2000 — Sydney

HTML <h2><strong>SYDNEY</strong><strong>2000</strong><strong> OLYMPIC GAMES</strong></h2>

HTML <p>Sydney was selected over Beijing, Berlin, Istanbul and Manchester for the right to conduct the 2000 Summer Olympic Games.</p>

HTML <p>The city of Sydney was perhaps the best prepared Olympic city in history as all venues were ready four years prior to the Olympics, had been tested and were proven to be excellent. The site at Homebush was perhaps the best ever as spectators could walk from one major arena to another in greater numbers than at any previous Olympics and the Athletes Village was also on site. Never had so much of the Olympic Games been centred on such a focal area.</p>

HTML <p>A record number of 200 nations competed at the Games.</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Highlights of the Games</strong></h2>

HTML <p>North and South Korea marched together in the Opening Ceremony</p>

HTML <p>The Homebush precinct was the best ever Olympic site.</p>

HTML <p>USA won 36 Gold Medals.</p>

HTML <p>Cathy Freeman of Australia winning the 400 metres track event on the final night of the Olympic Games.</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Australian Highlights</strong></h2>

HTML <p>Australia won a record 16 Gold Medals.</p>

HTML <p>Ian Thorpe won 3 Gold and two Silver Medals in swimming.</p>

HTML <p>Cathy Freeman won Gold in the 400 metres track. It was Australia’s 100th Gold Medal in Olympic competition.</p>

HTML <p>Michael Klim won 2 Gold and 2 Silver medals in swimming.</p>

HTML <p>The Australian Women’s Basketball Team (Opals) won the Silver Medal in women’s basketball.</p>

HTML <p>Andrew Gaze, a basketball player, carried the Australian Team Flag in the Opening Ceremony.</p>

HTML <h2><strong>The Olympic Village</strong></h2>

HTML <h2><strong>The Sydney 2000 Olympic Village (IOC)</strong></h2>

HTML <p>Village life that the public doesn’t see (T. Fallon)</p>

HTML <p>The Olympic Village was located on the site of the newly established residential site called Newington. The Village boasted nearly 1,100 dwellings that were designed for easy conversion for disabled athletes for the Sydney 2000 Paralympics. The Village was designed to fit the “Green Olympics” concept and housed over 10,000 athletes and 5,000 officials and delegates. The Village offered a commercial kitchen, shops, commercial services and a wide range of recreational activities.</p>

HTML <p>The Boomers with Prime Minister Howard prior to the Games (P. Rogers)</p>

HTML <h2><strong>The Opening Ceremony</strong></h2>

HTML <p>The Opening Ceremony was held on the evening of Friday 15th September, 2000. There were over 12,000 performers in the Ceremony which covered the likes of sea creatures, flora and fauna, lawnmowers, galloping horses, aboriginal artists, early white settlement, aboriginal dreamtime dramas, the multi-cultured Australian society, singers and dancers, and the free spirit of a nation. It was truly a magnificent display of Australian talent and culture, and was a spectacular success.</p>

HTML <p>Sydney also turned on two weeks of glorious weather for the occasion.</p>

HTML <p>The spirit and friendliness of the volunteers was to set a new standard for Olympic Games.</p>

HTML <p>The Boomers at the Opening Ceremony (P. Rogers)</p>

HTML <p> Everyone had a good time! Sydney became known as the “Golden Games”. After the opening performance of the Opening Ceremony a record 199 nations marched into the stadium. One feature was North and South Korea marching as one team. The Australian Olympic Team marched in last, as is the tradition, and the Australian Flag Bearer was Olympic basketball player Andrew Gaze. This was a special moment for all athletes and in particular the basketball teams and basketball fans all over Australia.</p>

HTML <p>Andrew Gaze carries the Flag at the Opening Ceremony (Sport the Library)</p>

HTML <p>The Olympic Flag was carried around the arena by eight former Australian Olympic champions. Then Olympic champion Herb Elliot brought the Olympic Flame into the stadium and the Flame was passed to Betty Cuthbert, Raelene Boyle, Dawn Fraser, Shirley Strickland-DelaHunty, Shane Gould, Debbie Flintoff King and finally Cathy Freeman who climbed the long stairway to the Olympic Games Cauldron and stood in the middle of water in the Cauldron before lighting the Olympic Stadium Torch. Then followed a spectacular fireworks display to conclude the Opening Ceremony. As everyone walked out of the stadium they realised that they had witnessed something special and the next two weeks would be special as well.</p>

HTML <p>Kathy Freeman lights the Olympic Cauldron (P. Rogers)</p>

HTML <h2><strong>The Olympic Basketball Tournaments</strong></h2>

HTML <p>The Men’s and Women’s basketball games were played in the Dome and Superdome at Sydney Olympic Park Homebush.</p>

HTML <p>For the first week of the Olympics the basketball was played in the Dome adjacent to the Superdome which hosted the gymnastics during the first week. The basketball moved to the Superdome in the second week. The Superdome was designed by Borger Devine Yaeger and seats 15,000 for basketball.</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Australian Women’s Basketball Team Preparation</strong></h2>

HTML <p>The Australian Government and the Australian Olympic Committee left no stone unturned in preparing all the athletes and teams for the Sydney Olympics. The Australian Women’s Basketball Team (Opals) were no exception.</p>

HTML <p>In the lead up to the Games the Opals played:</p>

HTML <p><strong>The Energy Australia Slam Down Under</strong> (in Australia) against Russia, Canada and Slovakia and had won all five games and the tournament: Australia 72-Russia 58; Australia 77-Canada 63; Australia 78-Slovakia 55; Australia 71-Canada 49; Australia 90-Russia 67 (Final).</p>

HTML <p><strong>The Gold Mark Cup</strong> (in Australia): three games against Canada, Australia winning all three games (67-57; 83-36; 78-54)</p>

HTML <p><strong>The Maher Cup</strong> (in Australia) against Russia and lost the series 2-1: (Russia 80- Australia 76; Australia 80-Russia 75; Russia 58-Australia 51)</p>

HTML <p><strong>A European tour</strong> (in Europe) where they played and won 4 out of 6 games (Australia 65-Poland 54; Australia 89-Slovakia 54; France 57-Australia 56; France 52-Australia 51; Australia 72-Brazil 60; Australia 86-Poland 78)</p>

HTML <p><strong>A game against the USA</strong> (in Australia): USA 83-Australia 62</p>

HTML <p><strong>C7 International Challenge</strong> (in Australia): Australia 73-Poland 59; Australia 59-France 47; Australia 57-Slovakia 42</p>

HTML <p><strong>Australia v New Zealand</strong> (in Australia): Australia 78-NZ 42)</p>

HTML <p><strong>Wollongong World Challenge:</strong> Australia 58-Brazil 55</p>

HTML <p>Australia had played 31 international games into the lead up for the Sydney 2000 Olympics and had won 25 and lost 6 of those games.</p>

HTML <p>Their preparation had been better than any Olympic team in Australian women’s basketball history. How well would they do in the Olympic Competition? They were confident.</p>

HTML <h2><strong>The Olympic Women’s Basketball Tournament</strong></h2>

HTML <p>Twelve nations took part in the Olympic Basketball Tournament with five nations making their debuts in Olympic women’s basketallcompetition.....France, Senegal, Slovakia, New Zealand and Poland. </p>

HTML <p>The clear favourites were the USA while the main dangers were considered to be Brazil, Australia and Russia.</p>

HTML <p>The tournament was played in the Dome and the Superdome at Sydney Olympic Park Homebush.</p>

HTML <p>Australian Women v Slovakia at the Dome (National Library of Australia)</p>

HTML <p>The tournament was divided into two Groups of six teams that would play a “round-robin” competition. </p>

HTML <p>The top four teams in each Group would play in the Quarter Finals while the last two teams in each group would play for positions nine to twelve.</p>

HTML <p>Australia was drawn in <strong>Group A</strong> with France, Brazil, Slovakia, Canada and Senegal.</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Game 1</strong><strong>:</strong><strong>Australia 78 Canada 46</strong><strong> (40-19)</strong></h2>

