CelticsStrong
Beyond the Association => Global Basketball => Topic started by: Eddie20 on August 06, 2016, 02:06:44 PM
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The teams
Group A
USA
Australia
France
Venezuela
Serbia
China
Group B
Spain
Argentina
Lithuania
Croatia
Brazil
Nigeria
Schedule (all times ET)
Saturday, August 6
Australia vs. France, 1:15 p.m.
USA vs. China, 6 p.m.
Venezuela vs. Serbia, 9:30 p.m.
Sunday, August 7
Brazil vs. Lithuania, 1:15 p.m.
Croatia vs. Spain, 6 p.m.
Argentina vs. Nigeria, 9:30 p.m.
Monday, August 8
Serbia vs. Australia, 1:15 p.m.
USA vs. Venezuela, 6 p.m.
France vs. China, 9:30 p.m.
Tuesday, August 9
Spain vs. Brazil, 1:15 p.m.
Lithuania vs. Nigeria, 6 p.m.
Argentina vs. Croatia, 9:30 p.m.
Wednesday, August 10
Serbia vs. France, 1:15 p.m.
Australia vs. USA, 6 p.m.
Venezuela vs. China, 9:30 p.m.
Thursday, August 11
Brazil vs. Croatia, 1:15 p.m.
Nigeria vs. Spain 6 p.m.
Lithuania vs. Argentina, 9:30 p.m.
Friday, August 12
China vs. Australia, 1:15 p.m.
USA vs. Serbia, 6 p.m.
France vs. Venezuela, 9:30 p.m.
Saturday, August 13
Argentina vs. Brazil, 1:15 p.m.
Spain vs. Lithuania, 6 p.m.
Croatia vs. Nigeria, 9:30 p.m.
Sunday, August 14
USA vs. France, 1:15 p.m.
Australia vs. Venezuela 6 p.m.
China vs. Serbia, 9:30 p.m.
Monday, August 15
Nigeria vs. Brazil, 1:15 p.m.
Spain vs. Argentina, 6 p.m.
Lithuania vs. Croatia, 9:30 p.m.
Wednesday, August 17
Quarterfinals
A1 vs. B4, TBD
A2 vs. B3, TBD
B1 vs. A4, TBD
B2 vs. A3, TBD
Friday, August 19
Semifinals
Winner A1 - B4 vs. Winner A3 - B2, TBD
Winner B1 - A4 vs. Winner A2 - B3, TBD
Sunday August 21
Bronze medal game
Semifinal loser 1 vs. Semifinal loser 2, 10:30 a.m.
Gold medal game
Semifinal winner 1 vs. Semifinal winner 2, 2:45 p.m.
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France vs Australia now. As expected, Australia is a very feisty team and their toughness and size is giving France a lot of problems.
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No Yabusele on the France squad? Is he just too young? Only about 1/2 of their players are NBA players, so just curious why Yabusele, a first round pick, didn't make the squad. Anyone have insight?
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No Yabusele on the France squad? Is he just too young? Only about 1/2 of their players are NBA players, so just curious why Yabusele, a first round pick, didn't make the squad. Anyone have insight?
No, he's not. Fournier didn't make the team either. Remember just because you're an NBA player, or a 1st rd pick, doesn't necessarily mean you're good enough, or a good enough fit, to make some of these foreign teams.
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No Yabusele on the France squad? Is he just too young? Only about 1/2 of their players are NBA players, so just curious why Yabusele, a first round pick, didn't make the squad. Anyone have insight?
No, he's not. Fournier didn't make the team either. Remember just because you're an NBA player, or a 1st rd pick, doesn't necessarily mean you're good enough, or a good enough fit, to make some of these foreign teams.
Ya, too bad. It would give us something to root for in the non US games. How's my New Mexico Lobo Cameron Bairstow doing for Australia? Getting any run?
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The one time I'm going to root for Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Carmelo Anthony. Ugh, these players belong in some US teams that I hate lol.
Should be a relatively easy win over China today despite not having LeBron, Kobe, Wade, CP3, and Dwight from 2008/2012.
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No Yabusele on the France squad? Is he just too young? Only about 1/2 of their players are NBA players, so just curious why Yabusele, a first round pick, didn't make the squad. Anyone have insight?
No, he's not. Fournier didn't make the team either. Remember just because you're an NBA player, or a 1st rd pick, doesn't necessarily mean you're good enough, or a good enough fit, to make some of these foreign teams.
Ya, too bad. It would give us something to root for in the non US games. How's my New Mexico Lobo Cameron Bairstow doing for Australia? Getting any run?
Not much playing time. Barstow really struggled in the 2Q when trying to help on the Parker high PNR. They're going primarily with Bogut and Baynes at C, even playing them together some.
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Awesome did not see a win like that coming. First opening game victory since 1996!
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CpMqX1vUEAAcQXK.jpg)
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No Yabusele on the France squad? Is he just too young? Only about 1/2 of their players are NBA players, so just curious why Yabusele, a first round pick, didn't make the squad. Anyone have insight?
Most likely he's just too young. He's more than 3.5 years younger than Gobert, France's youngest player. Gobert didn't make the French team the last Olympics, when he was essentially Yab's age. Obviously that was not a sign that Gobert wouldn't some day be a very good player.
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Awesome did not see a win like that coming. First opening game victory since 1996!
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CpMqX1vUEAAcQXK.jpg)
Domination. Their off the ball screens and passing were textbook. They were operating on all cylinders. Eager to see them play USA.
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Awesome did not see a win like that coming. First opening game victory since 1996!
