likes of Tyson Chandler and Lamar Odom and even getting the better of them in some instances.

Javtokas was drafted by the Spurs in 2001. He is a solid big man and could help the Spurs in the future.

For the complete list, click HERE.

The San Antonio Spurs did some retooling this offseason adding Tiago Splitter, Gary Neal and drafting James Anderson. All three will contribute to the Spurs' success if they can mesh well with the "Big Three" of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili.

The Spurs might have found the right mix of talent and experience to make it back to the top but each of the new players will quickly grasp how most of the Spurs' offense and defense revolves around Duncan, Parker and Ginobili.

Now I'm not a basketball expert but I have followed the Spurs since Duncan arrived in San Antonio and I'm pretty familiar with the Spurs' style of play. So Splitter, Anderson and Neal, if you just happen to be reading this, here are a few pointers, from me to you, on how to play with the Spurs' "Big Three."

Splitter:

1) Be ready to provide some weak side help on defense. If an opponent gets past Duncan's defense, you have to be ready to protect the rim like David Robinson used to.

2) In case you didn't know, Ginobili likes to go left. Try setting screens to free him up and make sure to rotate to the rim for the pick-and-roll. He will find you with a drop pass or a hand-off.

3) With Parker, just create space. He can get to the rim so quick so be ready to set solid picks on top of they key.

It's no secret the Spurs put a premium on defense and this is where you will be of tremendous help. Your length and mobility will make the teams' interior defense better instantly. Although you have to be extra careful as you tend to be a little more aggressive on the defensive end causing you to commit some unwanted fouls. You will be fine after you get your feet wet. Your basketball instincts will take over and your style of play fits right in with the team.

Anderson:

1) Parker loves athletic players who can stay with him on the break. If your conditioning is on par with his and you are ready to run, you can expect quite a few open transition layups this season.

2) Ginobili makes some crazy passes. Whether it's a drive and dish, a kick out or a no-look-pass and if you aren't aware, the ball might find its way right in your face or sail out of bounds. Bottom line is you have to be ready for his passes whether you are lining up for a jump shot or cutting into the lane.

3) Duncan knows a thing or two about passing the basketball. He's good at passing the ball out of the double team so be ready for some open jumpers and if the opportunity present itself for a fast break layup watch out for one of his "touch down" passes. It's right on the money.

Many people believe you can provide an immediate impact. If you can score and shoot for the Spurs like you did in college then this team will be a lot better than most people expected. You are not known for defense, but your size and athletic ability suggest you can be a good defender if not a stopper. I'm sure the Spurs will instill in you a mindset of playing 'D' at all times. Playing with the "Big Three" will present a lot of scoring opportunity on offense but keep in mind the Spurs play hard on defense as well. Best of luck!

Neal:

1) If Ginobili continues to come off the bench, expect a lot of minutes with him on the floor. Be aware he is very good at passing the ball so watch out for the kick out and some crazy behind the backs or no-look-passes from time to time.

2) With Parker, find your way to the corners as he will look to dish out some passes for you to nail the corner three-point shot. Ask former Spurs Bruce Bowen and Roger Mason Jr.

3) As I mentioned before, Duncan is one of the best passing bigs and if he's posting up in the paint, it might be beneficial to line up at one of the corners for a three-point shot. He will draw in the double and this will get you some open looks. Just knock down your shots. Ask George Hill, Matt Bonner, Robert Horry, Bowen or even Steve Kerr.

I was impressed by your play at the 2010 NBA Las Vegas Summer League and your credentials overseas speak for itself. If you can shoot the ball the way you did in Las Vegas, Spurs fans will quickly forget about Roger Mason Jr. If they haven't already. You are NBA ready and your vast basketball experience will help you adjust quickly. Just keep shooting and knock those shots down.

With opposing teams usually focused on stopping Duncan, Parker and Ginobili all you new guys should grab the opportunity and make them pay on the offensive end of the floor.

