With 14 months to go until FIBA's flagship event kicks off in Madrid on August 30, 2014, the official countdown clock was unveiled in Puerta del Sol in front of a party atmosphere, and big names in the sport.

These included national team player Fernando San Emeterio, Spain legend Jorge Garbajosa, three-time NBA champion AC Green and Amaya Valdemoro, who helped the Spanish national team claim the title at EuroBasket Women 2013 in France last month, were in attendance.

FIBA secretary general and International Olympic Committee (IOC) Member Patrick Baumann said: "The hands are a strong symbol of our sport.

"'In Your Hands' means that we need everyone to make it the best FIBA Basketball World Cup ever.

"It's not only the best players, but also the fans from all over the world, those in the venues, those in front of their TVs or on the digital platforms.

"Each and every person can be a part of the FIBA Basketball World Cup."

FEB President Jose Luis Saez is confident that Madrid can host "the best event in the history of basketball"


Spanish Basketball Federation (FEB) President Jose Luis Saez expressed his confidence that Madrid can deliver one of the greatest World Cup's in history next summer.

"Four years ago we faced the challenge of organising the best event in the history of basketball," he said.

"With 14 months to go before the FIBA Basketball World Cup tips off, we are convinced that we will make it possible.

"The 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup will not only be a basketball event.

"It will also feature projects to do with the economy, society and sports in Spain and the rest of the world.

"The economic support and involvement of big companies in the different areas of sponsorship has created an important bond of generating global wealth."

A symbolic 2 ,014 basketballs were distributed around the city in the days prior to the launch, and music, cheerleaders and a Spain 2014 Road Show Truck provided entertainment for the thousands in attendance.

The official website for the tournament also launched today, and can be found here.

Tickets are due to go on sale later this month.

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