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CpMqX1vUEAAcQXK.jpg)
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?
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Awesome did not see a win like that coming. First opening game victory since 1996!
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CpMqX1vUEAAcQXK.jpg)
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.
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I think we'll keep it under 30. Dare to dream.
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If they had French Jordan they would have won easily.
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I am a big fan of the United States and being from there (I am in Montreal for the week), but it's going to take all I've got to root for this team - just not my favorite assortment of players...
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U S A! U S A! U S A!
let's bring home the gold
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Yikes, Demarcus Cousins is injured. Should the C's still go after him now?
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Yi has improved a lot. He looks like he could have some success as a stretch 4 in the NBA.
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Zhou Qi is a beast
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Like how they used the classic nbc roundball rock theme to open the game earlier. Brings back memories!
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Yi has improved a lot. He looks like he could have some success as a stretch 4 in the NBA.
did he improve or does China just suck so much he stands out since he is one of the oldest and most experience player on their roster ?
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Yi has improved a lot. He looks like he could have some success as a stretch 4 in the NBA.
did he improve or does China just suck so much he stands out since he is one of the oldest and most experience player on their roster ?
He looks improved. Seems much more confident and stronger. He was able to absorb contact a lot better than before.
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Yi has improved a lot. He looks like he could have some success as a stretch 4 in the NBA.
did he improve or does China just suck so much he stands out since he is one of the oldest and most experience player on their roster ?
He looks improved. Seems much more confident and stronger. He was able to absorb contact a lot better than before.
hmm fair enough, how long has he been gone from the NBA, his last stint was with the Mavs right? 3-4 years ago? I'm still a bit skeptical on Chinese players
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Awesome did not see a win like that coming. First opening game victory since 1996!
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CpMqX1vUEAAcQXK.jpg)
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.
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Awesome did not see a win like that coming. First opening game victory since 1996!
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CpMqX1vUEAAcQXK.jpg)
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.
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Awesome did not see a win like that coming. First opening game victory since 1996!
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CpMqX1vUEAAcQXK.jpg)
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.
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Awesome did not see a win like that coming. First opening game victory since 1996!
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CpMqX1vUEAAcQXK.jpg)
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.
Australia beat a full strength Argentina last week.
Don't think anyone is arguing it is USA (lightyears) > everyone else.
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Awesome did not see a win like that coming. First opening game victory since 1996!
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CpMqX1vUEAAcQXK.jpg)
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.
Australia beat a full strength Argentina last week.
Don't think anyone is arguing it is USA (lightyears) > everyone else.
Yeah, they are definitely good. And there are other good teams. It'll be fun to see what happens.
Apologies if I misinterpreted your post -- I assumed "contender" implied Gold.
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Awesome did not see a win like that coming. First opening game victory since 1996!
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CpMqX1vUEAAcQXK.jpg)
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.
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Taurasi's going to try her hardest to prove she's better than Elena, Moore, and Griner.
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Sabonis struggling early against more mature players. Taken out after 3 minutes.
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Brazil was down 30, now down 11 and storming back. Plus you will recognize the play by play man. Turn it on now (NBC Sports).
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Mike needs Tommy next to him for these games! Although I don't know how Tommy could commentate without being biased...
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Spain looking good as usual. Saric looks blah.
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Saric is garbage.
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Spain has a top-5 that can give the US fits.
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Saric is garbage.
Fran Fraschilla, who is ESPN's international expert, just had an interesting comment on Saric.
Paraphrasing...
He's an energy guy. A role player. He's not a savior. He's a second unit, small ball 4 man.
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Saric is garbage.
Fran Fraschilla, who is ESPN's international expert, just had an interesting comment on Saric.
Paraphrasing...
He's an energy guy. A role player. He's not a savior. He's a second unit, small ball 4 man.
Not exactly a ringing endorsement.
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Fran Fraschilla, who is ESPN's international expert
I see him more as hype generator than a true expert.
Olympic basketball is junk, USA will win and the only fight is for silver and bronze. That is boring and I am a USA citizen.
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Love the headline of this article.
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/saric-justifies-hype-with-game-winning-swat-in-croatias-upset-of-spain-004719433.html?nhp=1
So there you have it, with that last second block the hype is justified. ;D
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Fran Fraschilla, who is ESPN's international expert
I see him more as hype generator than a true expert.
Olympic basketball is junk, USA will win and the only fight is for silver and bronze. That is boring and I am a USA citizen.
Awesome job generating hype for Saric!
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Fran Fraschilla, who is ESPN's international expert
I see him more as hype generator than a true expert.
Olympic basketball is junk, USA will win and the only fight is for silver and bronze. That is boring and I am a USA citizen.
Then why bother clicking on a thread that's titled, "***Official Olympic Basketball Thread***"? I find that odd and I too am a USA citizen.
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The latest on our "Boys in Brazil".
http://www.tmz.com/2016/08/05/team-usa-basketball-players-brothel-rio-spa/ (http://www.tmz.com/2016/08/05/team-usa-basketball-players-brothel-rio-spa/)
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Awesome did not see a win like that coming. First opening game victory since 1996!
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CpMqX1vUEAAcQXK.jpg)
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.
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Let s go Serbia. Bronze medal at least. :D
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Love the headline of this article.
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/saric-justifies-hype-with-game-winning-swat-in-croatias-upset-of-spain-004719433.html?nhp=1
So there you have it, with that last second block the hype is justified. ;D
I think many people on this forum aren't that familiar with Dario Šarić's game.
His stats don't jump out of the boxscore and he isn't very athletic.
