so, was there anything the US coach could or should have done to overcome this?
Remember, Coach K doesn't just want you to be a good player, he wants you to be a good person. That said, he's not much for x's and o's, which might become a problem when the games matter. Fraschilla noted that he has yet to call a timeout in the exhibition run. The main problem, I feel, was that Russia simply played great defense. The smooth ball movement wasn't there, and everything was a little hectic in the half-court. There was also WAY too much one-on-one going on.
That said - it was a solid win. A grinder over one of the world's top teams is much more satisfying in my mind than annihilating the sisters of the poor who didn't even qualify for the Olympics.
good game; JR Holden would be a nice backup for rondo.
One of Fraschilla's running commentaries was that yes, a lot of these guys could come over and play or coach in the NBA, but wouldn't want to because a) they make way more money and b) would rather be stars.