Nevertheless, keep in mind that the Spurs are known for their defense. Focusing your skills and abilities on defense will surely get you more minutes in coach Popovich's rotation. It's too early to tell and I haven't seen you guys play on the court with the Spurs yet but with your basketball skills and potentials, I have high hopes and very excited for the new season to start. I'm pretty sure most Spurs fans are too! I'm keeping the faith that title # 5 will be well within reach before Duncan and Ginobili call it quits with some help from all three of you. 

Thoughts? Do you have some more friendly advice for the new Spurs?

After a stellar performance with the San Antonio Spurs' 2010 Summer League squad, the Spurs signed Gary Neal to a three-year deal. Now he is excited to be in the NBA fulfilling his dream.

In an interview with thetowerlight.com, Neal spoke about the Spurs and being in the NBA. Here is what he had to say on being with the Spurs:

“They have the cool and the calmness about them,” Neal said. “When you’re a guy like me coming into my situation- a new environment, a new city, a new community, a new team, a new system – it always helps to have older, veteran guys who are good guys, good players that have good social skills and can relate things that you may be doing wrong. They can relay it to you in a positive manner that way you can pick it up better.”

On working hard to reach his goal of playing in the NBA:

“If you’re a guy that goes as hard as you can go in the weight room and the conditioning and with the basketball skill workout, as far as shooting jump shots or working on your ball handling, it just carries over into a game,” he said. “I don’t know too many guys who don’t have great work ethic and can produce night in and night out at a high level. It just doesn’t work that way. You get out what you put in.”

“This is something that since I was six years old, this was my goal- to play in the NBA,” he said. “I’m excited just to have the experience to play in the NBA and to have the experience to play in front of my family. It’s been about three or four years since my family’s seen me play a live game. So it’s just an experience that I’m really, really excited about and I can’t really wait until the first game that I put on a uniform and run on the court.”

I was in Las Vegas and was able to see Neal's game up close. He has a deadly shooting touch and a quick release. My concern is that his play was against summer league talent. How will he fair playing against top NBA defenders remains to be seen. Plus he will have to work on defense but if he shoots the ball the way he did in Las Vegas, I am sure he will get minutes on the floor.

Roger Mason Jr. and Michael Finley were not great defenders but when they made shots, they got minutes. Same can be true for Neal.

According to the journalgazette.net, Chris Kramer from Purdue will be working out for the San Antonio Spurs on September 7 for a couple of days:

"Hopefully when I leave (San Antonio), I'll put myself in a better position with a team I didn't get to work out with during the process," Kramer said. "So just a chance to get more eyes on you. People that really understand the game of basketball. I think the Spurs organization is one of the best. They're always right there in the NBA competing for championships. I have a lot of respect for the organization so to get the opportunity to go down there, I'm very excited for.

Kramer is a 6'3" guard who averaged 6.5 points, 2.3 assists, 1.7 steals and shot 27% from the three-point line.

His agent does say he is getting interest from the Atlanta Hawks who feel he can be a solid defender in the NBA. Though it will take more to make it into the NBA, one thing is for sure, he can finish at the rim.

According to Yahoo! Sports, former San Antonio Spur and Cleveland Cavaliers' GM, Danny Ferry, will be returning to the Spurs:

The San Antonio Spurs have reached agreement with former Cleveland Cavaliers general manager Danny Ferry to return to the franchise’s front office as an assistant GM, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.

After Spurs vice president of basketball operations Dell Demps left to become GM of the New Orleans Hornets last month, Gregg Popovich and R.C. Buford aggressively recruited Ferry to return to San Antonio.

Thoughts Spurs fans?

UPDATE:

The Spurs have officially named Ferry VP of Basketball Operations:

The San Antonio Spurs today announced that Danny Ferry has been named the team’s Vice President of Basketball Operations. This is his second stint with the Spurs. Ferry played for the Spurs from 2000-03 and served as the team’s Director of Basketball Operations from 2003-05. During his tenure in San Antonio, Ferry captured an NBA Championship as a player (2003) and as a member of the front office (2005).

“We are thrilled that Danny has decided to rejoin the Spurs organization,” said Spurs General Manager RC Buford. “He has a great basketball mind and brings a vast amount of NBA experience and expertise to our program. It is a true pleasure to be able to welcome Danny and his wonderful family back to South Texas.”  (source Spurs.com)

On August 13, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame enshrined several players, a coach and an owner along with the 1960 and 1992 US Olympic teams.