But his willpower, leadership and mentality are extraorinaire.
It is hard to see those in the boxscore, but those usualy win in the longterm.
He is one of those guys that are champions, winners.
There is one similar player on our team in that regard that has some historicaly bad stats, but we still adore him and we swear that he is a stud.
Fans will love Šarić for his commitment and sincereness, even if he avarages 5 points and 3 rebounds in his rookie year.
As a Croatian I know a bit more about his national squad. Fact is that we don't have any penetrating guards that can keep a defense on its heels. We don't have that kind of player for 15 years (since Damir Mulaoverović, excellent Euroleague player back in a day)
With that said it is hard for a player like Šarić to generate some easy baskets, since he is not an ISO threat like Bojan Bogdanović. Šarić is a rhythm shooter.
But he will often make the right pass, box out, hustle on D and if his team is unselfish as a whole he will flourish.
I don't know if he will be a starter or a role player in the NBA, but I am sure he will impact winning in a positive way.
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Love the headline of this article.
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/saric-justifies-hype-with-game-winning-swat-in-croatias-upset-of-spain-004719433.html?nhp=1
So there you have it, with that last second block the hype is justified. ;D
I think many people on this forum aren't that familiar with Dario Šarić's game.
His stats don't jump out of the boxscore and he isn't very athletic.
But his willpower, leadership and mentality are extraorinaire.
It is hard to see those in the boxscore, but those usualy win in the longterm.
He is one of those guys that are champions, winners.
There is one similar player on our team in that regard that has some historicaly bad stats, but we still adore him and we swear that he is a stud.
Fans will love Šarić for his commitment and sincereness, even if he avarages 5 points and 3 rebounds in his rookie year.
As a Croatian I know a bit more about his national squad. Fact is that we don't have any penetrating guards that can keep a defense on its heels. We don't have that kind of player for 15 years (since Damir Mulaoverović, excellent Euroleague player back in a day)
With that said it is hard for a player like Šarić to generate some easy baskets, since he is not an ISO threat like Bojan Bogdanović. Šarić is a rhythm shooter.
But he will often make the right pass, box out, hustle on D and if his team is unselfish as a whole he will flourish.
I don't know if he will be a starter or a role player in the NBA, but I am sure he will impact winning in a positive way.
He does play the game the right way. However, his athleticism and shooting our question marks at the next level.
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Really good game going on between Australia and Serbia.
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Before the Olympics began I would've been happy to split the games against France and Serbia 1-1. To win them both by 21 and 15 points respectively is amazing. Delly with 23 points, 13 assists and 0 turnovers against Serbia.
Coming out of the game against the USA with no injuries will be very important, hopefully keep the margin respectable. I'm staying with my prediction we'll keep the margin under 30 - USA to win by 29. ;)
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Before the Olympics began I would've been happy to split the games against France and Serbia 1-1. To win them both by 21 and 15 points respectively is amazing. Delly with 23 points, 13 assists and 0 turnovers against Serbia.
Coming out of the game against the USA with no injuries will be very important, hopefully keep the margin respectable. I'm staying with my prediction we'll keep the margin under 30 - USA to win by 29. ;)
Congrats to Aussies on 2 big wins and great play.
France and Serbia are int. powerhouses.
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US and Venezuela close 1st quarter game...and then Carmelo Anthony happened in the 2nd.
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Before the Olympics began I would've been happy to split the games against France and Serbia 1-1. To win them both by 21 and 15 points respectively is amazing. Delly with 23 points, 13 assists and 0 turnovers against Serbia.
Coming out of the game against the USA with no injuries will be very important, hopefully keep the margin respectable. I'm staying with my prediction we'll keep the margin under 30 - USA to win by 29. ;)
it was a close game against Serbia, Best of luck in the the Knockout rounds...
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It's definitely not fair to judge the quality of a win against any opponent that would allow Delly to go for 23 and 13. Come on, now!
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US and Venezuela close 1st quarter game...and then Carmelo Anthony happened in the 2nd.
So weird. Is Melo even a Top 20 guy still?
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US and Venezuela close 1st quarter game...and then Carmelo Anthony happened in the 2nd.
So weird. Is Melo even a Top 20 guy still?
No, but are you, billy? Tired of your frieken tricks. If it's not shenanigans, it's tomfooleries with you.
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Disappointed with the 2nd half but pleased with the fight our guys showed. Nothing better than watching the legend that is Patty Mills lead his country, on his birthday no less. He should be getting more of Tony Parker's minutes next season.
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Disappointed with the 2nd half but pleased with the fight our guys showed. Nothing better than watching the legend that is Patty Mills lead his country. He should be getting more of Tony Parker's minutes next season.
Remember that Australia uses him far different than SA does. Australia has been playing exclusively as a 2 and he's usually off the ball. He's their Iverson. Pop will never let him have the freedom he plays with in FIBA.
Anyways, great job by your team! I told they were for real despite some of the naysayers on the blog. It looks like they're a lock to go 4-1 and finish as the second seed, which means they would take on the 3rd seed from the other group in the knockout round.
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Disappointed with the 2nd half but pleased with the fight our guys showed. Nothing better than watching the legend that is Patty Mills lead his country. He should be getting more of Tony Parker's minutes next season.
Remember that Australia uses him far different than SA does. Australia has been playing exclusively as a 2 and he's usually off the ball. He's their Iverson. Pop will never let him have the freedom he plays with in FIBA.
Anyways, great job by your team! I told they were for real despite some of the naysayers on the blog. It looks like they're a lock to go 4-1 and finish as the second seed, which means they would take on the 3rd seed from the other group in the knockout round.
