International Basketball Federation
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The International Basketball Federation (French: Fédération Internationale de Basketball), more commonly known by the French acronym FIBA (pronounced [ˈfibʌ]), is an association of national organizations which governs international competitition in the basketball. FIBA defines the international rules of basketball, specifies the equipment and facilities required, regulates the transfer of athletes across countries, and controls the appointment of international referees. Over 200 national federations are now members, organized since 1989 into five zones or "commissions": Africa, Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania.History
The association was founded in Geneva in 1932, two years after the sport was officially recognized by the IOC. Its original name was Fédération Internationale de Basketball Amateur. Eight nations were founding members: Argentina, Czechoslovakia, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Portugal, Romania, and Switzerland. During the 1936 Summer Olympics held in Berlin, the Federation named James Naismith (1861-1939), the founder of basketball, as its Honorary President.FIBA has organized a World Championship for men since 1950 and a World Championship for Women since 1953. Both events are now held every four years, alternating with the Olympics.
In 1989 FIBA opened the door to Olympic participation by professionals such as players from the NBA in the United States. At this point, the Fédération Internationale de Basketball Amateur became the Fédération Internationale de Basketball, but retained FIBA as an abbreviation.
The Federation headquarters moved to Munich in 1956, then returned to Geneva in 2002.
FIBA Rankings
Men rankings (top 20)
Team Points
1. USA 832.2
2. Serbia & Montenegro 708.0 *This is still an official team
3. Argentina 700.0
4. Lithuania 460.0
5. Spain 439.0
6. Italy 433.0
7. Russia 362.0
8. Greece 304.0
9. Australia 279.0
10. France 273.0
11. Puerto Rico 247.6
12. Canada 231.0
13. Germany 227.0
14. China 209.0
15. Brazil 203.0
16. New Zealand 178.0
17. Angola 156.0
18. Turkey 129.0
19. Croatia 125.0
20. Venezuela 99.6
External links
- [FIBA official site]
- [InterBasket - International Basketball News and Forum, covering Euroleague, NBA and more...]
- [NBA-Forum.net - A Growing International Basketball Community]
- [History of amateur and professional basketball in Canada at Frozen Hoops]
- [ThePlayersForum.com - Site dedicated to helping sports players achieve their dream of playing internationally]
- [TalkBasket - Basketball news and discussions]
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