HTML <p>The first game at any Olympic competition is always a time of excitement, wonder, expectation, and nerves, but this is especially so when playing at home in front of massive crowds. Canada should be a game that the Opals win, but upsets do happen! Fuelled by a raucous crowd of over 8,000 the Opals got off to a flyer with guard Sandy Brondello popping in jump-shots and teenager and new Opals sensation Lauren Jackson demonstrating her powers and abilities all over the court. The Opals put together two runs, one of 15-5 and the second of 15-2 to end the first half leading 40-19. Canada had been blown away. The Opals defence was smothering the Canadians and the start of the second half was not good for them as the Aussies went on a 19-2 run and all the players were enjoying good court time to “blow out the nerves”. Jackson finished as the equal top scorer (with Brondello) for the Opals with 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 steals in a very impressive start by the youngster in her first Olympic game. “It was a good start,” Brondello said “Everyone played their role and we had the ball going to the right people.....our defence is good.” For the Canadians Tammy Sutton Brown and Stacey Dales scored 13 points apiece. </p>

HTML <p><strong>Australia:</strong> Hill 4, La Fleur 3, Brondello 18, Timms 2, Fallon 9, Harrower 8, Jackson 18, Boyd 2, Whittle 2, Sporn 6, Brogan 6. <strong>Shooting</strong>:28/58 at 48.3%,Three points 2/6 at 33%,<strong>Free-throws:</strong> 20/21 at 95.2%,<strong>Rebounds:</strong>Jackson 8, Whittle 7,Australia 31- Canada 25,<strong>Steals</strong>:5,<strong>Assists:</strong> 17,<strong>Turnovers:</strong> Australia 14, France 16</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Game 2</strong><strong>:</strong><strong>Australia 81 Brazil 70</strong><strong> (39-36)</strong></h2>

HTML <p>Brazil would be a challenge for the Opals and this was a must win game against a very good team who were touted as a good medal chance. The Brazilian team was led by one of the most brilliant players in the world in Janeth Arcain. The Opals had defeated Brazil by a point to win the Bronze Medal two years before at the 1998 World Championships and by three points in a torrid match in Wollongong a week before this Olympictournament. Brazil had the better of the early first half and was changing defences constantly to use their favoured zone defence to stop the one-on-one brilliance of the Australians. Brazilian guard Helen Luz swished three straight triples and Brazil went to a 24-16 lead.The Opals steadied and at half-time the scores were 39-36 to Australia. The Dome crowd was in full voice at the start of the second half the Opals unwound with Kristi Harrower connecting on a classy jump-shot, Brondello nailing two perimeter gems (which included a 3 pointer) and Jackson making a timely steal and the Opals were out to a52-42 lead. Fallon, Boyd and Jackson had all chalked up their fourth fouls with seven minutes to go and were on the bench. The game was very much alive! The Opals were hanging on and in one of the best games of the tournament so far. Michele Timms closed proceedings with a three pointer on the buzzer for an 81-70 win to the Opals.</p>

HTML <p>All Australian players had been in the game and all had made valuable contributions. The team was feeling confident. For Brazil Arcain had 27 points and Oliveira 19 while for the Opals Jackson led the way with 19 points, while Brondello had 14 and Fallon 13.</p>

HTML <p><strong>Australia:</strong> Hill 4, La Fleur 5, Brondello 14, Timms 5, Sandie 4,Fallon 13, Harrower 7, Jackson 19, Boyd 4, Whittle 5, Brogan 1. <strong>Shooting:</strong> 35/65 at 53.8%,Three points 4/16 at 25%,<strong>Free-throws:</strong> 6/10 at 60%,<strong>Rebounds:</strong>Jackson 5, Brogan 5, Harrower 5,Australia 26-Brazil 34,<strong>Steals:</strong> 7,<strong>Assists:</strong> 14,<strong>Turnovers:</strong> Australia 10, Brazil 12</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Game 3</strong>:<strong>Australia 70 Slovakia 47</strong><strong> (41-29)</strong></h2>

HTML <p> After a handful of lead changes at the start of the game the Opals led by Kristi Harrower set about demolishing Slovakia. Trish Fallon struck a golden patch and scored 8 points in an 11-2 Opals run. The Opals were dominating all over the court and at half-time led 41-29. The game was virtually over and in danger of petering out. Enter Jo Hill. The Opals forward set about diving on balls, scrapping on defence, picking up steals and long rebounds and playing with the passion that so typified the team. “I tried to play like an athlete,” smiled Hill after the game. “You have to make the most of it when you get the chance.” Hill’s efforts were so inspiring she was cheered off the court by her team-mates and the large crowd when she was finally subbed out of the game. Behind the efforts of Harrower, Jackson, Sporn and Hill the Opals powered away to a 70-47 win. Jackson scored 15 points and Hill 13 for the Opals while Godalyova 13, and Zirkova 10 were best for Slovakia.</p>

HTML <p><strong>Australia:</strong> Hill 13, LaFleur 2, Brondello 5, Sandie 2, Fallon 8, Harrower 9, Jackson 15, Boyd 3, Sporn 8, Brogan 5. <strong>Shooting:</strong> 24/56 at 42.9%,Three points 0/4 at 0%,<strong>Free-throws:</strong> 22/30 at 73.3%,<strong>Rebounds:</strong> Jackson 5, Fallon 5,Australia 32-Slovakia 30,<strong>Assists:</strong> 13,<strong>Steals:</strong> 11,<strong>Turnovers:</strong> Australia 11, Slovakia 19</p>

HTML <p>Trish Fallon posts up for a pass (T. Fallon)</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Game 4</strong><strong>:</strong><strong> Australia 96 Senegal 39</strong><strong> (55-18)</strong></h2>

HTML <p>Senegal were always going to be an easy win for the Opals but it was important that the Opals respect Senegal so that their form would be maintained at a high level as they had a crunch game against France next. The Opals attitude was terrific and focused and they bounced out to a 14-0 lead at the start of the game. Boyd, Brondello and Jackson figured in a great start for the Aussies. Senegal did not score for the first eight minutes of the game. Shelley Sandie and Jo Hill bombed away and at the half-time the Opals led 55-18. It was a question of how far? “The good thing is the coach spoke about getting good practice for the France game,” Carla Boyd said afterwards. The final result was a record number of points for the Opals in a single game as well as their biggest winning margin ever. For Australia Boyd 15, Hill 13, Whittle 11, Brondello10 and Sandie 10 were the main scorers.Mbengue had 11 points for Senegal.</p>

HTML <p><strong>Australia:</strong> Hill 13, LaFleur 8, Brondello 10, Sandie 10, Fallon 6, Harrower 6, Jackson 5, Boyd 15, Whittle 11, Sporn 7, Brogan 5. <strong>Shooting:</strong> 35/65 at 53.8%,Three points 5/14 at 35%,<strong>Free-throws:</strong> 21/23 at 91.3%,<strong>Rebounds</strong><strong>:</strong>Whittle 8, Boyd 6, Jackson 6,Australia 35-Senegal 23, <strong>Assists</strong>: 23,<strong>Steals:</strong> 16,<strong>Turnovers:</strong> Australia 13, Senegal 27</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Game 5: Australia</strong><strong> 69 </strong><strong>France</strong><strong> 62</strong><strong> (38-28)</strong></h2>

HTML <p>The last game of GroupA would decide the winners of the Group as both France and Australia had won all their games so far.</p>

HTML <p>The French had been second in the European Championships and in the previous game in the Sydney Olympics had defeated Brazil 73-70 in overtime in a big upset. The Opals were very mindful that they had to win this game as their memories went back to Atlanta 1996 where they were surprisingly upset by the Ukraine in the Group games and that meant they had to face the USA in the semi-finals and beat them to get to the Gold Medal game. They lost that game to the Americans. The memory was still there. The game against France was physical and tough. French centre Isabelle Fijalkowski scored her team’s first 8 points on her way to a game high of 24 points. Point guard Kristi Harrower was acting as the architect of the Opals in the game, while Boyd grabbed nine points andnine rebounds and Brondello was stroking the ball and poured in 18 points. Of course there was also Lauren Jackson who after a slow start scored 17 points and had 12 rebounds against the tall and physical French team. The Opals led 38-28 at half-time so the French were still in touch and the Opals would need to stay on task in the second half. The story of the game was in the rebounding where the Opals out rebounded the French 42-27. Many of these (18) were offensive rebounds with Boyd grabbing seven of those. While it was tough, physical and tense the Opals were strong and steady and came away with a very important 69-62 win. For Australia Brondello had 18 points and Jackson 17,while for France Fijalkowski had 24 points and Melain 10.</p>