Yep, too true about Pop. I just think Mills could be better in a slightly bigger role.
TP for the respect, much appreciated. The knock out rounds will be extremely tough. Spain obviously very good, Lithuania are always strong. Add to that host nation Brazil, Argentina and Croatia... A medal is still going to be an extremely tall order but this team is probably playing at the highest level the national side ever has.
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Can't believe USA almost lost to Australia. Gonna be a force to be reckoned with.
Melo's 27 of his 31 points came from the 3. Kyrie with 19. Golden State players sure made a difference tonight...combined for 27 points lol.
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US and Venezuela close 1st quarter game...and then Carmelo Anthony happened in the 2nd.
So weird. Is Melo even a Top 20 guy still?
He was incredible in that game. That's what counts. Melos never been on really good teams. Imagine if he'd been in MIA w wade and Bosh. It'd be a very different perception of him.
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US and Venezuela close 1st quarter game...and then Carmelo Anthony happened in the 2nd.
So weird. Is Melo even a Top 20 guy still?
He was incredible in that game. That's what counts. Melos never been on really good teams. Imagine if he'd been in MIA w wade and Bosh. It'd be a very different perception of him.
He makes up for a lot of his career failures by these performances. Also speaking out on stuff. Solid dude.
(http://www.moneysavingmadness.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/honey-nut-cheerios.jpg)
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Australia's going to add:
Exum
Simmons
Maker
to their squad. Should be the number 2 team in the world for a fair while if Simmons becomes a top 5 player. (Big 'if', but won't be surprised).
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Exum is such a dangerous player.
4.8 PPG in 22 mpg with .34% shooting in the NBA last year.
http://stats.nba.com/player/#!/203957/
Mike Krzyzewski probably loses sleep scheming about him staying up all night. JK
Exum was the biggest con in terms of hiding with regards to the NBA draft that I have ever seen. You can bet no one if worried about him at this point.
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Exum is such a dangerous player.
4.8 PPG in 22 mpg with .34% shooting in the NBA last year.
http://stats.nba.com/player/#!/203957/
Mike Krzyzewski probably loses sleep scheming about him staying up all night. JK
Exum was the biggest con in terms of hiding with regards to the NBA draft that I have ever seen. You can bet no one if worried about him at this point.
You know those stats are from two years ago when he was a 19 year-old rookie, right?
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Exum is such a dangerous player.
4.8 PPG in 22 mpg with .34% shooting in the NBA last year.
http://stats.nba.com/player/#!/203957/
Mike Krzyzewski probably loses sleep scheming about him staying up all night. JK
Exum was the biggest con in terms of hiding with regards to the NBA draft that I have ever seen. You can bet no one if worried about him at this point.
You know those stats are from two years ago when he was a 19 year-old rookie, right?
To be fair, the fact that Exum was out with an ACL tear last year isn't exactly a mark in his favor. So far, our exposure to Exum has occurred when he was A) bad or B) hurt.
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These Olympic refs are a joke. Making horrible calls and then giving technicals.
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Klay Thompson has been absolutely putrid in the Olympics from what I've seen. It'll be interesting to see if he takes a nose dive with the addition of Durant and fewer shots.
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Man, Serbia is doing circles around the US right now. This was always going to be the issue with the US, too much iso ball if the game is close at the end.
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It's like watching pick-up ball with the USA team. All individual iso stuff. It's part of the reason why I'm not sure that GS works out with Durant, because I think it'll be similar stuff.
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If they play in the medal rounds like they've played these last 2 games, they're gonna lose. By US standards, they've looked like total garbage the last 2 games. Way too much iso and some pretty bad defensive breakdowns, all in crunch time too.
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94-91 and Serbia missing a wide open 3 at the horn that would've tied it.
USA looks ripe to be beat. Next up France, followed by the KO round. Cupcake opponents like China and Venezuela are over and USA looks very vulnerable.
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This US team is clearly the least cohesive of any recent iteration. They lack any ball movement or developed sets. Very reliant on individual play, and no one seems capable of running the offense. CP3 and LeBron are clearly missed.
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94-91 and Serbia missing a wide open 3 at the horn that would've tied it.
USA looks ripe to be beat. Next up France, followed by the KO round. Cupcake opponents like China and Venezuela are over and USA looks very vulnerable.
Yes. That was very nearly a L. De Andre Jordan was fun to watch. And Kyle Lowry. Carmelo not as great as in the last game.
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US and Venezuela close 1st quarter game...and then Carmelo Anthony happened in the 2nd.
So weird. Is Melo even a Top 20 guy still?
He was incredible in that game. That's what counts. Melos never been on really good teams. Imagine if he'd been in MIA w wade and Bosh. It'd be a very different perception of him.
He makes up for a lot of his career failures by these performances. Also speaking out on stuff. Solid dude.
(http://www.moneysavingmadness.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/honey-nut-cheerios.jpg)
Honey Nut Cheerio's
Lol
Good times, good times
I miss my man KG so much sometimes.
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Team USA is getting exposed. Can't believe both teams actually played defense considering the final score was 94-91???
So much for having the OP players of Klay, Durant, Draymond Green.
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They're not playing together or hard. They were getting beat backdoor every other play in 4th quarter against Serbia. That's about it. They lack a true leader to pull them together. When the closest thing to that is Melo... you got a problem. It's that simple.
And in spite of that, there's absolutely no way they fail to win gold. As soon as they care, a couple guys take the reigns and it's over. May have more close games but they'll win gold. Too shameful to come back otherwise. They know that. Coach K looks like he's feeling it more than anyone.
