The Top 10 incredible performances of 2020

MIES (Switzerland) - There have been some incredible performances in 2020, be they players for their national teams or clubs, or from others like referees.

We have handpicked some of the finest displays.

Jennifer O'Neill, February 6

As career-defining moments go, O'Neill will always be able to look back at February 6 in Bourges, France, as the night all the hard work paid off. All the hours in the gym, the extra jump shots, the special attention to conditioning.  This was the night at the FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament wen the dynamo guard played more than 41 minutes and poured in 30 points as Puerto Rico claimed the most famous win in their history, a 91-81 overtime triumph against Brazil that ultimately clinched a spot in the Tokyo Games. O'Neill was a constant source of points, and inspiration, as the Boricuas got the win that propelled the women's team to a first-ever Olympic qualification. 

Sani Sakakini, February 21

Kazakhstan were fully aware of Palestine's danger man, Sakakinki, before they squared off in the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers. Even so, Sakakinki got his touches and tore apart the home side with 44 points! Sakakini made 14 shots from the floor, including six from long range, and also sank 10 of his 11 free-throws in a mouthwatering display of scoring. He also had 10 rebounds.

Referee heroes

While FIBA referees Silvia Marziali and Guido Giovannetti of Italy have a passion for basketball, they are also doctors and possess an even greater desire to help people, something that has been evident during the coronavirus pandemic. Bot have been hard at work in hospitals in the very difficult times, which we highlighted here. Other FIBA referees have also been in the battle against COVID-19. Esperanza Mendoza has devoted her time to working as a nursing assistant at a care home in her native Spain and Sami Belgharek of Tunisia has been a supervisor in a care home for over 60s in Tunis.

Mr. Robot shakes off the rust, September 22

Stefan Stojacic, nicknamed 'Mr Robot', missed most of 2019 with a calf injury but made a huge splash on his return at the Debrecen Masters, where he was named MVP after leading Liman to the title. Stojacic turned on the style against Novi Sad with 13 points and then had 8 in the Final against Utena Uniclub. The 31-year-old was joint-highest scorer of the first event of the season with 41 points!  

Omar Cook, October 4

There is absolutely, positively no way that Omar Cook could have done more for Hereda San Pablo Burgos to ensure the greatest moment in their history than to ignite them with a scalding hot three-point shooting display in their 85-74 come-from-behind triumph over AEK in the 2019-2020 Basketball Champions League title game. The 38-year-old point guard with a reputation as one of the best assists men in Europe went from provider to scorer, drilling five three-balls from eight attempts.  "It's my first Final," he said, "and I wanted to win it bad."

Brandon Robinson, October 31

When titles are at stake, the big-time players show up. Brandon Robinson sure did to lead Quimsa to the first Basketball Champions League Americas crown, scoring 26 points on nine-of-15 shooting, including three of six from long range. Robinson was named Most Valuable Player.

Swiss don't miss, November 28

It was always going to take their best shot, and maybe a little luck on top of that, for Switzerland to upset Serbia in the FIBA EuroBasket 2022 Qualifiers. Having nearly surprised Georgia in February, the Swiss, No. 62 FIBA World Ranking when the game was played, didn't pass up the opportunity against No. 5 Serbia. With five different players ripping the cords from deep, Dusan Mladjan hit a go-ahead three-ball from the left corner with just 0.3 seconds left and Switzerland prevailed, 92-90. Switzerland nailed 13 of 23 attempts from long range. 

Robinson Opong and Ishmail Wainright, November 28 and 29

You had to see it to believe it! Two tight FIBA AfroBasket 2022 Qualifiers for Uganda and two game-winning performances by Opong and Wainwright. In a fast-paced, end-to-end game against Morocco, Opong hit seven three-pointers and led all scorers with 29 points in a 94-90 victory for the Silverbacks, and one day later Wainright torched Cape Verde for 36 points, making five three-balls in a 101-98 triumph. The scoring bursts by Wainright and Opong rank first and second in the AfroBasket Qualifiers. 

Marine Johannes, December 3

France national team star Johannes is special, and her 38-point eruption in the EuroLeague Women against USK Prague was a reminder of that. Johannes was 14 of 22 from the floor. What makes Johannes such a captivating player is the grace she displays while scoring and her variety of moves. Three-point shot? Check. Fadeaway? Check. Alley-oop layups? Check. Hang time? Check. Johannes floats like a butterfly and stings like a bee.

Greek Freak plays a different kind of string music

We're accustomed to seeing Giannis Antetokounmpo terrorizing opponents in international basketball with his gravity defying layups and ferocious dunks with an occasional three-pointer thrown in for good measure. Antetokounmpo didn't compete for his country in 2020 yet he still delivered a big-time performance while spending time out home during the coronavirus pandemic.

FIBA