HTML <p><strong>Australia:</strong> Hill 2, Brondello 18, Fallon 9; Harrower 4, Jackson 17, Boyd 9, Whittle 6, Brogan 4;<strong>Shooting: </strong>25/65 at 38.5%,Three points 3/9 at 33%,<strong>Free-throws:</strong>16/23 at 69.6%,<strong>Rebounds:</strong>Jackson 12, Boyd 9, Whittle 6,Australia 42-France 27,<strong>Assists:</strong> 17,<strong>Steals:</strong> 5,<strong>Turnovers:</strong> Australia 14, France 16</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Final Standings Group A</strong></h2>

HTML <p>Australia 5-0France 4-1Brazil 2-3Slovakia 2-3Canada 2-3 Senegal 0-5</p>

HTML <p><strong>In Group B</strong> the USA was undefeated with Russia second, Korea third and Poland securing the last Quarter Final spot.</p>

HTML <p>The results in Groups A and B meant that Australia would play the 4th placed teamin Group B, Poland in the Quarter-Finals.</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Quarter Final</strong></h2>

HTML <h2><strong>Game</strong><strong> 6</strong><strong>: Australia</strong><strong> 76</strong><strong> v Poland</strong><strong> 48</strong><strong> (43-28)</strong></h2>

HTML <p>Poland was being led by the tournament’s leading scorer the 213cm centre Malgorzata (Margo) Dydek who was averaging 22 points a game. Australia suffered a scare prior to the game when Lauren Jackson reported ill and Rachael Sporn was sidelined through illness. While Jackson would suit up and play a big part in the game it was an opportunity for centre Jenny Whittle to step up and use her height and experience against Dydek. The tandem team of Whittle and Jackson were all over Dydek on defence. The enthusiasm of Jackson, and the experience of Griffiths (nee Brogan), Boyd and Brondello were filling all the requirements. This should have been a very tough game but it was not. The twin towers of Jackson and Whittle kept Dydek to 12 points while they dominated the keyhole at both ends offensively and defensively with some great blocks on the opposition.The Opals led by 15 points at the half.</p>

HTML <p> “The two “bigs”(Jackson and Whittle) owned the paint,” coach Maher concluded. The second half did feature a few cameo performances. None played better than Jo Hill, who played with a corked leg, but still dived all over the floor and made scrambling baskets. A very good Opals team powered away to a 76-48 win. “I’m feeling a little bit ill now......we’re just playing so good and we are going to win Gold,” said an exuberant Lauren Jackson after the game.</p>

HTML <p>For AustraliaJackson 17 points, Whittle 16, Boyd 10 and Fallon 10 were the main scorers,while for Poland Trzesniewska and Dydek with12 points each were the main scorers.</p>

HTML <p><strong>Australia:</strong> Brondello 7, Timms 1, Sandie 9, Fallon 10, Harrower 2, Jackson 17, Boyd 10, Whittle 16,Shooting: 31/72 at 43%, three-points 8/21 at 38%,<strong>Free-throws</strong>:6/8 at 75%,<strong>Rebounds:</strong>Jackson 9, Griffiths 9, Whittle 7,Australia 46-Poland 36,<strong>Assists:</strong> 16,<strong>Steals:</strong> 6,<strong>Turnovers:</strong> Australia 10, Poland 14</p>

HTML <p>Margo Dydek of Poland was the tallest professional women’s basketball player in the world. She played with the LA Sparks in the WNBA. Margo passed away in May 2011 at the age of 37 while she was coaching the Northside Wizards in the Queensland Basketball League.</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Semi-Final</strong></h2>

HTML <h2><strong>Game</strong><strong>7</strong>: <strong>Australia</strong><strong> 64 </strong><strong>Brazil</strong><strong> 52</strong><strong> ((36-27)</strong></h2>

HTML <p>The Semi-Final against Brazil would be Australia’s chance to get to the Olympic Gold Medal Game for the first time.</p>

HTML <p>The Brazilians got to the semi-finals with a wonderful and emotional win over Russia when they defeated them 68-67 with 1.3 seconds left in the game. Their team contained the tournaments leading scorer in Janeth Arcain and were very athletic and strong rebounders.</p>

HTML <p>The Opals got off to a flying start with Sandy Brondello scoring the first three baskets and had a game described by some as “one of her best”. The Opals would need it as Brazil was good, very good. The Opals were soon leading 11-0. It was a great start against the Brazilian zone. When their zone tightened up on Brondello and company Jackson took over in scoring and rebounding. Carla Boyd was given the unenviable task of defending the mercurial and enigmatic Arcain and was making the right defensive plays at the right time. The giant Brazilian centre Oliveira was taking it right up to Jackson and Whittle. But the Opals were holding the rest of the Brazilians.At half-time the Opals led 36-27 which was a good lead but still a long way from a win. Throughout the second half the Opals stayed on task and kept the Brazilians in check. </p>

HTML <p>The Opals stayed in command and with an inspirational three pointer from veteran Michelle Timms late in the game they surged away for an outstanding win 64-52. The Australians were going to their first ever Olympic Gold Medal game!Jo Hill celebrated by walking in a handstand from one side of the court to the other to the wild applause of the sell-out crowd.Captain Michele Timms stated, “We created history today and we are not going to stop there. It’s going to be on tomorrow!” The ever confident exuberant teenage Jackson summed up the feelings of the Opals,“We know we can beat the US. We’ve got to go out and play the way we play. I don’t want anyone to expect that we going to lose tomorrow.”</p>

HTML <p>For Australia Jackson and Brondello had 16 each, while Arcain had 21 and Oliveira 16 for Brazil.</p>

HTML <p><strong>Australia:</strong>Brondello 16, Timms 3, Fallon 6, Harrower 5, Jackson 16, Boyd 7, Whittle 7, Griffiths 4,<strong>Shooting: </strong>25/64 at 39%, three-points 4/16 at 25%,<strong>Free-throws:</strong> 10/15 at 66.7%,<strong>Rebounds:</strong>Jackson 9, Boyd 7, Whittle 7,Australia 37- Brazil 32,<strong>Assists:</strong> 14,<strong>Steals:</strong> 5,<strong>Turnovers:</strong> Australia 10, Brazil 15</p>

HTML <p>Griffiths (15) Timms (7) and Fallon (9) triple team the opposition (Basketball Australia)</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Gold Medal Game</strong></h2>

HTML <h2><strong>Game</strong><strong> 8</strong><strong>: Australia</strong><strong> 54 </strong><strong>USA</strong><strong> 76</strong><strong> (30-43)</strong></h2>

HTML <p>This was Australia’s first ever opportunity to play for the Olympic Gold Medal. They had previously won an Olympic Bronze Medal in Atlanta in 1996.</p>

HTML <p>The USA were the red hot favourites as they had historically dominated women’s basketball, gone through the tournament undefeated (as had the Opals) in a comfortable manner and had beaten Korea 78-65 in the semi-finals.</p>

HTML <p>There had been intense publicity all throughout the tournament as to who would win the Gold medal, the USA or Australia.</p>

HTML <p>There was great interest in the match-up between the two great players Lauren Jackson of Australia and Lisa Leslie of the USA as well as it being the last game for the wonderful American player Teresa Edwards and for Opals skipper Michele Timms.</p>

HTML <p>With a massive crowd behind them it was hoped that the Aussies could cause a great upset. </p>