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This team seems like a fairly lazy bunch. Hard to root for. Truly a bunch of primadonnas, this seems more like a publicity stunt/ego trip for them than a real tournament. They need more Avery Bradleys on their team and fewer Klay Thompsons.
Not a fan of Hope Solo and the women's soccer team either. They have always seemed arrogant and unlikable to me. Solo is delusional with her excuse-making. They should literally win all their games 5-0, there is just a huge disparity in talent. The collapse against Japan in the 2011 WC final was maybe the worst sports choke I've ever seen.
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Jokic impressed me. I didn't think he was that good.
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Jokic impressed me. I didn't think he was that good.
yes, he was p good at Denver this season too, but he also had his best game in these Olympics against USA.
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USA escapes a narrow defeat, beats France 100-97 and clinches top seed.
Team has got to get it together lol.
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USA escapes a narrow defeat, beats France 100-97 and clinches top seed.
Team has got to get it together lol.
France was playing without Parker the entire game and played the majority of the 4Q without their remaining starters.
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USA escapes a narrow defeat, beats France 100-97 and clinches top seed.
Team has got to get it together lol.
France was playing without Parker the entire game and played the majority of the 4Q without their remaining starters.
In other words, USA would've lost if Tony Parker and the real company played. It would be a shame if...Team USA loses in the KO stage.
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The US basketball team is the only team from the US that I root against during the Olympics. This year is reminding me why.
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The US basketball team is the only team from the US that I root against during the Olympics. This year is reminding me why.
lol, reminds of someone I know from America who cheers against the US in the FIFA World Cup because he hates soccer so much. ;D
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As much as I hate to say it since it's my country and all, I really just don't like watching this US basketball team at all. As many of you have pointed out, too Iso heavy, no defense, and just a general lack of respect towards opponents.
...also doesn't help that KD is on the team lol.
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Apparently the shorter 3pt line is making life easier for plodders like Jokic and Bogut in the pick an roll plays killing the USA defense.
Given how smarmy SBNation NBA writers have been about team USA getting gold I would want to it not happen just so they can eat their words.
Here.s to Naija v. Brazil starting now
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Knockout round seedings so far...
- The seedings (so far are below)
- In Group B Lithuania and Argentina have clinched
- Brazil, Spain, and Croatia are battling for the last two spots
- Australia is in the other bracket, so they won't play USA until the Gold medal game (assuming both advance)
Wednesday, August 17
Quarterfinals
USA vs. B4, TBD
B2 vs. France TBD
Australia vs. B3, TBD
B1 vs. Serbia TBD
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Knockout round seedings so far...
- The seedings (so far are below)
- In Group B Lithuania and Argentina have clinched
- Brazil, Spain, and Croatia are battling for the last two spots
- Australia is in the other bracket, so they won't play USA until the Gold medal game (assuming both advance)
Wednesday, August 17
Quarterfinals
USA vs. B4, TBD
B2 vs. France TBD
Australia vs. B3, TBD
B1 vs. Serbia TBD
Could be Spain, France, Australia for the U.S. That would be a pretty tough draw.
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One thing I hope ends is that Coach K just gets zero criticism for a poorly run team.
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Knockout round seedings so far...
- The seedings (so far are below)
- In Group B Lithuania and Argentina have clinched
- Brazil, Spain, and Croatia are battling for the last two spots
- Australia is in the other bracket, so they won't play USA until the Gold medal game (assuming both advance)
Wednesday, August 17
Quarterfinals
USA vs. B4, TBD
B2 vs. France TBD
Australia vs. B3, TBD
B1 vs. Serbia TBD
Could be Spain, France, Australia for the U.S. That would be a pretty tough draw.
Lithuania is another team that could give USA fits. Size, shooting, experience together, and protects the ball offensively.
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Knockout round seedings so far...
- The seedings (so far are below)
- In Group B Lithuania and Argentina have clinched
- Brazil, Spain, and Croatia are battling for the last two spots
- Australia is in the other bracket, so they won't play USA until the Gold medal game (assuming both advance)
Wednesday, August 17
Quarterfinals
USA vs. B4, 915 PM
Spain vs. France 545 PM
Australia vs. B3, 10 AM
B1 vs. Serbia 130 PM
Updated above-
* Brazil eliminated
* If Lithuania wins vs Croatia tonight they are the # 1 seed. If they lose they are the # 3 seed
* It looks as though USA will be playing either Argentina or Croatia in the knockout round
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All Set!
Wednesday, August 17
- Quarterfinals -
USA vs. Argentina 915 PM
Spain vs. France 545 PM
Australia vs. Lithuania 10 AM
Croatia vs. Serbia 130 PM
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Serbia-Croatia! Greatest rivalry in European basketball! 3:15 am (European time). Nobody will sleep in Serbia and Croatia.
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The US basketball team is the only team from the US that I root against during the Olympics. This year is reminding me why.
Gah. Gotta root for your own country. ( it's just sports I'm not 100 percent serious. Doesn't mean squat in real world) . Also, I barely watch because when I see Durant smiling and laughing I think he's gross and I get embarassed for the nba I defend against haters so much.
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Serbia-Croatia! Greatest rivalry in European basketball! 3:15 am (European time). Nobody will sleep in Serbia and Croatia.
the greatest rivalry ??? In euro basketball ? i think not....
