Around age 50 recreational basketball players tend to turn to golf. 

Most of the guys gathering for practice at Eckerd College probably don't even own clubs.

"I'm a junkie," said Tarpon Springs High boys basketball coach Jerry Woodka.

These aren't your typical masters athletes.  At 52, Woody as he is called, isn't still just shooting around with friends, the point guard is full throttle, seemingly without breaking a sweat.

"Pretty much for my age I am all over the court," said Woodka when asked about his athletic ability.   "I don’t get tired and sometimes I like to go inside and mix it up with the big guys."

Woodka will lead a 50-and-over team as point guard in the FIMBA (Federation of International Masters Basketball Association) Bi-annual World Championships.  The tournament to be held at ESPN's Wide World of Sports Complex starting August 20th. 215 teams from 36 countries will be represented.

"If you take away the age, it's still the Olympics," said Woodka.

"It's a step up, so it's a challenge for us, but I think we have a nice well-rounded squad," said Woody's teammate David Bastian. 

Bastian, the former USF guard in the early 80s, won a national title with Woody this March.  Their 50-and-over team, South Florida Elite captured the Masters Basketball Association Championship in March.  The annual MBA tournament is held in Coral Springs.  Woodka was named MVP.

"He’s a freak and I’ve heard that from other players, too," said Todd Williams, a player coordinator for the 45-and-over team.

"There won’t be a faster guy in the world than Woody," said Bastian. 

International teams showcase European Pros.  Lineups are littered with former college and pro players.  Woodka's roster features ex-NBA players Billy Thompson and Greg Kite. 

"We know how tough it is," said Bastian, who played in both semifinal finishes.  "It's not easy.  It's not for everyone, but I am looking forward to it.  We'll see what we can get done."

This core group finished in the FIMBA semifinals in 2011 in Brazil and in Greece in 2013.  With the tournament at Disney it is essentially a home game and they are ready for a gold medal.   

"We’d have the honor of showing the world that the United States still owns basketball," said Woodka. 

There are five teams registered for the 2015 FIMBA World Championships (age groups 45+, 50+, 55+, 65+ and 70+) that are organized out of Tampa.

For more information on the tournament, click here.