HTML <p>Lauren Jackson drives against the USA (Basketball Australia)</p>

HTML <p>The USA however was determined to take the parochial crowd out of the game early and leap out to a good early start. It was a frantic opening by both teams, but the US was taking advantage of Opals missed baskets to get out on the fast break for lay-ups. They led 16-11 early. The Americans knew the value of pressuring the Opals playmaker Kristi Harrower and were in full-court press against her and the Australian guards. The pressure was on! Harrower was holding her nerve. But the Opals gave away too many three point plays (basket and free-throw) and in a twinkling the gap became 14 when Edwards nailed a three pointer. Whittle was in foul trouble and the Opals were being pounded on the boards. At half-time the US led 43-30. It was not good but the Opals were still in touch. Jackson was battling heroically and her personal duel with Lisa Leslie was physical and a game within itself. The Superdome was electric and a Harrower three pointer early in the second half capped an 8-0 point run to the Australians and the US lead was back to within seven. Disaster followed when Harrower had to leave the court with an ankle injury. This was a huge blow for the Opals as Harrower was their chief playmaker on court. The US skipped away to a 17 point lead with nine minutes to go and it was all uphill for the Opals from then on.The Americans went on to win 76-54. The Opals had been outrebounded 48-27 and had shot at 30% (20/65) success rate. The Americans had shot at 50% (31/62).</p>

HTML <p>Jackson scored 20 points and had 13 rebounds for the Opals while no other player got into double figures. Lisa Leslie and Natalie Williams had 15 points and 9 rebounds each, Sheryl Swoopes 14 points and 9 rebounds , and Yolanda Griffith 13 points and 12 rebounds for the USA. Too big, too athletic, too experienced and in the end just too good! “We knew we were better than a Bronze and hopefully we will get better and go one more step next time,” reflected Carla Boyd.</p>

HTML <p>(This Sydney 2000 Olympic Final was a fore-runner of what was to come with the USA and Opals playing each other in the final in the next two Olympics (2004, 2008) with the USA winning both those games as well).</p>

HTML <p><strong>Australia:</strong>Hill 2, LaFleur 4, Brondello 2, Fallon 5, Harrower 9, Jackson 20, Boyd 6, Whittle, 2 Sporn 4<strong>Shooting:</strong> 20/65 at 31%, three-points 2/13 at 15%,<strong>Free-throws:</strong> 12/17 at 71%,<strong>Rebounds</strong>: Jackson 13, LaFleur 3,Australia 27-USA 48,<strong>Assists:</strong> 5,<strong>Steals:</strong> 7,<strong>Turnovers:</strong> Australia 8, USA 15</p>

HTML <p>The Opals celebrate (Basketball Australia)</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Final Classification</strong></h2>

HTML <p>USA</p>

HTML <p>Australia</p>

HTML <p>Brazil</p>

HTML <p>Korea</p>

HTML <p>France</p>

HTML <p>Russia</p>

HTML <p>7.Slovakia</p>

HTML <p>8.Poland</p>

HTML <p>9.Cuba</p>

HTML <p>10.Canada</p>

HTML <p>11. New Zealand</p>

HTML <p>12. Senegal</p>

HTML <p>The Opals with Kathy Freeman (A. La Fleur)</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Australian </strong><strong>Team Individual Tournament </strong><strong>Statistics:</strong></h2>

HTML <p><strong>Leading scorers:</strong> Lauren Jackson 127 points (15.9per game), Sandy Brondello 90 points (11.3 per game), Trish Fallon 66 points (8.3 per game).</p>

HTML <p><strong>Leading field goal percentage:</strong> Sandy Brondello 51.4%, (38/74), Jo Hill 50.0% (13/26), Jenny Whittle 48.5% (16/33, Lauren Jackson 48.5% (49/101), Rachael Sporn 48% (12/25).</p>

HTML <p><strong>Leading three point shotting:</strong> Sandy Brondello 100% (1/1), Annie la Fleur 50% (2/4), Jenny Whittle 43.8% (7/16)</p>

HTML <p><strong>Leading free-throw</strong><strong> shooters</strong>: Trish Fallon 100% (17/17), Shelley Sandie 100% (2/2), Sandy Brondello 81.3% (13/16),Jo Hill 80% (12/15), Carla Boyd 80% (8/10), Michelle Griffiths 80% (8/10).</p>

HTML <p><strong>Leading rebounders</strong><strong>:</strong>Lauren Jackson 67, Jenny Whittle 44, Carla Boyd 35.</p>

HTML <p><strong>Leading assists:</strong> Kristi Harrower 30, Michelle Griffiths 18, Carla Boyd 14, Annie le Fleur 13.</p>

HTML <p><strong>Leading steals:</strong> Carla Boyd 12, Lauren Jackson 12,Kristi Harrower 10.</p>

HTML <p><strong>Leading block shots:</strong> Lauren Jackson 23, Jenny Whittle 10 </p>

HTML <p><strong>Leading personal fouls:</strong> Carla Boyd 22, Kristi Harrower 19, Lauren Jackson 15, Jenny Whittle 15.</p>

HTML <p><strong>Leading minutes played:</strong> Lauren Jackson 205 (25mpg), Kristi Harrower 195 (24mpg), Jenny Whittle 189 (23mpg), Carla Boyd 180 (22mpg)</p>

HTML <p>The Opals at the Closing Ceremony (A. La Fleur)</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Tournament Statistics</strong><strong> All Teams:</strong></h2>

HTML <p><strong>Scoring: </strong>Lauren Jackson was the third highest scorer in the tournament with an average of 15.9 points per game behind Janeth Arcain (20.5pg) of Brazil and Malgorzata Dydek (20.4pg) of Poland.</p>

HTML <p><strong>Rebounds: </strong>Lauren Jackson was the 4th leading rebounder in thetournament with 8.4 rebounds per game behind Malgorzata Dydek of Poland who led the tournament with 12.1 rebounds per game.</p>

HTML <p><strong>Steals: </strong>Carla Boyd was third in the tournament in steals with 12,(Janet Arcain of Brazil with 14 led the tournament) while Kristi Harrower was seventh with 10 steals.</p>

HTML <p><strong>Assists: </strong>Kristi Harrower was equal second in the tournament with 30assists (behind Chun of Korea with 36).</p>

HTML <p><strong>Blocks: </strong>Lauren Jackson was 2nd in the tournament in blocked shots with 23 (Behind Dydek of Polandwho had 21 in 7 games), while Jenny Whittle was 4th with 10 blocks.</p>

HTML <p><strong>Shooting percentage: </strong>Sandy Brondello was the 5th best percentage shooter in the tournamentat 51.4%(38/74) behind Oliveira of Brazil who was first at 63.2% (43/68).</p>

HTML <p><strong>Two point percentage: </strong>Lauren Jackson was 9th in two point field goal percentages at 51.7%.</p>

HTML <p><strong>Three-point percentage: </strong>Jenny Whittle was equal fifth in three point shooting percentage at 43.8% (7/16).</p>

HTML <p><strong>Free-throws: </strong><strong>Lauren </strong>Jackson was 6th in free-throw shooting at 75.8% (25/33)Note that only players who attempted more than 21 free-throws in the tournament were considered. (Trish Fallon was 100% with 17/17 over eight games).</p>

HTML <p><strong>Total field goals made: </strong>Lauren Jackson was 3rd in total field goals made (49) and 5th in two point field goals made with 45.</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Australia a</strong><strong>s a team</strong><strong> in the </strong><strong>Olympic </strong><strong>tournament</strong><strong>:</strong></h2>

HTML <p><strong>Shooting percentages:</strong>Australia was 5th in total field goal percentages (43.7%),5th in two point field goal percentage (46.6%), 6th in three point field goal percentage (30.9%),and 2nd in free-throw shooting percentage (76.9%).</p>

HTML <p><strong>Points scored:</strong> Australia was 3rd in points scored with 588 (73.5pg) and first in least points scored against with 440 (55pg).</p>

HTML <p><strong>Rebounds:</strong> Australia was 2nd in rebounds with 276 (34.5pg).</p>

HTML <p><strong>Assists:</strong>Australia was 4th in assists with 116 (14.5pg).</p>

HTML <p><strong>Steals:</strong>Australia was1st in steals with 68 (8.5pg).</p>

HTML <p><strong>Turnovers:</strong>Australia was 11th in turnovers with 87 (10.9pg).</p>

HTML <p><strong>Blocked shots:</strong>Australia was 1st in blocked shots with 45 (5.6pg) and 12th in fouls with 132 (16.5pg).</p>