In water polo definately yes .... both are contenders in every major tournament and usually play against each other in the final. But basketball ??? i can`t even remember an important (for sports reasons) game between them in the last 15 years
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All I can say for the Serbia-Croatia rivalry is the only time in my life I've seen riots at a tennis match was between these 2 nations at the Australian Open some years back. Can't speak for whatever rivalry they might have in basketball but there is obviously a lot of animosity between the 2 countries. Should make for a very interesting game.
Glad we didn't get Spain but Lithuania are always tough to beat. I'd love to know how they manage to be an international powerhouse in basketball year after year despite never having more than 1 or 2 players in the NBA.
They beat us to the Bronze medal in 1996 and 2000. The AUS team in 2000 wasn't really worthy and never expected to win that game after Lithuania had just lost to the USA by 2 points and we were blown out by France. 1996 was a bitter pill to swallow after they just held us at arms' length to win by 6 points. I can still see Arvydas Sabonis with the ball stuffed up his jersey after the game. :(
We beat them at the FIBA World Cup in 2014 so I hope that mental barrier is gone now. Still be an extremely hard game to win.
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Serbia-Croatia! Greatest rivalry in European basketball! 3:15 am (European time). Nobody will sleep in Serbia and Croatia.
the greatest rivalry ??? In euro basketball ? i think not....
In water polo definately yes .... both are contenders in every major tournament and usually play against each other in the final. But basketball ??? i can`t even remember an important (for sports reasons) game between them in the last 15 years
You bet we aren't going to sleep.
It is always more than a game in any sport against Serbia. We have their number in football (most prestigious sport here) and handball, they have ours in basketball and tennis.
This time I think we, Croatia, have a better chance of winning a game.
We are stronger mentaly and have better leadership than before.
This group of guys has been together for month and a half now, in full training and competitive regiment.
They won the tournament in Italy to qualify, also there are no injuries, so they are ready.
Serbia is still a favorite, but this time it is a 60%-40% chance, not 85%-15% like it was in the last 10-15 years.
The most interesting Croatian lineup is Babić, Hezonja, Bogdanović, Šarić and Planinić.
It is long, strong and fast. all players with 6'8-6'11, switch happy with enough shooting in BB and Hezonja. So watch out for that one if you are watching the game.
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Serbia-Croatia! Greatest rivalry in European basketball! 3:15 am (European time). Nobody will sleep in Serbia and Croatia.
the greatest rivalry ??? In euro basketball ? i think not....
In water polo definately yes .... both are contenders in every major tournament and usually play against each other in the final. But basketball ??? i can`t even remember an important (for sports reasons) game between them in the last 15 years
You bet we aren't going to sleep.
It is always more than a game in any sport against Serbia. We have their number in football (most prestigious sport here) and handball, they have ours in basketball and tennis.
This time I think we, Croatia, have a better chance of winning a game.
We are stronger mentaly and have better leadership than before.
This group of guys has been together for month and a half now, in full training and competitive regiment.
They won the tournament in Italy to qualify, also there are no injuries, so they are ready.
Serbia is still a favorite, but this time it is a 60%-40% chance, not 85%-15% like it was in the last 10-15 years.
The most interesting Croatian lineup is Babić, Hezonja, Bogdanović, Šarić and Planinić.
It is long, strong and fast. all players with 6'8-6'11, switch happy with enough shooting in BB and Hezonja. So watch out for that one if you are watching the game.
Croatia has had issues defending bigs, so I expect Raduljica and Jokic to hurt them a lot. Plus, Teodosic, at least offensively, could be the best player on the floor. So I think Serbia wins.
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Predictions-
USA over Argentina...Argentina, more than I can ever recall, seems to play a lot of iso ball. This will work into the hands of the Americans. Campazzo, who might be best player on Argentina, is very explosive and could keep them in it somewhat.
Spain over France...Spain is really starting to click at the right time.
Australia over Lithuania...Similar style teams. Very close, rugged game. I give the slight edge to Australia as I think Delly's D can make it tough on Kalnietis.
Sebia over Croatia...Serbia's bigs will feast inside and Croatia has had trouble defending opposing centers all tournament.
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All Set!
Wednesday, August 17
- Quarterfinals -
USA vs. Argentina 915 PM
Spain vs. France 545 PM
Australia vs. Lithuania 10 AM
Croatia vs. Serbia 130 PM
Semi Prediction - US v. Spain & Lithuania v. Serbia
US - Gold
Lithuania - Silver
Spain - Bronze
Though I honestly wouldn't be surprised if I got all of the quarterfinal games outside of the US wrong. The US losing in the quarters to Argentina would surprise me a great deal.
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I think Serbia will win silver medal at least but we will see...
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Vegas-
Australia by 4
Spain by 3 1/2
USA by 22 1/2
Serbia by 5 1/2
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AUS by 18 at half time. Delly and Mills lighting it up.
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AUS by 18 at half time. Delly and Mills lighting it up.
Dominate performance
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Sabonis kind of sucks. Things are very different when you can't overpower your opponents. The NBA is going to be a tough adjustment for him both from a physical and athletic standpoint.
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Sabonis kind of sucks. Things are very different when you can't overpower your opponents. The NBA is going to be a tough adjustment for him both from a physical and athletic standpoint.
A couple of the Lithuanian players, in particular Valanciunas, have looked absolutely disinterested tonight. Which suits me fine.
27 points up at 3 quarter time! ;D Dare we rest the starters?
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Sabonis kind of sucks. Things are very different when you can't overpower your opponents. The NBA is going to be a tough adjustment for him both from a physical and athletic standpoint.
A couple of the Lithuanian players, in particular Valanciunas, have looked absolutely disinterested tonight. Which suits me fine.
