Fuente: © FIBA (Federación Internacional de Basket)
http://www.fiba.org/

FIBA: USA - Barbosa and Boris start to hit stride

/noticias.info/ PHOENIX (FIBA World Championship 2006) - There have never been any doubts about Leandro Barbosa's talent.

The lightning quick, 6ft 3in guard displayed mouthwatering offensive skills for Baura Tilibra in his native Brazil a few years ago, as well as for his national side in international competitions and later in his first two NBA seasons with the Phoenix Suns.

Indeed, Barbosa has had his moments.

In his very first game as a starter in the NBA against the Chicago Bulls on January 5, 2004, Barbosa erupted for 27 points. Would he find the consistency, though, he needs to be a big-time player? That is what everyone from Phoenix to Sao Paulo had been wondering for a few years, now.

The answer, the past couple of months suggests, is yes.

Barbosa was a leading player for his country at the FIBA Americas Championship in September, averaging 21.2 points per game as they first qualified for next year's FIBA World Championship in Japan, and then won the Americas title in the Dominican Republic.

Now he is taking flight with the Suns.

Despite Phoenix losing a 118-117 heart-breaker to the Sacramento Kings on Sunday, Barbosa had a season-high 23 points on 11 of 18 shooting, including two of four from the arc.

One of those three-pointers came in the final minute to give Phoenix the lead, only for Sacramento to come back and win.

The NBA's Most Valuable Player one season ago, Suns star Steve Nash gave Barbosa a ringing endorsement after the loss.

"Leandro had an amazing game," Nash said. "He's a big part of our team, and I think this is what we've kind of been waiting for.

"We've been patient and tried to see if we could make him play both guard positions. He's so athletic he can play both positions."

Having a successful summer with the national team clearly boosted Barbosa's confidence, and it has done the same for Boris Diaw of France, too.

Diaw was traded from the Atlanta Hawks to the Phoenix Suns and then played for France at the EuroBasket in Serbia & Montenegro, helping them qualify for Japan before leading them to the bronze medal.

Diaw finished one rebound shy of a triple-double against the Kings. He had 11 points, 11 assists and nine boards in 28 and a half minutes on court. notas_de_prensa_archivo