HTML <p>It is evident from the above team statistics that Australia statistically was perhaps the best defensive team in the tournament as they gave up the least points, led the blocked shots count and led the steals count while having the least fouls in the tournament.</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Overview</strong></h2>

HTML <p>The Opals were disappointed that they did not win a Gold Medal but on the day they were beaten by a better USA team. They had done Australia proud and there was not a single person in the stands or around the nation who was not extremely proud of this great team. It was beyond the rest of the basketball world to think that the small populated nation of Australia was now the second best team in the world. They had only lost one game in the tournament so there was no doubt about them earning the accolades of the Australian public and the respect of the rest of the basketball world. Women’s basketball is one of the largest women’s sports in the world and the Opals were ranked second!</p>

HTML <p>Of the team itself it had been magnificently prepared by the coaching, management, supportand technical staff led by Coach Tom Maher. The team believed in their coaches, in each other and in the aggressive way they played the game. They expected to win! </p>

HTML <p>It was the final Olympics for Michele Timms and Shelley Sandie (nee Gorman) who had started their wonderful Olympic careers back in 1988 in Seoul. Their legacy to the women’s game in Australia was immense. Sandy Brondello who also played in the 1988 Olympics clearly demonstrated that she was one of the best players in the world as she had already stated in her stellar career in Europe and the WNBA. Her great career would continue. Kristi Harrower the “pocket rocket” was one of the best if not the best pure point-guard playmaker in the world and led the team brilliantly. Her brilliant Olympic career would continue through to London 2012. Lauren Jackson was the new “kid on the block” and in a few short years had emerged as a leading world player and was beginning a magnificent Olympic career which would go onto London 2012 and perhaps beyond. She would become a WNBA and world basketball superstar. At times she would be recognised by many as the best player in the world.</p>

HTML <p>But the Sydney 2000 Opals were a team and no-one should under-estimate the influences, leadership, drive and abilities of Jo Hill, Annie La Fleur, Trish Fallon, Carla Boyd, Jenny Whittle, Rachael Sporn and Michelle Griffiths (nee Brogan). All had made a magnificent contribution to this team and would continue in the future to inspire the Opals and Australian domestic basketball.</p>

HTML <p>The Opals would go onto win Silver Medals in the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games and a Bronze Medal in 2012 and the World Championships in 2006. </p>

HTML <p>The Sydney 2000 Australian Women’s Basketball Team-Silver Medallists (Basketball Australia)</p>

HTML <p><strong>Back-row left to right:</strong> Kristi Harrower, Carla Boy, Trish Fallon, Jenny Whittle, Lauren Jackson, Shelley Gorman, Michelle Griffiths<strong>Centre:</strong> Jo Hill,<strong>Front Row</strong><strong>:</strong><strong>left to</strong><strong>right:</strong> Annie LaFleur, Michele Timms, Sandy Brondello, Rachael Sporn.</p>

HTML <p>Head Coach: Tom Maher</p>

HTML <p>Assistant Coaches: Carrie Graf, Jenny Cheesman</p>

HTML <p>Manager: Marian Stewart</p>

HTML <p>Doctor: Carolyn Broderick</p>

HTML <p>Physiotherapist: Jill Cook</p>

HTML <p>Referee: Carolyn Gillespie</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Australian Men’s Basketball Olympic Preparation</strong></h2>

HTML <p>There was no doubt that Sydney 2000 Australian Olympic Men’s Basketball Team (Boomers) would be one of the best, if not the best, prepared team in Australian men’s basketball history. The Australian Olympic Committee and the Australian Government had ensured that all teams and athletes in all sports had the best of opportunities to prepare.</p>

HTML <p>Head Coach Barry Barnes was the first fulltime Australian Olympic Men’s Basketball Coach and the staff was highly experienced and dedicated.</p>

HTML <p>Another factor was the advantage of playing at home in an Olympics for the first time since 1956. Whether this was to be an advantage or disadvantage in terms of expectations and pressure only time would tell.</p>

HTML <p>The team’s main preparation started in June with a three match series in Australia against Russia. The Australians lost all three games. The scores being 75-69 (Melbourne), 72-70 (Adelaide) and 64-48 (Perth) but the series was an excellent opportunity for the preparation of the individual players and the Australian team.</p>

HTML <p>The Boomers toured to Europe in August to get much needed international practice as well as valuable tournament experience.</p>

HTML <p>In a tournament in Bormeo, Italy the Boomers defeated Turkey 93-54 and Angola 82-58 before losing to Italy 92-60. This last game was to be of significance in that the same two teams would meet in a critical Quarter-Final game in the Olympics.</p>

HTML <p>The Boomers travelled to Biaritz, France where they lost to the French National Team 62-52. Another significant game as the same two teams would play in the Semi-Finals at the Sydney 2000 Olympics. </p>

HTML <p>From France the Boomers went to Roseto, Italy to play in a tournament.In the first game of the tournament Australia lost to Italy 70-65, then beat Croatia 77-61. The win against Croatia gave the team much confidence.</p>

HTML <p>In September the Boomers travelled to Hong Kong to play in the prestigious Diamond Ball Tournament. In the Diamond Ball Australia defeated Angola 95-53 then thumped Italy 101-82 in a very good performance after having recently lost two games against the European powerhouse. In the final of the tournament the Australians had an excellent win over the powerful Yugoslavian team 78-71. </p>

HTML <p>Paul Rogers (right) and Andrew Gaze defend against the USA in the Basketball Challenge in Melbourne (P. Rogers)</p>

HTML <h2><strong>The Olympic Men’s Basketball Tournament</strong></h2>

HTML <p>New Zealand was the only country of the 12 present who was making their Olympic debut.</p>

HTML <p>The USA was the overwhelming favourite having won eleven Olympic basketball Gold Medals. The USA team comprised of twelve “superstars” from the NBA and included players such as Kevin Garnett, Vince Carter, Jason Kidd, Gary Paton and Alonzo Mourning. Italy, Australia, Russia and Lithuania were expected to be their major opponents.</p>

HTML <p>Game time at the Superdome (A. Burgess)</p>

HTML <p><strong>Australia was drawn in Group B</strong> with Canada, Yugoslavia, Russia, Spain and Angola.</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Game 1: Australia</strong><strong> 90</strong><strong> v Canada</strong><strong> 101</strong><strong> (51-48)</strong></h2>

HTML <p>Australia went into this game as a strong favourite. This was mainly based on the fact that the two teams had over the previous two years played each other seven times and the Boomers had won five of those games. However the continued emergence of the Canadian point guard Steve Nash was to have a profound effect on the game. </p>

HTML <p>Nash an NBA player, and a point-guard playmaker, soon to become without peer in that role in the NBA, and a two time NBA Most Valuable Player. With Nash repeatedly driving to the basket and making assists with his wonderful passing skills, and continuing to score when he was needed, the rest of the Canadian team grew in confidence. Meeks and Barrett in particular benefitted from Nash’s skills. The Boomers led 51-48 at half-time and with ten minutes to play the scores were 78-76 in favour of Canada. In the last five minutes Canada outscored the Australians 22-14.</p>

HTML <p>Canada thoroughly deserved their <strong>101-90</strong> win and they would continue to play well in the tournament. Nash scored 15 points and had an incredible 15 assists for the game while Meeks scored 27 points, and Barrett 21 points for Canada. For Australia Mackinnon, Gaze, Grace and Heal were standouts.</p>

HTML <p><strong>Australia</strong><strong>:</strong> Mackinnon 14, Grace 13, Anstey 11, Gaze 24, Heal 14,Bradtke 4,</p>

HTML <p>Longley 8, Rogers 2 <strong>Shooting:</strong> 33/58 at 56.9%,three-points 9/18 at 50%,<strong>Free-</strong></p>

HTML <p><strong>throws:</strong> 15/19 at 78.9%,<strong>Rebounds:</strong>Longley 5, Bradtke 5,Australia 17-Canada 24,</p>

HTML <p><strong>Assists:</strong> 17,<strong>Steals:</strong> 2,<strong>Turnovers:</strong> Australia 13, Canada 12</p>