27 points up at 3 quarter time! ;D Dare we rest the starters?
I think the problem with Valanciuanas is that Lithuania isn't a very good 3pt shooting team, so he has no room to operate inside with their poor spacing. Sabonis doesn't help matters, as he just can't spread the floor, which is why he was removed as a starter.
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I thought something had to be up with Lithuania after they lost to Spain by 50. Without guys like Linas Kleiza and Donatas Motiejūnas, their team didn't look as strong this time round.
Just one more win to guarantee that elusive first medal. I know anybody would obviously prefer silver over bronze but I've always thought it would be just about as good to win your last game and get bronze rather than lose your last game and get silver. Still a very tough match against Serbia/Croatia to come before we can start thinking about that.
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Spain pounding France. Assuming USA gets passed Argentina, they are in trouble against Spain.
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Argentina up early. Campazzo can really play. Taking Irving to school.
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USA stepping up with that defense, Butler and Green are playing with fire. Cousins is bullying or at least trying. Argentina doesn't have the size
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YESSSSS! We won! Let s go Serbia!!!
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I'm watching this game against Spain and the offense is terrible. There is nobody moving off the ball. Everyone is just waiting to catch the ball on the perimeter and then going 1-on-1. It makes me think this team could really use Avery Bradley, master of the backdoor cut.
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Ugly half court offense.
I'm not sure who I am rooting for, to be honest.
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Ugly half court offense.
I'm not sure who I am rooting for, to be honest.
I'm unflinching in my support of USA but the way they're playing I don't feel good about it at all. The half court stuff is lazy, and selfish. They're not playing together at all.
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Try Durant at center with Melo and P.George as forwards.
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The decision making for Team USA and lack of understanding of how to play together and make each other better is absolutely abysmal.
Incredible the difference in quality in Team USA now vs the 90s.
Such a low BBIQ team.
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Deandre is really good.
Definitely underrated, even by many basketball commentator types. Apparently it's become very easy to undervalue dominant rebounding and interior finishing.
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I also really like Nikola Mirotic.
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I think Serbia will win silver medal at least but we will see...
As i said before! 2. Best in the world! Small but proud nation.
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I also really like Nikola Mirotic.
I love Teodosic. What an offensive player. One of the best, if the not best, passer(s) in the world. Every pass is on the money and the shooter doesn't have to adjust. Such an important, an underrated trait, is putting passes at the numbers.
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Looks like USA will face Serbia in the gold medal round. This time, they better put them away for good lol. That 3-point margin the last time these two squared off makes USA look very beatable!
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Deandre is really good.
Definitely underrated, even by many basketball commentator types. Apparently it's become very easy to undervalue dominant rebounding and interior finishing.
He was the best player on the floor for the USA against Spain. I was super impressed. This game made me start thinking about what it would look like to pair him with Horford. :)
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Nobody talking about the Serbia vs Aus game? I've never seen a good team so beaten up by another in international games. Great game plan from the Serbia coach, can wait to see how they compete with USA tonight
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I can't believe many people are noticing individual players in this tournament like it's some sort of revelation or indication of their talent level. There's not a player of note in this tournament that does not have a much larger body of work that is more representative.
Guys, you already know these players!
What I find more interesting in these tournaments is how well players fit together and how they play as teams.
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Nobody talking about the Serbia vs Aus game? I've never seen a good team so beaten up by another in international games. Great game plan from the Serbia coach, can wait to see how they compete with USA tonight
Serbia's defending was immaculate and we absolutely crapped the bed. Guess we were due for a bad game.
I don't think we have a hope in hell against Spain. Still very pleased with the team's efforts for the vast majority of the Olympics.
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Nobody talking about the Serbia vs Aus game? I've never seen a good team so beaten up by another in international games. Great game plan from the Serbia coach, can wait to see how they compete with USA tonight
Serbia's defending was immaculate and we absolutely crapped the bed. Guess we were due for a bad game.
I don't think we have a hope in hell against Spain. Still very pleased with the team's efforts for the vast majority of the Olympics.
It's a pity, only one point away from a medal. But this Aus team has a great future, most of the core is young enough for another Olympic or two (maybe minus Anderson?), while Spain, Brazil, Argentina, France are all aging badly. Next time Aus probably still have the best chance to upset USA.
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USA basketball is a joke. Overpaid ballhogs. It's been this way for the past 15 years or so. The original Dream Team was the real deal.
If any country had any talent and played smart basketball and defense they'd beat this team.
The difference between the original dream team and this one is the original team actually knew how to play basketball and were smart skilled unselfish players. These guys are dumb as stumps and don't understand the game.
The NBA is a huge fraud.
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Cousins looks dominant out there. Rebounding, passing, cant be guarded on the interior so they just foul him.
Up until his activeness the game had been all isoing. He hasnt made any stupid defensive lapses today. Only one by deandre in the first.
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A couple big shots by durant and they couldn't handle cousins inside.
I don't think one guy on this team would make the original dream team though. Maybe durant over Laettner but they had to take one guy from college back then.
These guys might have the physical talent but they aren't nearly as skilled and their understanding of the game is not close.
All their points are on steals and breakaway dunks. Or just muscling inside. They can't play in the half court.
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USA basketball is a joke. Overpaid ballhogs. It's been this way for the past 15 years or so. The original Dream Team was the real deal.
If any country had any talent and played smart basketball and defense they'd beat this team.
The difference between the original dream team and this one is the original team actually knew how to play basketball and were smart skilled unselfish players. These guys are dumb as stumps and don't understand the game.
