2005 African Basketball Championship

[TonyStarks]

FIBA-Africa has awarded the 2005 African Basketball Championships to Algeria. The games were supposed to be played in Ivory Coast but FIBA-African changed the location, due to security threats. All the games will be played in Alger, in 4 different venues (Harcha, Boudiaf, Hydra, Boufarik). Algeria finished the 2003 edition in 7th place, and finished the 2001 edition in 2nd place. They played in the 2002 World Cup and finished 15th (out of 16 teams). They beat Lebanon by 30 points for their only win. They lost to USA (by 50), Germany, China and Venezuela. Here's a pic of the team star in the 2001 edition, Ali Bouziane:

[TonyStarks]

I just found out some Algerian guy plays for the UConn Huskies, which is one of the best teams in the NCAA. The team won the national championship last year, and are still top 25 this year. They are still one of the favorites to win. His name is Sami Ameziane. His born and raised in France, originally Algerian of course!!!

LES ALGERIENS DANGER !!!

[MrMean_]

Originally posted by TonyStarks
I just found out some Algerian guy plays for the UConn Huskies, which is one of the best teams in the NCAA. The team won the national championship last year, and are still top 25 this year. They are still one of the favorites to win. His name is Sami Ameziane. His born and raised in France, originally Algerian of course!!!

LES ALGERIENS DANGER !!!

I agree. The UConn Huskies are among the best in College Basketball teams. Their Women Team also won the NCAA title last year, and March Madness is approaching again

[TonyStarks]

A court ruling has ruled in favour of Ali Bouziane in his case to represent Algeria. The former French international played for France before switching to Algeria. When officials found out about this they handed him a lifetime ban from international basketball. However, he is now allowed to play for Algeria and should feature for them at the 2005 African Cup being held in Alger.

[TonyStarks]

Algeria recently participated in a tournament in Italy. After losing the opening game 53-83 to hosts Italy, Algeria played a tough game against Greece, losing by just 5 points, 86-81. However, the best game for the Algerians would be their 63-55 over a strong Turkish side, who had 2 NBA players playing (Turkoglu and Okur).

As for the African Cup, the list of qualifying nations is as follows:

Algeria (Host)
Angola (Defending Champions)
Nigeria (2nd in last edition)
Egypt (3rd in last edition)
Senegal (4th in last edition)
Tunisia
Morocco
Mali
Ivory Coast
Central African Republic
South Africa
Gabon

[TonyStarks]

The Algerian players selected to take part in the 2005 African Cup and 2005 Mediterranean Games:

Karim Atamna (USA Lievin, France)
Farid Belhimeur (ALM Evreux, France)
Sofiane Boulahia (MC Alger)
Mourad Boughedir (Limoges CSP Elite, France)
Ali Bouziane (RC Paris, France)
Mehdi Mary (Vendee Challans, France)
Ahmed Fellah (Saint Etienne, France)
Nadjem Ouali (MC Alger)
Djillali Canon (MC Alger)
Nasser Haif (SPO Rouen, France)
Abdelhamid Sayah (MC Alger)
Abdelhamid Kouane (WA Boufarik)
Tarik Oukid (AU Annaba)
Farouk Djellali (WA Boufarik)
Rabah Housmani (Spain)

Coach: Faid Billal
Assistant: Ali Fillali

[TonyStarks]

Algeria beat Gabon 80-52 yesterday in their opening game at the 2005 African Cup. Today (right now) they are facing Tunisia and Algeria is leading 47-35 at the half.