European stars Pau Gasol (Spain) and Maria Stepanova (RUS) are to represent basketball at the upcoming “Sport Star Award 2004” on 18th October 2004 in Lausanne, Switzerland.

The award, which is organised by Eurosport and the IOC, honours the top players from each of the 28 sports at the Olympic Games. The ceremony will be attended by IOC President Dr. Jacques Rogge, Honorary Life President Juan Antonio Samaranch, President of the EOC Mario Pescante as well as representatives from the 28 International Federations.

		Pau Gasol

The award caps a great year for Gasol who led the Memphis Grizzlies to a 50-32 record and a first ever NBA play-off appearance in 2004. Following the NBA season, Gasol teamed up with Spain at the Olympics, where he was nothing less than spectacular. He led the tournament in scoring, 22.4ppg, blocked shots, 1.9bpg and was 5th in rebounding, 7.3rpg.

Spain finished the Olympics with a tournament best 7-1 record. Unfortunately for them they ran into an inspired USA, and in particular Stephon Marbury  (31 points, 6/9 three-point shooting), in the quarter finals and the 94-102 loss ended their medal hopes.

Nonetheless, Gasol’s 29 points in the game cemented his reputation as one of Europe’s top stars.

“It's a great honour to receive this award,” Gasol told www.fiba.com.

“It gives me great satisfaction to be the one chosen, considering there are many valuable players out there. This is a reward for the hard work and effort and shows that I am continuing to evolve as a basketball player."

The 24 year old Stepanova may have not had quite as sensational a year as Gasol, but she has quietly proved herself to be one of Europe’s dominant inside forces. She has also picked up a couple of medals along the way, namely European gold in 2003 and Olympic bronze in Athens.

Stepanova was a key performer in Russia’s 2003 European Championship for Women campaign. The 203 cm forward followed that up with a stellar season in the EuroLeague Women with club side Samara. She averaged 11.7 ppg and a competition leading 12.2rpg. She also recorded no less than three games with over 20 rebounds.

		Maria Stepanova

Stepanova produced her best game of the Olympics against the all-conquering Americans. Her 11 points and 8 rebounds were part of a team effort which gave the USA their hardest test of the Games, although they could not prevent a 62-66 defeat.

But Stepanova and team rebounded to defeat Brazil and earn Russia’s first ever Olympic women’s basketball medal (the C.I.S. won gold in 1992).

"This came as a big surprise, I did not expect it,” said Stepanova of her award.

“There are so many great players at the Olympics. It is an immense honour that I have been selected to represent basketball."