<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'></p> Q: The best basketball competition on the planet is being played right now at the EuroBasket, yet I can't seem to find any coverage in Canada. Can you please help? Shouldn't Raptors TV be interested in showing this games? S. Rim, Winnipeg </p> A: I wish I could help, believe me. It’s not being televised anywhere and that is a shame. I don’t know how much it would have cost a Canadian broadcaster – and RaptorsTV would be the obvious first choice – to pick up the rights, but no one wanted to spend it. And because no one in the United States is broadcasting games either – NBA-TV blew its financial load on the vastly inferior FIBA Americas tournament – there’s no way for Canadian stations to piggyback on shows. All I can suggest is trying to find some local ethnic club that has access to satellite TV service from back home and see if you can mooch a seat to see a game or two. </p><hr width="100%" size="2" /> Q: In your Sept. 4 column, you wrote that NBA teams are similar to "club" teams for Europeans, and "why not praise him for his passion for his country?" with regard to Garbajosa playing for Spain in the Euro Championship. I agree, and follow with this question: Why do Canadian NBA players hold so little value for playing on their national team? </p> Our NHLers go through a long hard season, yet still manage to pull on the red and white - if invited! NHL players are aging as well, yet rarely miss the chance to play for their country. There are years when our best have to try out to play for Canada. I know Nash has played, but why isn't he now? </p> Why are Nash and Jamaal Magloire et al exempt from criticism for their refusal to lace up for their country? Stephen Cook, Waterloo, Ont. </p> A: First, let me say I’m not entirely sure of that NHL comment. It strikes me that teams that have represented Canada at the worlds aren’t chalk full of the very, very best players who’ve been eliminated from the Stanley Cup playoffs. A few go, yes; many don’t. </p> Now, as for Nash, as you know, he’s answered his country’s call often and comported himself with class, always giving his best effort. Magloire has never, ever played and he should be castigated for that, but because it’s now apparent he never will play, it’s time to criticize and move on. </p><hr width="100%" size="2" /> </div> </p> </p> http://www.thestar.com/Sports/NBA/article/254202</p>
