WELCOME

Dear Global Games Family:  

As this year’s college and professional basketball seasons wind down, it is incredible to think that so many of the players making headlines today have competed in the Global Games at one time or another. Before Deron Williams and Dee Brown led the Fighting Illini to the NCAA Championship game, they piloted USA Basketball to the Global Games championship in 2003. Yao Ming dominated play here in Dallas in 2001 before he moved south to Houston. It was obvious to Global Games fans in 2002 that Chris Bosh was destined for NBA greatness. And way back in 2000, who would have guessed that one day we would be watching Luke Ridnour feeding Vladimir Radmanovic as part of the rebirth of the Seattle SuperSonics? In a short period of time, the Global Games has become the pre-eminent international basketball event played in the United States—and to think, the best is yet to come. 

The Global Games exists to highlight the rising stars in the world of international basketball and to promote the growth of international basketball in the United States. This goal is validated and reinforced every year as throngs of NBA scouts, basketball fans and coaches flock to our games. While we are thrilled with their attendance, we are even more excited when we see legions of young fans wearing Global Games paraphernalia around town. It is clear that we are on to something. We hope that you will continue to join us.

Each year our sponsor base has grown. We appreciate the patience and support our partners the Dallas Morning News, Easyway Editorial, Marriott, HDNET, the Ft. Worth Star-Telegram, DakStats, DART, Baden and Harv-al-Broderick have displayed. Our event would not be possible without these companies and we are forever grateful to them.

This year we are proud to announce some exciting changes in the tournament. For the first time we will hold the tournament outside of the Dallas city limits. Our home for 2005 will be The Deja Blue Arena at Dr Pepper StarCenter-Frisco, Texas (a suburb north of the Dallas city limits). Also new to the event will be the junior national teams from Israel and Slovenia. These countries will join Global Game regulars Lithuania, Russia, Ukraine, Africa, USA Basketball and US/Texas Select team. This year’s games will take place from July 24th- July 30th.   

Thank you again for supporting the Global Games and always remember, “Why go local, when you can go Global?”  
 
Sincerely,

Michael Sorrell, Executive Director