Tuesday, September 5, 2006

Carmelo Named to the All-World Team

(Boulder-CO) The world’s journalists were put together to name an All-World Championship starting five, and Carmelo Anthony was the lone American to receive the honor. Argentina’s Manu Ginobili, Greece’s Theo Papaloukas, and Spain’s tandem of Pau Gasol and Jorge Garbajosa rounded out the team. Pau Gasol took home the honor of tournament MVP despite suffering a broken foot that prevented him from playing in the gold medal game.

Carmelo displayed that he was a leader on both offense and defense for Team USA. He led the USA in scoring at a mark of 19.9 points per game and tied with Chris Paul for the most total steals with 17. ‘Melo also shot an astounding 50.4% from the field and 44% from three-point range. Even though the USA failed to capture gold. Carmelo proved to be golden.

Highlights of the tournament for Anthony were abundant, but the most memorable to me was the 35 point, record-setting, performance against Italy. Carmelo’s defense sparked the USA in the third period and his red-hot shooting ensured the victory for the USA. He truly took over that game in a way rarely seen with such great international players and team defense.

I expect Carmelo to continue this dominating characteristic for the Nuggets this rapidly approaching season. His confidence is at an all-time high and he looks poised to truly assume the leadership role for Denver.

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