NBA's Big Five: Team World vs Team Africa
Here are five NBA superstars you can look forward to seeing in the Team World versus Team Africa exhibition match at the Ellis Park Arena tomorrow: Festus Ezeli, Golden State Warriors: He was an NBA Championship winner last season and part of a team that included the season's Most Valuable Player (MVP) Steph "Chef" Curry and MVP finalist André "The Giant" Iguodala. They beat Lebron James' Cleveland Cavaliers in the final.What sets Nigerian-born Ezeli apart is his ability to use his physicality, height and reach advantage at either end of the court. As a centre, expect him to impose himself on court for Team Africa.Chris Paul, LA Clippers: The man dubbed "CP3" (like Cristiano Ronaldo is CR7), is the marquee player in the NBA envoy.He was the rookie-of-the-year in 2005-2006, has scooped two Olympic gold medals and is an eight-time NBA All Star. He is a fan favourite because of his eye for a pass and speed on offence. He's the fulcrum of Team World.Luol Deng, Miami Heat: Deng joined Heat at the beginning of last season from the Chicago Bulls as James' replacement, after the latter went back to Cleveland.He was one of the standout players last season, upping his shooting averages in the process, during a largely disappointing year for Dwayne Wade & Co. He is not afraid to get in his opponents' faces and he promised high intensity for this exhibition game.Pau Gasol, Chicago Bulls: Twice an NBA champion during his time with the LA Lakers, Gasol is also one of only two non-Americans to be named rookie-of-the-year when he debuted for the Memphis Grizzlies in 2001-2002.Gasol and his brother, Marc, were the first set of siblings to play against each other at last season's All Star game: Pau was in the Eastern Conference All Stars while Marc played for the Western Conference. Tomorrow they'll both turn it on for Team World.Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks: Going into his third season as a pro, the 20-year-old forward can be slick, flamboyant and dependable.At 2.1m, he is one of the tallest in the NBA travelling band and he is just as good on the floor as he is in the air. There are a few videos on the NBA website that show "The Greek Freak" blocking at one end and going on a solo run to dunk at the other...
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