Balkman’s Block Party

En nuestro más reciente podcast conversamos sobre la destacada participación de Renaldo Balkman

en el Torneo Pre-Mundial FIBAAmericas 2013 que se celebra en Caracas, Venezuela. Hasta ahora, Balkman es el MVP de Puerto Rico y se perfila como uno de los mejores jugadores del torneo. La aportación de Balkman no se limita a lado ofensivo de la cancha. Ha demostrado ser un excelente defensor en la pintura cuya fogosidad es contagiosa y genera turnovers para los contrincantes y ofensiva rápida para Puerto Rico. Aquí un vídeo que demuestra la labor defensiva de Balkman. Espero que los disfruten. Espero que continúe en las próximas rondas.

In our latest podcast episode (in Spanish) we discussed Renaldo Balkman’s spectacular first round at the FIBA Americas 2013 Championship in Caracas, Venezuela (the regional qualifying tournament for the FIBA 2014 World Cup). Balkman was the team MVP for Puerto Rico during the team’s undefeated run in Group A play, and has established himself as one of the stars of the tournament so far. Balkman has been dominating on both sides of the floor. His defensive presence has been as impressive as his low post scoring. Balkman’s blocks and steals have been the catalyst for many fast break and transition points for PR during the past four games. Welcome to Balkman’s Block Party! Hope the party lasts for 8 more days!

Clip #1: Brasil en su ofensiva de media cancha, y Balkman defendiendo el centro de la pintura. Giovannoni penetra y se encuentra con Balkman, quien tiene tremenda posición y ángulo y “timea” la jugada correctamente para darle tapón con la zurda y forzar un TO.
Brazil in their half-court offense, Balkman defending the middle of the paint. Giovannoni penetrates and runs into a well-positioned Balkman. Great angle and great timing to block/deflect Giovannoni’s shot/pass with his left hand, forcing the TO.

Clip #2: Brasil en su ofensiva de media cancha, y Balkman defendiendo el centro de la pintura. Hettsheimer en el poste bajo defendido por John Holland, hace movimiento al canasto y Balkman aparece para rematarle la bola y dejarla en juego para comenzar posesión boricua. Buena posesión con varios pases y mucho movimiento concluyendo con tremendo pase de Ricky Sánchez a Balkman cerca del canasto y anota.
Brazil running their half-court offense, Balkman defending the paint. Hettsheimer makes his move against John Holland only to he is shot swatted by Balkman, who wisely keeps the ball in play so that PR may start their offense. Good possession for PR with lots of ball movement capped off by a Ricky Sánchez pass that finds Balkman for an easy layup.

Clip #3: Hettsheimer no aprendió la lección. Tapón de Balkman comienza el fast break para John Holland que recibe falta al final.
Hettsheimer did not learn his lesson. Balkman’s block starts off the fast break that leads to John Holland getting fouled on his way to the basket.

Clip #4: El cuarto período comenzó con Canadá arriba en el marcador. Puerto Rico despertó y se fue en escapada. Canadá trata de volver a juego, Balkman está ahí para defender el aro. Cory Joseph vete pa tu casa. Luego comienza el fast break con tremendo outlet pass a Barea que termina la jugada con güirita.

Canada played well during the third quarter and opened the fourth quarter with the lead. Puerto Rico roared back to take the lead. Canada tried to come back, but Balkman was there to put a stop to that. Cory Joseph: Denied. Great outlet pass to JJ Barea who goes in for the easy two.