HTML <p>Boomers’ getting ready to start a game (A. Hurley)</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Game 2: Australia</strong><strong> 66</strong><strong> v Yugoslavia</strong><strong> 80</strong><strong> (28-45)</strong></h2>

HTML <p>Australia came into this game with high hopes of defeating the Yugoslavians. The two teams had played against each other a few weeks before in the Diamond Ball Tournament in Hong Kong and the Boomers had come away victorious 78-71. However the Yugoslavians changed the game plan this time and stunted the Australian inside power game allowing only 20 points in the key area while scoring 40 points of their own in the same area. Bradtke and Longley were contained, and in what was to become a familiar pattern, Australia relied on Heal and Gaze who launched 15 “long bombs” between them. After ten minutes Yugoslavia led 20-10 and at half-time 45-28. In the second half the Australians outscored the Yugoslavians by three points however they never got closer than fourteen points. Yugoslavia scored a comfortable <strong>80-66</strong> win. The Yugoslavians committed only five turnovers in the game while the Aussies had a high fourteen turnovers and this was a strong factor in the result. The main scorers for Yugoslavia were Bodiroga 19 points and Danilovic 16 points.</p>

HTML <p><strong>Australia</strong><strong>:</strong> Mackinnon 4, Anstey 12, Gaze 21, Heal 18, Bradtke 2, Longley 6, Vlahov 3,<strong>Shooting:</strong> 26/50 at 52.0%,three-point 5/15 at 33%,<strong>Free-throws:</strong> 9/12 at 75.0%,<strong>Rebounds</strong><strong>:</strong>Longley 5, Bradtke 4, Mackinnon 4,Australia 25-Yugoslavia 32,<strong>Assists:</strong> 18,<strong>Steals:</strong> 1,<strong>Turnovers:</strong> Australia 14, Yugoslavia 5.</p>

HTML <p>Playing at the Dome (National Library of Australia)</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Game 3: Australia</strong><strong> 75</strong><strong> v Russia</strong><strong> 71</strong><strong> (47-30)</strong></h2>

HTML <p>This was a game the Australians desperately needed to win. Another loss would seriously affect their Group standings and their progress to the upper echelons of the tournament. The fact that the Russians had beaten the Australians in their last three games did not bode well. The Australians had done their homework, however, and raised the tempo of the game and attacked the Russians offensively and defensively. This was an excellent approach as the Russians always strived hard to control any game they played in. The Boomers ran their fast break and at the same time powered the ball into their big men Longley and Bradtke. After ten minutes the Australians led 26-9and at half-time had what would appear an unbeatable 47-30 lead as the Russians were just not gelling. Their super star Kirilenko was clearly out of sorts and only played sixteen minutes to score two points for the game.After the break however the Russians stayed in touch to be down 63-50 with ten minutes to go. With five minutes to go the score favoured Australia 67-62 and it was “game-on”. The game was nip and tuck going into the final minutes. Gaze and Heal scored huge long-range baskets that stunned the Russians and Australia hung on to win a very important game 75-71<strong>.</strong>For Russia Fetissov 16 points and Pacoutine 13 points were the main scorers.</p>

HTML <p><strong>Australia</strong><strong>:</strong> Smith 4, Mackinnon 8, Grace 3, Anstey 2, Gaze 15, Heal 15, Bradtke 12, Longley 11, Vlahov 3, Rogers 2<strong>Shooting:</strong> 32/57 at 56.1%,three-points 8/17 at 47%,<strong>Free-throws:</strong> 3/4 at 75.0%,<strong>Rebounds</strong>: Mackinnon 8, Bradtke 7, Longley 6,Australia 31-Russia 32,<strong>Assists:</strong> 17,<strong>Steals:</strong> 6,<strong>Turnovers:</strong> Australia 11, Russia 10.</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Game 4: Australia</strong><strong> 86</strong><strong> v Angola</strong><strong> 75</strong><strong> 41-43)</strong></h2>

HTML <p>The Angolans had a habit of causing upsets and had beaten Spain in Spain during the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. They have good players who play professionally in Europe and a number of very good US College players. The Angolans rattled the Boomers early and frustrated them at both ends of the court. At half-time the Angolans led by the barest of margins 43-41. Was there a big upset was in the making? The Australians kept up the tempo but after five minutes into the second half Australia was still only in front by one point (51-50). The greater experience of the Boomers allowed them to make the critical plays in the concluding minutes of the game and with five minutes to go had clawed out to lead 74-68 and they ran out relieved winners <strong>86-75</strong><strong>.</strong>For Angola Dias 18 points and Lutonda 16 were the main scorers.</p>

HTML <p><strong>Australia:</strong> Mackinnon 6, Grace 3, Anstey 4, Gaze 18, Heal 17, Bradtke 17, Longley 14, Vlahov 5, Rogers 2<strong>Shooting:</strong> 35/54 at 64.8%,three-points 5/14 at 35%,<strong>Free-throws:</strong> 11/22 at 50%,<strong>Rebounds:</strong>Bradtke 7, Longley 6, Mackinnon 5,Australia 29- Angola 24,<strong>Assists:</strong> 18,<strong>Steals:</strong> 2,<strong>Turnovers:</strong> Australia 10, Angola 9.</p>

HTML <p>The Superdome (A. Hurley)</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Game 5: Australia </strong><strong>91 </strong><strong>v Spain</strong><strong> 80</strong><strong> (36-40)</strong></h2>

HTML <p>This game, like all others was critical for standings in the Group. Spain were not the power of yesteryear but were still very strong and a dangerous opponent. Spain led 12-3 after five minutes. Not the start the Australians needed. After ten minutes it was no better at 21-12. The Australians were struggling to score but they got backon track to only be down 40-36 at half-time. Five minutes after half-time they had ground their way to a 52-49 lead. They then piled on the points so that with ten minutes to go they led 65-51. In the last five minutes they had outscored Spain 13 to 2. The Australians were dominating the rebounding and were cranking up the defence. With smart offense the Boomers got to the front and ran out winners 91-80. They had played an excellent controlled game. For Spain Herreros 24 points , and Jiminez and Rogers 12 each, were the main scorers.</p>

HTML <p><strong>Australia</strong><strong>:</strong> Smith 2, Mackinnon 1, Grace 2, Gaze 22, Heal 26, Bradtke 11, Longley 15, Rogers 12,<strong>Shooting:</strong> 30/49 at 61.2%,three-points 8/17 at 47%,<strong>Free-throws:</strong> 23/29 at 79.3%,<strong>Rebounds:</strong>Bradtke 8, Rogers 5, Mackinnon 5,Australia 28-Spain 17,<strong>Assists:</strong> 17,<strong>Steals:</strong> 6,<strong>Turnovers:</strong> Australia 14, Spain 9</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Group B Standings</strong></h2>

HTML <p>Canada 4-1 Yugoslavia 4-1 Australia 3-2 Russia 3-2 Spain 1-4 Angola 0-5</p>

HTML <p>Australia’s third place in the Group (though they finished on the same win-loss ratio as Russia their win over Russia gave them the higher position) meant that they played the second placed team in Group A which was Italy.</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Quarter Final</strong></h2>

HTML <h2><strong>Game 6: Australia</strong><strong> 65</strong><strong> v Italy</strong><strong> 62</strong><strong> (31-27)</strong></h2>

HTML <p>Australia had to win this game to advance to the Semi-Finals as they had done in the 1988 and 1996 Olympics. Italy was a strong team, efficient, emotional and talented. They had defeated Australia in the previous month in Italy but Australia had beaten them handsomely in the Diamond Ball Tournament in Hong Kong prior to the Sydney Games. Another key would be how well the Australians defended the Italian star Fucka. It was going to be a war of attrition. Neither team gave ground as they slugged away point for point. After five minutes Italy led 9-6 and after ten minutes the Boomers led 14-13. At half-time Australia had battled to a 31-27 lead in a low scoring game. Australia got out to an eight point lead just after half-time but the Italians battled back to be down 48-46 with ten minutes to go. With five minutes to go the Boomers were down 54-53.The emotions were running very high and every referee call or mistake was raising the tension. With a big crowd behind them and with Andrew Gaze playing a great game down the stretch and Sam Mackinnon shutting down Meneghin (six points)the Australians were victorious 65-62 and into the medal round. For Italy Fucka 17 points and Myers 14 were the only players in double figure scoring.</p>