The NBA is a huge fraud.
Someone is cranky.
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A couple big shots by durant and they couldn't handle cousins inside.
I don't think one guy on this team would make the original dream team though. Maybe durant over Laettner but they had to take one guy from college back then.
These guys might have the physical talent but they aren't nearly as skilled and their understanding of the game is not close.
All their points are on steals and breakaway dunks. Or just muscling inside. They can't play in the half court.
I think that you could sub durant in for mullins. This is in no way a disrespect to mull, as I think alot of people under rate him. However, durant is just an amazing long scorer. He also could just come off the bench and play his game in the flow of the game and not worry about being the man.
Other than that, yea you are spot on.
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There's some good passing. That's the first time I've seen that. Also like Durant and Cousins. Paul George isn't bad either.
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(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0K0DhxW_-IU/UHQjjnIv_aI/AAAAAAAACwU/Tc3dVrEHuN4/s1600/yes-yes-thats-more-like-it.jpg)
Nice, Team USA.
Keep it up.
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Reminding me of 2 years ago in the gold medal game of the FIBA World Cup where USA beat Serbia 129-92.
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Where did all the "US is prime to be beat" folks run off to? I guess it really was a matter of effort and motivation, in the end.
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That Kevin Durant guy is pretty good.
What team is he on again? If he has some help he could take a team all the way, I bet.
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Where did all the "US is prime to be beat" folks run off to? I guess it really was a matter of effort and motivation, in the end.
who posted US is prime to be beat? Nobody can beat the US in basketball if they put in half the effort necessary to win - Nobody !!!!
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Where did all the "US is prime to be beat" folks run off to? I guess it really was a matter of effort and motivation, in the end.
who posted US is prime to be beat? Nobody can beat the US in basketball if they put in half the effort necessary to win - Nobody !!!!
I believe in this statement as well. I remember watching the documentary on the dream team and how they said the Dream Team had too much ego so Chuck Daly messed up the lineup on purpose so they can lose to college players on purpose. All these players has some sort of egos and want to showoff to the world any one of them are superstars, hence the one on ones. What matters most is that they all came together when it mattered most, turned up the defense and shared the ball at the end to get us the gold
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Where did all the "US is prime to be beat" folks run off to? I guess it really was a matter of effort and motivation, in the end.
who posted US is prime to be beat?
I might've posted that. Even if I didn't, I sure thought it. They looked pretty shaky in earlier games, but of course it is great that they pulled it all together in the end and won the gold.
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Where did all the "US is prime to be beat" folks run off to? I guess it really was a matter of effort and motivation, in the end.
who posted US is prime to be beat? Nobody can beat the US in basketball if they put in half the effort necessary to win - Nobody !!!!
I believe in this statement as well. I remember watching the documentary on the dream team and how they said the Dream Team had too much ego so Chuck Daly messed up the lineup on purpose so they can lose to college players on purpose. All these players has some sort of egos and want to showoff to the world any one of them are superstars, hence the one on ones. What matters most is that they all came together when it mattered most, turned up the defense and shared the ball at the end to get us the gold
Agreed, I'm glad they locked in and finished the job with grace. For as much as they may have lacked motivation individually, I did believe it meant a lot to the team collectively, and especially Coach K, who I had confidence would ensure we brought home Gold.
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Where did all the "US is prime to be beat" folks run off to? I guess it really was a matter of effort and motivation, in the end.
That's weird. Didn't they just beat Spain by just 6 pts? I give them credit because they absolutely steamrolled Serbia, but to say they weren't putting in effort simply because games were close is a copout. It's like the international losses of the past, including 3 losses and a Bronze medal finish in 2004, didn't happen. The fact is that foreign teams are closing ground every year and their style of play, as well as talent, makes it less of a certainty that USA winning yearly is simply a foregone conclusion.
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Where did all the "US is prime to be beat" folks run off to? I guess it really was a matter of effort and motivation, in the end.
That's weird. Didn't they just beat Spain by just 6 pts? I give them credit because they absolutely steamrolled Serbia, but to say they weren't putting in effort simply because games were close is a copout. It's like the international losses of the past, including 3 losses and a Bronze medal finish in 2004, didn't happen. The fact is that foreign teams are closing ground every year and their style of play, as well as talent, makes it less of a certainty that USA winning yearly is simply a foregone conclusion.
I don't think we're going to get anywhere on this. Not trying to incite you (or others), though. So agree to disagree. That was my subjective impression, and while I did think there was a slight chance they could drop a game prior to elimination round, I expected the "shellacking" (in another thread I think) that we saw in the Gold medal game. They finally locked in on defense and the rest took care of itself.
I agree that international teams will be better in future years. Lots of young international talent coming to the US now. But they're still too young, reflected by lack of minutes and subpar performances from many of these guys (e.g., Hezonja) than to be expected in the future. Spain, Argentina, etc. have just aged, that's all. It was cool to out what was essentially the same Argentinian team of 2004, too.
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Where did all the "US is prime to be beat" folks run off to? I guess it really was a matter of effort and motivation, in the end.
That's weird. Didn't they just beat Spain by just 6 pts? I give them credit because they absolutely steamrolled Serbia, but to say they weren't putting in effort simply because games were close is a copout. It's like the international losses of the past, including 3 losses and a Bronze medal finish in 2004, didn't happen. The fact is that foreign teams are closing ground every year and their style of play, as well as talent, makes it less of a certainty that USA winning yearly is simply a foregone conclusion.
It's weird that you say foreign teams are closing ground every year, but talk about a bronze medal finish 12 years ago.