But one name was once again not called, former Spur Artis Gilmore.

Gilmore, 22 years removed from the NBA, has yet to get enough votes from the Honors Committee to be inducted in the Basketball Hall of Fame.

Lesser players are inducted every year and I'm sure I'm not the only person scratching my head and wondering every time the inductees are announced every year.

Some insist that it's because Gilmore's best years came when he played for the Kentucky Colonels in the ABA, which was considered inferior to the NBA.

But, as I've said many times before, it's the Basketball Hall of Fame, not the NBA Hall of Fame, and it's a tragedy that Gilmore's contributions continue to be overlooked.

Looking back, Gilmore excelled at every level of the game, which makes one wonder why he hasn't even received one vote and is now ineligible until 2012.

His college career was split between two schools, his first two years were at Gardner-Webb Junior College followed by two at Jacksonville University, where he now serves as Special Assistant to the President.

At Jacksonville, he lead his Dolphins to the National Title Game, but came up short against UCLA. Gilmore's average of 22.7 rebounds at Jacksonville is still the highest in NCAA Division I Basketball history.

In 1971, Gilmore, known as the A-Train, was drafted by both the Kentucky Colonels of the ABA and the Chicago Bulls of the NBA.

He opted for the ABA and starred immediately. In his rookie year, he won both Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player Awards. He was also a five-time ABA all-star, five-time All-ABA first team, five-time ABA all-defensive first team member and both an All-Star game MVP and Playoff MVP.

Not only was Gilmore dominant, he was considered the best center and the second-best ABA player at a time after Julius Erving.

After four ABA teams joined the NBA and his Colonels team folded, he was drafted first, by the Chicago Bulls in an ABA dispersal draft.

After six seasons in Chicago, he asked for a trade after many of the Bulls' failures were blamed on him. Many called him passive, said he didn't look mean enough on the court and wasn't aggressive enough, even though none played Kareem Abdul-Jabaar tougher and he left Chcago with several accolades.

Sound familiar? David Robinson was labeled "soft" his entire career, even though he retired with two rings, a very impressive list of accolades and career averages that you can't help but respect.

Gilmore came to San Antonio in a trade for Dave Corzine, Mark Olberding and cash. He teamed up with George Gervin and gave the Spurs their best season record since they joined the NBA. With a prolific scorer like Gervin around, Gilmore focused on doing what he did best, rebounding and blocking shots.

The 7-2 Gervin averaged 16.1 points, 9.6 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game in his five years with the Spurs.

After the 1986-87 season, Gilmore was traded back to Chicago, where he played 24 games, was cut and then played for Boston for the remainder of the year before he retired at the age of 38.

In the NBA, he was a six-time All-Star, made the All-Defensive second team in 1978 and was the career leader in field goal percentage.

After a career like that, you almost have to question the committee. How can a player that accomplished so much on the collegiate level, in the ABA and the NBA, not get a single vote?

You could say he never won a title, but neither did several other Hall-of-Famers, including recent inductee Karl Malone. Maybe it was his low-key, no hype personality, like current Spur Tim Duncan, but regardless of his personality, his numbers and accolades can speak for him more than he will.

His former Kentucky Colonels coach Hubie Brown will also speak on his behalf.

"I have no idea why he's not in. He's the most dominant center in the history of the ABA. He dominated college basketball at Gardner-Webb Junior College, then at Jacksonville, and was the Most Valuable Player in the 1975 playoffs."

"In the NBA, he revitalized the Chicago franchise and played for a great team in San Antonio with Gervin."

"He was extremely coachable, a hard worker, and got along with his peers. He played big in big games. So I don't understand why he is snubbed . I have difficulty with that, because I don't know what else he could have done. I don't know what else to say."

2012 is two years away, and hopefully someone on the committee will right this wrong. If not, Gilmore will continue to wait, just as we will, knowing that it's inevitable that the Hall will finally appreciate his game and career as we do.