TUR – That’s one cool mas-cat

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ISTANBUL (2010 FIBA World Championship) - Most star attractions at FIBA World Championships run up and down the floor at a breakneck pace.

Some make defense-splitting passes and hit three-pointers, others soar through the heavens for rim-rocking slam-dunks.

Another megastar will be on the prowl at the games in Turkey and that is the mascot for the 2010 FIBA World Championship.

The inspiration for the mascot is the much-loved Van Cat, a kitty that is like no other.

The breed originates from the Lake Van area of southeastern Turkey and is distinctive by its un-feline like love for water, which is why some call it the ‘swimming cat’.

Normally with a coat of white fur and blue eyes, the Van Cat is perhaps most distinctive because it sometimes acts like a dog!

Sometimes they even have a green eye and a blue eye, like the mascot for the 2010 FIBA World Championship.

It’s not so much that there’s more growl than meow but rather, like canines, Van Cats are known for fetching particular objects of interest.

Additionally, they aren’t so much sly and stealthy like most cats but instead always desirous of human company. They are loyal, loving and intelligent.

Some owners, in fact, have described them as ‘dogs in a cat suit’ because they want to be with people wherever they go.

With the Van Cat at games, don’t be surprised to hear announcers utter comments at like, “They won the game by a whisker!” and “Boy, did they claw back that deficit!”.

What is the name of this mascot going to be, something like ‘Fido the Feline’?

That’s up to the fans.

In late January, three or four possible names will be revealed to the public on the official tournament website, turkey2010.fiba.com. Fans will then be able to cast votes for the name they'd like to see for the mascot.

FIBA