17th World Grand Prix

[deejay_05]

Jun 24, 2009 14:43:19 GMT 8 karpol said:

Jun 24, 2009 12:00:39 GMT 8 deejay_05 said:

Good Morning

yes, very much different...in fact sometimes the names of the different FIVB sanctioned volleyball leagues/tournaments are sometimes confusing.

There is FIVB World League (which is incidentally on its 2nd week), then there is a FIVB World Grand Prix, there is also a FIVB World Championships for both Men and Women (which are on round 2 or 3), and still there is a Grand Champion's Cup.

This is good. Many good volleyball to watch.

hehe u forgot the FIVB World Cup???

he he he oo nga karpol....thanks for that...

[jodaman]

of course, of course, but it's just that this thread is all about the grand prix (and i guess any news related to or leading up to it)

[deejay_05]

From the FIVB site: Some World League news...

It's now or never for laggards in Round 4 of World League


The Finns can fly, but will it be high enough to overcome Brazil?
Lausanne, July 1, 2009 - The fourth round of intercontinental play at the 2009 FIVB World League takes place this weekend, with the USA, France, Cuba and Brazil leading their respective groups.

Many changes in the standings took place last weekend, particularly in a tight Pool B, but one constant remained: undefeated Brazil continues to dominate after two more victories, this time over Poland.

Will there be any surprises this weekend? Tune in to find out.

In Pool A, the United States will look to hold on to their newfound lead after leapfrogging the Netherlands last weekend with two wins over last-place China. The two teams meet again this weekend, the only difference being that the games will be played in China instead of Stateside. The USA (5-1) should be extremely confident of collecting maximum points against China (1-5), not only due to their exceptional form at the tournament, but also because they now hold a 42-12 advantage over China in meetings since 1981.

The other Pool A showdown promises to be a more even affair, with the second-place Dutch traveling to third-place Italy with only three points separating the two after the Azzurri won both matches against the Dutch in Holland last weekend. The Italians (3-3) are on the ascendancy after a lackluster start to the competition, while last week's losses took the wind out of the Dutch (3-3), who opened the tournament with a shock win over defending champions the United States. One bonus for the Italians is that captain Valerio Vermiglio will rejoin the squad for the remainder of the team's Pool A matches.

In Pool B, some air finally separates the teams after France became the first team in the group to win both matches of a weekend series last week against Korea. The victories left France (4-2) on 11 points, one better than Serbia (3-3), and two up on Argentina (3-3). Last-place Korea (2-4) trails Argentina by one point.

France will once again play on home soil, this time against Serbia, in a showdown that could ultimately determine which team finishes first in the pool. The French are looking to add to their points total this weekend before jetting off to Argentina and Korea for the final two rounds. Serbia, which received a bye to the Final Six as host of the Final Round, will nevertheless be a dangerous foe, although the team has yet to meet the expectations of their home fans and media.

Both Argentina and Korea know the clock is ticking on their aspirations of reaching the next round, and will want to sweep the series to keep pace with the leaders.

Argentina's goal was to win at least one match against each of its rivals overseas, which it accomplished, and the team is in a confident mood heading into its final six Pool B matches, all at home.

In Pool C, Russia and Cuba will play in what is considered the de facto final for the group. Cuba and Russia both enjoy a sizeable lead over Bulgaria and Japan, and know two straight wins this weekend would go a long way to giving them a berth in the Final Round.

Cuba (5-1) has 15 points and leads Russia (4-2) by 3 points, although the Russians do have home-court advantage this time around. The teams split their series in Havana in June, with both matches going five sets.

Cuba has been known for its poor away form over the years, so it will be interesting to see what kind of performance they produce in Russia and later against Bulgaria. Cuba coach Orlando Samuels, however, says his new batch of players has what it takes to win on the road.

"These players have a different mentality compared to the previous generations. Last weekend in Japan we played well, which is a good sign," Samuels said. "Of course Russia is stronger. That's why I'll be satisfied if we win just one game here."

World No. 4 Bulgaria kept its dreams of reaching the Final Round alive with a split against Russia in Khabarovsk last weekend. It is expected to have a much easier time against Japan, which is still struggling to get its game together mentally, according to both coach and players.

In Pool D, the only question being asked is, "Who can stop the indomitable Brazilians?" It's been six wins in six games for Brazil, who have only dropped three sets so far. Next up for the top-ranked team in the world is Finland, who have failed to beat Brazil in 10 attempts in the World League, although the Europeans came close in their first encounter this year, pushing Brazil to five sets on June 19.

Finland coach Mauro Berrutto is under no illusion just how daunting a task his team faces, but nevertheless welcomes the challenge.

"It is always a big honor and a great challenge for us to play against Brazil, the world's No.1 team," Berrutto said. "In Brasilia we came close to realizing our dream of beating Brazil and we hope that the distance will get shorter all the time."

Poland and Venezuela, who lost both of their matches last weekend, will need to turn things around quickly if they have any chance of making it to the Final Round. Poland won both its matches against Venezuela in their first encounter in June in Venezuela.