HTML <p>Team member Martin Cattalini recalls, “I witnessed some of the greatest individual performances from several players. Andrew Gaze was unstoppable, nailing huge shots time and time again. Sammy Mac was huge stopping Italy’s most dangerous player Menighin and grabbing huge boards and big Luc was picking blokes out with unbelievable passes from the post. I was so proud to be apart of that team.” </p>

HTML <p>The Australians were for the third time through to the Semi-Finals of the Olympics following 1988 and 1996.</p>

HTML <p><strong>Scorers: </strong>Smith 2, Mackinnon 7, Anstey 2, Gaze 27, Heal 13, Bradtke 4, Longley 10,<strong>Shooting:</strong> 23/51 at 45.1%,three-points 6/11at 54%,<strong>Free-throws:</strong> 13/17 at 76.5%,<strong>Rebounds:</strong>Bradtke , Mackinnon 7, Gaze 6,Australia 31-Italy 26,<strong>Assists:</strong> 8,<strong>Steals:</strong> 2,<strong>Turnovers:</strong> Australia 11, Italy 8</p>

HTML <p>Bradtke (12) chases the rebound. Gaze (10) Mackinnon (6)await the outcome (IOC)</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Semi Final</strong></h2>

HTML <h2><strong>Game 7: Australia</strong><strong> 52</strong><strong> v France</strong><strong> 76</strong><strong> (29-44)</strong></h2>

HTML <p>France was perhaps the under-rated team of the Olympic Tournament. The French had not done a lot in recent years in Europe and had not qualified for the big world tournaments. But this team was very efficient and had a number of young players from their junior ranks emerging into world class players. This was the Australian’s best chance to make history and win a medal (at worst a Silver medal) if they defeated France. Behind them was 44 years of Australian Olympic Basketball Teams who from the humble beginnings in 1956 had worked so hard to get to this chance.</p>

HTML <p>The Australians had played the French earlier in the year in France so the teams knew each other well. The challenge was to control the nerves and not bow to the hometown fan pressure. </p>

HTML <p>The French took charge early and led 21-14 after ten minutes, and for the third game in succession the Boomers were struggling to score freely at the start of a game. With five minutes to go in the half France led 29-17 and it was hard to see where the Australians were going to get their points from. At half-time the French led 44-29 and were in total control. Australia’s chances for victory were dimmed with injury to their star NBA centre Luc Longley who was injured and only able to play for 22 minutes in the game. The Boomers for a change were not draining their three point shots and the big players were crowded by the French defence inside. The first ten minutes after half-time were to be critical. The Boomers tried to mount a run but the French held firm and led 60-36 with ten minutes to go and the game was virtually over. The Boomers had scored just 36 points in 30 minutes and the French defence and play was just too good. Heal and Gaze were very closely marked and were just not let into the game by the defence. The Australians were also uncharacteristically turning the ball over and were to have fifteen turnovers for the game compared to the French seven.The capacity crowd at the Superdome were cheering the Boomers on and you could sense the tension in the air. The Boomers had shot at over 50% success rate in nearly every game but they were struggling in this one. The French continued to methodically carve their way through the Australian team to win 76-52. </p>

HTML <p>The result was a great disappointment to the team and to the Australian basketball public. The Aussies shot at 43% for the match, but most telling was the 3/12 at 25% for the three point attempts. By comparison France made 8/19 three point shots at 42.0% The French also out rebounded the Boomers. For France Sciarra 16 points, Rigaudeau 13, and Risacher and Weis with 11 each, were the main scorers. Australia had two players in double figure scoring, Gaze and Heal with 10 points each.</p>

HTML <p>As Barry Barnes said in his Official Report, “A great opportunity lost!”</p>

HTML <p><strong>Australia</strong><strong>: </strong>Smith 3, Maher 2, Mackinnon 1, Anstey 6, Gaze 10, Heal 10, Bradtke 8, Longley 8<strong>Shooting:</strong> 20/46 at 43.5%,three-points 3/12 at 25%,<strong>Free-throws:</strong> 9/13 at 69.2%,<strong>Rebounds</strong><strong>:</strong>Bradtke 5, Longley 3,Australia 23-France 30,<strong>Assists:</strong> 13,<strong>Steals:</strong> 2,<strong>Turnovers:</strong> Australia 15, France 7</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Bronze Medal Game</strong></h2>

HTML <h2><strong>Game 8: Australia</strong><strong> 71 </strong><strong>v Lithuania</strong><strong> 89</strong><strong> (35-51)</strong></h2>

HTML <p>The loss to France might have been “an opportunity lost” but the Australians still had a chance to be the first Australian men’s basketball team to win an Olympic or World Championship medal as they faced off against the talented Lithuanian team. The Lithuanians had been playing excellent and attractive basketball throughout the tournament and were great crowd favourites with their flair and skill. For such as small country they are indeed a nation of basketball talent. The Australian cause suffered greatly when their NBA star centre Luc Longley was ruled out through injury. The Australians were to miss his skill, experience and size against the tall Lithuanians. In the first five minutes the Lithuanians jumped to a 20-8 lead and again the Boomers were struggling for points early in the game. After fifteen minutes the score was 37-26 in favour of the Lithuanians who went on to lead 51-35 at half-time.</p>

HTML <p> It was going to be a big task for the Boomers to come back from there against such quality opposition. With ten minutes to go in the game the Lithuanians led 66-41 and the Australians were still struggling to score. The Boomers were to shoot 22/54 at 40.7% for the game. Andrew Gaze had a staggering 13 free-throws attempts for the game and the 37 free-throw attempts by Australia as a whole was very high as the Lithuanians were “taking no prisoners” on defence.</p>

HTML <p>The Australians for the second game in a row and in the big occasions did not play as well as they hoped they would and were defeated comfortably 89-71. They were of course very disappointed as one would expect after losing both their medal opportunity games. They were momentarily a dejected group in the change-rooms after the game. However they had played with great effort and passion and could hold their heads up when the bitterness of defeat waned. It wasn’t long before emotions in the dressing room set in as the players who had been the core of the Boomers for a number of Olympic Games had played their last games for Australia. Gaze, Longley, Vlahov and Bradtke among the greatest to have played for their country were now retiring from international basketball. It was a time to savour their contributions, not to commiserate on defeat. These moments were also not lost on the younger players in the change-room who respected these giants of the game and what they meant to the Boomers past and present. </p>

HTML <p>For Lithuania Stombergas 28 pointsand Jasikevicius 22 were the main scorers</p>

HTML <p><strong>Australia</strong>: Smith 4, Mackinnon 7, Grace 2, Anstey 10, Gaze 22, Heal 6, Bradtke 4, Vlahov 15, Rogers3<strong>Shooting:</strong> 22/54 at 40.7%,three-points 2/14 at 14%,<strong>Free-throws:</strong> 25/37 at 67.5%,<strong>Rebounds</strong>: Vlahov 6, Anstey 6,Australia 28-Lithuania 28,<strong>Assists:</strong> 11,<strong>Steals:</strong> 4,<strong>Turnovers:</strong> Australia 12, Lithuania 14</p>

HTML <p>Shane Heal shoots against Lithuania (A. Hurley)</p>

HTML <h2><strong>The Gold Medal Game</strong></h2>

HTML <p>The USA and the surprising French played off for the Gold Medal. The French had defeated Australia in their Semi-Final. The Americans had a nail-biting win over a very competitive Lithuania who had nearly caused the upset of the decades by losing 85-83 with their champion guard Siskauskas missing two from three free-throws when the game was tied 80-80 with 44 seconds to play.</p>

HTML <p>Perhaps the French could cause the upset?</p>

HTML <p>However things went to plan for the highly talented USA when they surged to a 46-32 half-time lead and despite the French clawing back to within four points with four minutes to play went on to win 85-75.</p>

HTML <p>The results did show that the rest of the world was genuinely competitive with the USA and that France deserved their Silver Medal.</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Australian Men’s Team statistics</strong></h2>

