This World Cup—my second—was one of great learning opportunities, class, and respect for the game and its legends. 32 national teams competed for medals in eight cities throughout China in 2019. I documented the action from Nanjing, Shanghai, and Beijing.
Thanasis Antetokounmpo of Greece attempts a reverse layup during the first round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup. All rights reserved (Mandatory photo credit: Jon Lopez / FIBA )
I’ve been teaming up with FIBA since my friend Kevin Couliau introduced me to the 3X3 crew back in ~2011. Needless to say, I was excited when FIBA asked me to help them tell the story of their 2019 Basketball World Cup.
Leandro Barbosa of Brazil attacks the defense of Greece. All rights reserved (Mandatory photo credit: Jon Lopez / FIBA )
This being my first trip to Asia, I was especially excited to learn about Chinese culture and explore the cities I was assigned to as much as I could in between games.
Stephon Marbury, legendary point guard from Coney Island Brooklyn, NY enjoys the games courtside during the FIBA Basketball World Cup. All rights reserved (Mandatory photo credit: Jon Lopez / FIBA )
It took me a few days to get over my jetlag and adjust to the 12-hour time difference after landing in Nanjing. My first task was to set up and shoot headshots for the four teams competing there for the first round games: Montenegro, New Zealand, Brazil, and Greece.
Shea Ili of New Zealand attacks the defense of Montenegro at the FIBA Basketball World Cup in Nanjing, China. All rights reserved (Mandatory photo credit: Jon Lopez / FIBA )
The most anticipated game of the first round in Nanjing was Greece vs Brazil. Brazil overcame a double-digit deficit to win in the end, but how they nearly lost in the final seconds presented one of those moments that transcends the game. One of Brazil’s bright young players, Didi Louzada committed an ill-advised foul about 60+ feet away from the basket with just a few seconds remaining in the game that gave Greece an opportunity to tie the game. Greece missed a freethrow and fell short.
Didi Louzada of Brazil dunks during warmups in Nanjing, China during the FIBA Basketball World Cup. All rights reserved (Mandatory photo credit: Jon Lopez / FIBA )
What was beautiful about this wild conclusion to the game is that Louzada was devastated—understandably—and tried to run off the court immediately following the game, skipping the team celebration of the big win. Veterans Alex Garcia and Leandro Barbosa—who have competed in five World Cups for Brazil together—called him back on the court to console him. They then thrust him in the middle of the team huddle and cheered for him jubilantly. This moment was incredibly moving for me to witness and capture. It speaks volumes to the culture of the team and was a major learning opportunity for Louzada and the team.
Leadership manifested itself in many ways at the FIBA Basketball World Cup. Here, Leandro Barbosa (seasoned veteran for Brazil’s national team) consoles his teammate Didi Louzada after the team almost lost on an ill-advised play late in the game. All rights reserved (Mandatory photo credit: Jon Lopez / FIBA )
Brazil displayed an amazing culture within the team as they cheered for Louzada who was disappointed about an ill-advised foul he committed that gave Greece a chance to win the game. It’s moments like these that continue to reinforce why I love this game. All rights reserved (Mandatory photo credit: Jon Lopez / FIBA )
With my day off in Nanjing I decided to tour the third largest city in China (fun fact: over 30 million people live in the greater metropolitan Nanjing area—That’s almost 4 times the size of my hometown of NYC). Naturally I landed at a park and before long I heard that all-too-familiar sound of pick-up games taking place. I snapped a few pics before I called for next through gestures. We played halfcourt games of 4-on-4 to five points. Although we could not communicate verbally, it was clear that basketball is a universal language. I picked up on the house rules pretty quickly and the guys were competitive yet welcoming. It was an experience I will never forget. The guys were very welcoming to me and my friend William who joined me for this adventure. In case you’re wondering, after a slow start we ended on a 3-game win streak before leaving the park.
After snapping a few pics, I called next and had the opportunity to hoop in Nanjing China. It was an incredible experience to go from the school yard of P.S. 140 on the Lower East Side of Manhattan to hoopin’ in Nanjing.
It was especially great to see Frank Ntilikina, who I worked with at the Knicks last season, representing France as they came to Nanjing for the second round. The smile on his face when he received his first bronze medal was priceless. It feels great to see people I get work with and be around thriving.
Frank Ntilikina of France and the New York Knicks pulls up for a jumper against Argentina during the semi-finals of the FIBA Basketball World Cup in Beijing, China. All rights reserved (Mandatory photo credit: Jon Lopez / FIBA )
Stephon Marbury, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, Dirk Nowitzki, Kobe Bryant and Yao Ming all attended at least some games throughout the tournament. It was moving to witness the love they all received not only from the fans but also from the players and coaches, some of them former teammates or opponents.
Coney Island legend Stephon Marbury sits courtside during the semi-finals of the FIBA Basketball World Cup. All rights reserved (Mandatory photo credit: Jon Lopez / FIBA )
One of the most amazing moments was following the semi-final matchup between France and Argentina. Immediately following his 28 points and 13 rebounds and securing the victory and, ultimately, the silver medal, 39-year-old Luis Scola ran over to the stands and awaited his family to come down to give them all hugs and kisses. Knowing your “why” is so important and family is as good as it gets. I had goosebumps as I clicked the shutter for this moment.
Luis Scola of Argentina embraces his family in the stands following his 28-point and 13-rebound performance in a semi-final win against France during the FIBA Basketball World Cup. All rights reserved (Mandatory photo credit: Jon Lopez / FIBA )
The tournament in general was very emotional. From Puerto Rico battling Iran to the final second on the opening night (I wasn’t there for that one, but I did see it live on tv) to Turkey coming within a few free throws of stealing one away from team USA (also saw this one on tv) to France defeating Lithuania in a thriller all the way to Argentina meeting Spain in the title game. Fans from different countries traveled across the globe to support their national teams. Lithuania had a particularly energetic crowd as did Argentina, Spain, Greece, Poland, and of course the host country, China. Security guards in Nanjing would huddle around the television near the entrance tot he arena and you could hear the echoes of their cheers for China throughout the halls. The passion for the game was palpable throughout.
New Zealand pregame Haka. All rights reserved (Mandatory photo credit: Jon Lopez / FIBA )
Finally after Spain was crowned the world champions and the all tournament team was introduced, Ricky Rubio and Marc Gasol of Spain, both all-stars, put their hardware aside to applaud the legend Luis Scola whose overall performance in this World Cup was nothing short of extraordinary. It was a class act and a genuine display of mutual respect at the highest level.
Luis Scola of Argentina waves to the fans as he receives an ovation for his all-star selection at the FIBA Basketball World Cup. All rights reserved (Mandatory photo credit: Jon Lopez / FIBA).
I learned a ton in China. I pushed my memory cards, hard drives, cameras, and computer to their limits. I shared the sidelines with some of the greatest basketball photographers on earth and I did not take a single moment of it all for granted. It still amazes me that a basketball and a camera have provided me with opportunities of a lifetime to see the world and document its biggest stars.
I hope you enjoy these images. I brought my 35mm film camera with me which I used to photograph my touristic adventures. I’ll share some of those in a future post once I have the film developed and the scans ready. Thanks for reading to the end!