[deejay_05]

Team Composition USA for the WORLD League; from the FIVB...

USA / USA - Team Composition


Team manager Albert Gasparian
Head coach Alan Knipe
Assistant coach Gary Sato
Doctor Russell Petrie
Therapist / trainer Kenneth Preston
Journalist



No. Name Lastname Shirt Name Birthdate Height Weight Spike Block Club
1 Matthew Anderson Anderson 18/04/1987 204 86 360 332 Hyundai Capital Skywalkers
2 Sean Rooney Rooney 13/11/1982 206 100 354 336 Fakel New Urengoy
3 Evan Patak Patak 23/06/1984 201 113 363 330 Paok Thessaloniki
4 David Lee Lee 8/03/1982 203 105 350 325 Trenkwalder Modena
L 5 Richard Lambourne Lambourne 6/05/1975 190 90 324 312 Belgorod
6 Paul Lotman Lotman 3/11/1985 200 102 336 312 A.S. Paok
7 Donald Suxho Suxho 21/02/1976 196 98 337 319 Al Jazira Sports & Cultural Cl
8 Andrew Hein Hein 1/07/1984 211 100 358 333 USA Men's Volleyball Team
9 Jonathan Winder Winder 4/01/1986 203 91 340 306 Tourcoing
10 David Smith Smith 15/05/1985 201 86 348 314 TVB Volleyball GmbH
11 Brook Billings Billings 30/04/1980 196 95 351 331 Fenerbahce
C 12 Thomas Hoff Hoff 9/06/1973 198 94 353 333 Olympiacos S.C.
13 Clayton Stanley Stanley 20/01/1978 205 104 357 332 Sport Club Dinamo
14 Kevin Hansen Hansen 19/03/1982 196 93 349 330 Fakel New Urengoy
15 Russell Holmes Holmes 1/07/1982 205 95 352 335 Hypo Tirol
16 Jayson Jablonsky Jablonsky 23/07/1985 198 89 343 316 Zinella Volley Bologna
17 Delano Thomas Thomas 26/01/1983 201 95 366 339 ACH Volley
18 Scott Touzinsky Touzinsky 22/04/1982 198 88 344 330 Istanbul Belediyesi
L 19 Alfredo Reft Reft 15/12/1982 175 80 319 309 USA Men's Volleyball Team

C=Captain L=Libero

Team profile

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The United States had one of its best seasons ever in 2008 when it won the FIVB World League title and the Olympic gold medal under head coach Hugh McCutcheon. It goes into the 2009 season ranked No. 2 in the world.



The U.S. team had been looking to return to the greatness it experienced in the 1980s and '90s when it won two Olympic gold medals (1984 and '88) and a bronze (1992) as well as an FIVB World Cup (1985) and World Championship (1986).



In 2006, the team moved its headquarters from the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to the American Sports Center in Anaheim, California. While the move did not pay dividends immediately – the team finished 10th at both the 2006 World League and World Championship – things improved greatly in 2007.



A third-place finish at the 2007 World League and fourth-place at the 2007 World Cup led the team to believe it was on the verge of greatness.



The U.S. team opened its 2008 campaign by making sure it had a spot in Beijing by winning the NORCECA Men's Continental Olympic Qualifier in Caguas, Puerto Rico. The U.S. Men won the tournament with a 5-0 record and without dropping a set, downing Puerto Rico in the final.



Four members of Team USA were honored for their play. Rich Lambourne was named best libero and best receiver. Rooney won best spiker. Millar was named top blocker and Stanley took best server.



The U.S. knew that the 2008 FIVB World League would be an important test. Their pool would include Olympic qualifier Bulgaria and European champion Spain along with an up-and-coming Finland.



Team USA went 9-3 in pool play to advance to the final round in Brazil.



In the final round, the United States lost its first match to Serbia, but came back to defeat Poland and advanced to the semifinals, where it swept host and defending champion Brazil. The U.S. beat Serbia in the final. Ball was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player and also best setter. Lambourne won the award for best libero for the second year in a row.



Team USA traveled to Beijing feeling very positive about its chances to medal, but was struck by tragedy when McCutcheon’s mother-in-law and father-in-law were attacked while sightseeing. His father-in-law was killed and his mother-in-law was gravely injured.



McCutcheon missed the first three matches, but Team USA won all three behind assistant coach Ron Larsen and the rest of the seasoned staff.



When his mother-in-law was well enough to return to the United States, McCutcheon returned to the team and led it to victory in the next five matches, culminating with a 3-1 (20-25, 25-22, 25-21, 25-23) victory over Brazil in the gold medal match.



Clay Stanley was named tournament MVP and was the top scorer and leading server.

Coach profile

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


USA Volleyball named Alan Knipe its U.S. Men's Team head coach on April 1, 2009.