HTML <p>Tournament All Teams Statistics:</p>

HTML <p><strong>Leading scorers:</strong>Andrew Gaze with 159 points and Shane Heal with 119 points with averages of 19.9 and 14.9 points respectively per game were the two top scorers in the Olympic for all teams. Luc Longley was the only other Australian to average in double figures with 10.3 points per game.</p>

HTML <p><strong>Field Goal Percentage: </strong>Andrew Gaze led the tournament in total field goalspercentage(minimum number of shots) with an incredible 49/78 at 62.8%. Luc Longley was second in the tournament with 33/57 at 57.9%.</p>

HTML <p><strong>Total field goals made: </strong>Andrew Gaze (49) and Shane Heal (42) led the tournament in total field goals made.</p>

HTML <p><strong>Two point goals percentage:</strong>Luc Longley was 6th in the tournament in two pointgoals percentages with 33/57 at 57.9%.</p>

HTML <p><strong>Two point goals made: </strong>Longley was second in two point goals made with 33 (4.7pg)</p>

HTML <p><strong>Three-point shooting: </strong>Andrew Gaze was 10th in three-point shooting with 19/43 at 44.2%.</p>

HTML <p><strong>Most three-point baskets: </strong>Andrew Gaze made the most three point baskets of any player in the tournament with 19 while Shane Heal was 5th with 17 three point baskets. </p>

HTML <p><strong>Most made free-throws: </strong>Andrew Gaze made the most free-throws in the tournament with 42 and led the tournament in free-throw percentage with 42/45 at 93.3%</p>

HTML <p><strong>Rebounding: </strong>Mark Bradtke was the tournaments 7th leading rebounderwith 5.9 per game.</p>

HTML <p><strong>Assists: </strong>Shane Heal was 6th inthe tournament in assists with 30 (3.8pg)</p>

HTML <p><strong>Blocks: </strong>Luc Longley was 8th in the tournament in blocked shots with 8 for the tournament. </p>

HTML <p><strong>Fouls committed:</strong>Luc Longley was 2nd inthe tournamentin fouls with 26 at 3.7 per game.</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Australian individual </strong><strong>Australian team leading </strong><strong>performances:</strong></h2>

HTML <p><strong>S</strong><strong>coring:</strong> Andrew Gaze 159 (19.9pg), Shane Heal 119 (14.9pg), Luc Longley 72 (10.3pg)</p>

HTML <p><strong>M</strong><strong>inutes played:</strong> Andrew Gaze 281 (35pg), Shane Heal 277 (34pg), Sam Mackinnon 240(30pg), Mark Bradtke 232 ((29pg)<strong>F</strong><strong>ield goal percentages:</strong> Brett Maher 100% (1/1), Paul Rogers 66.7% (10/15), Sam Mackinnon 58.3% (21/36), Andrew Gaze 62.8% (49/78), Luc Longley 57.9%(33/57), Andrew Vlahov 50% (10/20)</p>

HTML <p><strong>Three point shooting percentage:</strong> Ricky Grace 80% (4/5), Sam Mackinnon 50%(1/2), Andrew Vlahov 50% (4/8), Andrew Gaze 44.2% (19/43)</p>

HTML <p><strong>F</strong><strong>ree-throw shooting</strong>: Andrew Gaze 93.3% (42/45), Ricky Grace 87.5% (7/8), Luc Longley 85.7% (6/7), Shane Heal 78.3% (18/23)</p>

HTML <p><strong>Rebounds:</strong> Mark Bradtke 47, Sam Mackinnon 40, Luc Longley 32</p>

HTML <p><strong>Assists:</strong> Shane Heal 30, Sam Mackinnon 22, Luc Longley 20, Andrew Gaze 17,</p>

HTML <p><strong>Steals:</strong> SamMackinnon7, Mark Bradtke 4</p>

HTML <p><strong>Blocked shots:</strong> Luc Longley 8,Sam Mackinnon 7, Mark Bradtke 6</p>

HTML <p><strong>Personal fouls:</strong> Luc Longley 26, Mark Bradtke 21, Andrew Gaze 21, Sam Mackinnon 20</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Australian Team Comparative Statistics for the Tournament: </strong></h2>

HTML <p><strong>Total field goal percentages:</strong> Australia was the best percentage shooting team in the tournament at 52.7%</p>

HTML <p><strong>Two point field goal percentage:</strong> Australia 1st place at 58.1%</p>

HTML <p><strong>Three point field goal percentage:</strong> Australia 4th place at 39.0% (USA 1st at 42.2%)</p>

HTML <p><strong>Free throws:</strong> Australia 7th at 70.6% (China 1st at 80.7%</p>

HTML <p><strong>Points for</strong><strong> per game</strong><strong>:</strong> 4th at 74.5points per game (USA 1stat 95.0 per game)</p>

HTML <p><strong>Points against:</strong> Australia equal 9th best at 79.3 points per game</p>

HTML <p><strong>Rebounds:</strong> Australia 10th best at 26.5 per game</p>

HTML <p><strong>Assists:</strong> Australia 3rd at 14.9 per game</p>

HTML <p><strong>Steals:</strong> Australia 12th at 3.1 per game</p>

HTML <p><strong>Turnovers:</strong> Australia 7th at 12.5 per game</p>

HTML <p><strong>Blocked shots:</strong> Australia 4th at 3.5 per game</p>

HTML <p><strong>Fouls:</strong> 10th (third least) at 18.8 per game</p>

HTML <h2><strong>FINAL PLACINGS:</strong></h2>

HTML <p>1. USA</p>

HTML <p>2. France</p>

HTML <p>3. Lithuania</p>

HTML <p>4. Australia</p>

HTML <p>5. Italy</p>

HTML <p>6. Yugoslavia</p>

HTML <p>7. Canada</p>

HTML <p>8. Russia</p>

HTML <p>9. Spain</p>

HTML <p>10. China</p>

HTML <p>11. NZ</p>

HTML <p>12. Angola</p>

HTML <p>The Medal Ceremony (A. Hurley)</p>

HTML <h2><strong>Overview</strong></h2>

HTML <p>In his official Report Head Coach Barry Barnes stated, “Fourth place at an Olympic Games is a great achievement, unfortunately we had set our goals a little higher and to fall short of that elusive Olympic medal once again was disappointing.”</p>

HTML <p>It was a disappointment especially for players such as Andrew Gaze (1984, 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000 Olympics), Luc Longley, Andrew Valhovand Mark Bradtke who had been on the Olympic teams since 1988 and for Shane Heal who was at his 3rd Olympics.</p>

HTML <p>These players and Coach Barry Barnes had worked so hard for many years and Sydney was to be their big chance, and for most of them their last chance, to win an Olympic medal. </p>

HTML <p>So much effort, time and emotion had gone into this big opportunity to make history and the chance to do it on Australian soil in front of their own supporters was a great one.</p>

HTML <p>We do know that after a poor start (losing their first two games) they fought back magnificently and gave themselves the chance for a medal and that is all one can ask. </p>

HTML <p>The fact was that France and Lithuania played well at the end of the tournament and were too good for the Australians in the medal round.</p>

HTML <p>The players and the whole team can be justifiably proud of what they achieved. Fourth place at the Olympics is a great result, regardless of expectations. The Boomers had confirmed once again that they were in the upper echelons of world basketball and deserved to be there.</p>

HTML <p>The Sydney 2000 Australian Men’s Basketball Team (Basketball Australia)</p>

HTML <p><strong>Back row left to right:</strong> Barry Barnes (Coach), Andrew Vlahov, Mark Bradtke, Chris Anstey, Luc Longley, Paul Rogers, Sam Mackinnon, Jason Smith</p>

HTML <p><strong>Front row left to right:</strong> Martin Cattalini, Ricky Grace, Andrew Gaze, Shane Heal, Brett Maher</p>

HTML <p><strong>Head Coach:</strong> Barry Barnes<strong>Assistant Coach:</strong> Alan Black</p>

HTML <p><strong>Assistant Coach:</strong> Brett Brown<strong>Manager</strong>: John TrevillionScott</p>

HTML <p><strong>Doctor:</strong> Dr Peter Harcourt<strong>Physiotherapist</strong>: Craig Purdam</p>

HTML <p><strong>Strength and Conditioning:</strong> Julian Jones</p>