The United States of America became the basketball world champion for the fourth time and first since 1994 by beating Turkey 64-81 in front of a sold-out crowd in the FIBA World Championships gold-medal game in Istanbul. Kevin Durant led the Americans with 28 points and was named tournament MVP. Earlier, Lithuania claimed its first medal of any kind at the World Championships by downing Serbia 88-99 in the bronze-medal game. Reigning Alphonso Ford Top Scorer Trophy winner Linas Kleiza shined with 33 points for the winners. MORE

As the 2010 FIBA World Championships due to tipoff Saturday, even without all final rosters for the 24 teams finalized, one thing is abundantly clear: Euroleague Basketball players once again fill the international stage more than those of any other league or competition in the world! Nearly one-third of the 288 players players registered for the World Championships are affiliated with the Turkish Airlines Euroleague this coming season. A total of 68 players are among the 22 Euroleague Regular Season teams, while 18 more are from teams competing in the Euroleague Qualifying Rounds. MORE