Knipe, 40, took a leave of absence from Long Beach State, where he has been the head coach for the past nine years. Two of Knipe's former players – David Lee and Scott Touzinsky – were members of the U.S. Men's Olympic Volleyball Team that won the gold medal in 2008 in Beijing. Knipe was an assistant coach when U.S. Team Captain Tom Hoff played at Long Beach State.



"Anyone who gets involved with volleyball sets their sights on being involved with the Olympic team," Knipe said. "I don't think that changes from your playing days to your coaching days.



"I would not have been able to take this position if I did not work at Long Beach State. They were great to work with in making this happen and giving me a leave of absence."



Knipe took over for Hugh McCutcheon, who guided the U.S. Men's Team to victories at the 2008 FIVB World League and the Beijing Olympics. McCutcheon took over the U.S. Women's Team in January.



Knipe has a long relationship with USA Volleyball. Most recently, he served as the head coach for the U.S. Men's National Team at the 2008 Pan America Cup in Winnipeg, Canada, where it won a gold medal.



He was the head coach for the U.S. Men's Team that won a bronze medal at the 2007 World University Games in Thailand.



Knipe has run the Southern California tryouts for USA Volleyball's high performance department since 1999. He was an assistant coach for the U.S. Boys' Youth National Team in 1999 and has helped at high-performance camps in other years.



Knipe also played on the U.S. National Team in 1992-93 and competed in the World League.



Knipe is in his 17th year with the 49ers men's volleyball program, including three years as a player (1990-92) and five years as an assistant (1996-2000). Long Beach State is ranked seventh in the most recent Bison/AVCA Division I-II Men's Coaches Top 15 Poll.



In his nine seasons as the head coach of Long Beach State, Knipe has led the 49ers to one NCAA final (2004) and one semifinal appearance (2008) along with six other postseason appearances in nine years. He earned 2008 Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) Coach of the Year honors and was also named 2008 Volleyball Magazine Coach of the Year as Long Beach State advanced to the NCAA semifinals behind AVCA co-Player of the Year Paul Lotman.



Knipe was named the 2004 AVCA National Coach of the Year when he guided his squad to an appearance in the NCAA Championship match, where it fell to BYU.



In the 1994 and 1995 seasons, Knipe served as head men's volleyball coach at Golden West College. In his second season, the Rustlers won the California State JC title and Knipe was named California State Coach of the Year.



Knipe played at Long Beach State from 1990-92, winning the NCAA Championship in 1991 and was named All-America in 1992. Knipe graduated from Long Beach State in 1992 with a degree in communications.



Knipe played on the Bud Light 4-Man Pro Beach Volleyball Tour and has won seven USA Volleyball National Open Championships with Team Paul Mitchell.



In 1995, Knipe played for Spoleto in the Italian Pro League and in 1996 he played for the Zellik Club in Belgium.



A graduate of Huntington Beach's Marina High School in 1987, Knipe spent one year at Orange Coast College before transferring to Long Beach State.



Knipe lives in Huntington Beach, California, with his wife, Jennifer, and their two sons, Aidan and Evan. The U.S. Men's Volleyball Team trains at the American Sports Centers in Anaheim, California

[karpol]

deejay

pang world grand prix ba tong thread na to or pang World League??

d rin nman to thread ng International volleyball news.....

parang medyo off topic ung mga post mo

[castor]

^he should know as he's the one who started this thread!

[minduser]

Okay na din yun atleast updated tayo sa lahat ng leagues hehe

OT lang

Wala na si Reid Priddy sa USA MVT?!

[deejay_05]

^^thank you very much for pointing this out...

the news are posted to supplement our awareness on the international volleyball scene.....to those who need the news, I believe...

maybe they are off-topic as the news to be posted should be grand prix type news.....but IMO, whether related or not, news are news....and these are all part of the preparations to the World Grand Prix...

and yes, thank you minduser for your comment....

and if a thread will be started catering to each kind of league then I would gladly remove the posts and transfer them to the new threads...

thanks for the comments, quite constructive...

[karpol]

preparations for world grand prix??

eh pano npasama ang World League d2 hehehe
hahaha

[deejay_05]

ah ok...thanks a lot....

[karpol]

uy baka naasar... peace tau.........

[castor]

deejay post ka lang ng post! marami samin ang nakakaappreciate ng mga infos and updates mo whether connected sa grandprix or not! thank you for the effort and taking the time to bring us the latest from the international volleyball!

[karpol]

gamova confirmed na mag lalaro sa ECH09
pati at sa grand prix(ito ang dko sure bka isang stage lng ng WGP sia maglaro or training...)

[deejay_05]

Jul 3, 2009 22:52:06 GMT 8 karpol said:

uy baka naasar... peace tau.........

no problem with that karpol...

everything is in order...

[deejay_05]

Jul 4, 2009 9:33:42 GMT 8 castor said:

deejay post ka lang ng post! marami samin ang nakakaappreciate ng mga infos and updates mo whether connected sa grandprix or not! thank you for the effort and taking the time to bring us the latest from the international volleyball!

thank you very much for this castor...

thank you... i really appreciate this...