Team USA, Bryant prepare for less strict rules in FIBA play

What usually constitutes a foul in NBA league play - a forearm to the midsection, handchecks or a moving screen - are often times overlooked in international play. That’s why Lakers’ guard Kobe Bryant, along with Team USA, participated in several scrimmages this week with FIBA referees, learning what they can and can not do as they gear up for games against Australia, Brazil, Spain and New Zealand, according to Ohio’s Mansfield News Journal. “I grew up watching the 80s NBA - watching the Bad Boys and Celtics, the Lakers when they played,” Bryant said in an interview with the News Journal. “Everything was physical. You could put your hands on guys and body them. That made the game extremely competitive, so I enjoy it.”
The “No Blood-No Foul” approach to international basketball is significantly different compared to the guidelines used by the NBA, which have become much more streamlined after efforts to “clean up” the game were headed up by former Phoenix Suns owner Jerry Colangelo. Bryant, who was the NBA’s leading scorer last season, said he looks forward to playing in the international arena. “You have more liberties,” Bryant said. “It’s upon us to take advantage of those. In the past, guys were telling me, when they were playing in these tournaments, they’re so used to playing hands-off. It’s an adjustment. We’re making a conscious effort to establish that here.”

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