Awesome did not see a win like that coming. First opening game victory since 1996!
Domination. Their off the ball screens and passing were textbook. They were operating on all cylinders. Eager to see them play USA.
Yeah, me too. What do you think the spread will be? -43 USA?
If so, I'll put $ on them not covering.
57 point win over China tonight. Australia is obviously better but I'm not sure they're even expected to contend for a medal. I'd imagine a pretty ugly outcome.
Australia are definitely contending now. That France team had Parker, Batum, Diaw, Lauvergne, Gobert which is a reasonable NBA-team starting roster.
France was likely overrated before the Olympics began. Parker and Diaw (esp) have really aged, leaving Batum as their best player. They should've selected Fournier. Both he and Gobert missed qualifying games, yet the coach was quoted saying he left off Fournier due to a commitment to the other 7 guys in the backcourt. Odd decision.
Not sure how Australia could be contending. Spain is strong, Argentina is solid by default -- they've been playing together for the past 50 years -- and Lithuania is big. Seems doubtful that Bogut, Gobert, Delly, Baynes, and Mills could carry Aussies to medal (no offense to our members in Australia). Maybe I'm biased though because I find Delly to be incredibly annoying. They have some talent. Every team looks silly next to the US, though.
Don't forget Australia also has Ingles and Andersen (who is very good in FIBA). They're a very strong team. They simply out executed France on both ends. If that game was any indication, then a medal looks like a very good possibility and a team that USA can't take lightly.
I still don't think that ever elusive Bronze medal (not even considering getting to the Gold/Silver playoff) is quite within Australia's reach this year.
I think for that to happen we really needed a 100% perfect preparation. That means no Dante Exum tearing his ACL 12 months before the games. No Andrew Bogut injuring his knee 2 months before the games (though he's not showing any ill effects of that at this stage) and no Ben Simmons allowing his now blimp-like ego to get in the way of representing his country.
IMO Simmons won't play for Australia again until he has signed his first big contract and has that financial security behind him. Same sort of deal with Steven Adams and New Zealand. He often goes on about what a proud Kiwi he is yet has never represented the New Zealand national team, despite not being injured. I think once he's signed his first big contract he'll be prepared to take the risk of representing his country.
Big test against Serbia later tonight, who will undoubtedly be a stronger opponent than France. Some of the French defending was laughable. Can't see the Serbs being like that.