The 2009 French NT thread

[Bruno]

With the possible addition of MP and Noah, who should be out of the starting five?

I would go with Parker/MP/Batum/Diaw/Noah.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

Can anyone see my posts? Yes? no? :depressed:depressed

[Milo]

I would go with Parker/MP/Batum/Diaw/Noah.

Yep, all-nba :greedy

[TDMVPDPOY]

so whats de colos stats?

[Blackjack]

EuroBasket: France 66, Spain 88
by Graydon Gordian


It’s been a while. Let’s see if I remember how to do this.

Despite the announcer’s bombastic 1st quarter prognostication that we had “all the makings of a classic,” this afternoon’s contest between Spain and France proved to be nothing of the sort. Spain pulled away by 10 at the end of the first and would maintain a comfortable lead for the remainder of the game. In short, Spain turned France into a jump shooting team by successfully implementing their zone and sagging man defensive schemes. But then again, we all know games, even blowouts, are never as simple as that.

Keep reading → (http://www.48minutesofhell.com/2009/09/17/eurobasket-france-66-spain-88/#more-4581)

[Danny.Zhu]

The good thing is Tony will have some rest.

[Kobayagi]

The good thing is Tony will have some rest.


If France won today, they'd have to play semifinals game and possibly finals game. They lost and now they get to play two games for places 5-8 and assuming they want to qualify themselves for world championships, I don't think Tony will get any more rest than he would if they had won against Spain.

[mathbzh]

Spain was just too strong. Props to them.
Until we have someone who can guard Gasol, it is a no match.
I wonder if Noah would have helped. I am not too sure about it.

I would not have expected to say that, but this show us how important Fred Weis was for France in 2005. He would not have stopped Pau, but at least he could have offer some resistance and would not have foul out in 20 minutes like Turiaf.

I believe there is one player who could have helped, it is Moïso. He is now a very capable defender in Spain. Too bad he don't want to play for the FNT.

The poor game from Parker is anecdotal IMO. We would have needed a miracle to win this one.

Now, I hope we can regroup and win one of the last two.

[ata]

France NT deserves all the props. Not for the game against Spain, but for the whole effort. Until three weeks ago France hasn't been qualified yet for Eurobasket.
Your NT is playing together more than month and a half right now. It is miracle that melt-down come so late.

I know that expectations rose from day to day, but hey - what was the goal at the beginning of the August?

[mathbzh]

I know that expectations rose from day to day, but hey - what was the goal at the beginning of the August?
Qualification for the World Championship.

[ata]

WC is almost lock. Even if France finish 8th, there are still four wildcards (three are usually spend on Europe). France is to important to be overseen at 8th place. If we (Slovenia) finish 8th, well than is no chance to get wildcard (Lithuania, Italiy, Germany)

[Bruno]

Italy can't get a wild card:
http://turkey2010.fiba.com/pages/eng/fe/10/fwc/men/v1/pres/wildCard/p/openNodeIDs/8962/selNodeID/8962/index.html

In order to be invited, a team must have participated in its 2009 FIBA Zone Qualifying Championship

If FNT end up 8th, they will get at 99% a wild card but I rather see earning their spot for the WC on the court.

If Slovenia end 8th, I also think they will get a wild card. There is for sure an economical aspect but giving a wild card to Poland or Great Britain instead of Slovenia would be a shame basketball wise.

[spursballer21]

i know this sounds weird but the closest comparison i can see to this scenario btw i didtn watch the game is spurs (france) and spain (lakers)

[mathbzh]

i know this sounds weird but the closest comparison i can see to this scenario btw i didtn watch the game is spurs (france) and spain (lakers)

I don't think it is a good comparison since the Spurs have Duncan who can match with Gasol. The French team is more like those teams in the East who have some talent but can't reach the next level because they don't have a talented true bigman (Miami/Washington/... there is a long list going).

The problem of the Spurs was more with the supporting cast and Manu being injured.

Edit:
There is another problem:
It was the first game(s) at this level for Batum, De Colo, Diot, Koffi, Traoré, Mahinmi. Hopefully they will learn from this experience.

[timvp]

Parker's performance was disappointing but the outcome wasn't much of a surprise. A team with a star bigman beats a team with a star point guard more times than not. Add in better and more experienced complementary players and the only thing France really had going for it was being the "hotter" team.

But yeah, France seems to have made impressive strides this summer. Their play isn't as stagnant as years past and they seem to be transitioning well to a younger generation.

Now hopefully Parker remains healthy in these last two games and he has enough juice for the upcoming NBA season.

[mathbzh]

France really had going for it was being the "hotter" team.

I think that is also a key.
Somehow, I think France should have play with more confidence (easy to say).
After De Colo won the game against Greece, they should have been more enthusiastic instead of thinking "ooops... !!!". Instead, we have shown that we didn't believe in the win over Spain.
Collet is a good coach, but I believe he was wrong to play on keeping control and a cold head.

[romain.star]

I think that is also a key.
Somehow, I think France should have play with more confidence (easy to say).
After De Colo won the game against Greece, they should have been more enthusiastic instead of thinking "ooops... !!!". Instead, we have shown that we didn't believe in the win over Spain.
Collet is a good coach, but I believe he was wrong to play on keeping control and a cold head.

Many reasons could explain this loss. Bottom line is Spain is just too much for us. Talent, size, team spirit, experience... they are just a superior team, possibly the best european NT ever.

Against a world class team like Spain, France misses size and talent in the paint (Noah, Moiso) and shooting skills (where is the new Hervé Dubuisson?).

But what really strikes me is that this team doesn't have this necessary "je ne sais quoi" that every great team cultivates over the years. In their eyes, i've never seen what could be seen in the 98' footballers eyes or in the 08' handballers eyes. TP apart, the guys don't seem to have this needed "culture de la gagne"

[mathbzh]

But what really strikes me is that this team doesn't have this necessary "je ne sais quoi" that every great team cultivates over the years. In their eyes, i've never seen what could be seen in the 98' footballers eyes or in the 08' handballers eyes. TP apart, the guys don't seem to have this needed "culture de la gagne"

I was thinking about the 1992 handball team aka "les barjots" (crazy men).
France was nothing in handball and after some major upset won a bronze medal.
In the attitude, they were really the perfect underdog. Maybe France could learn a thing or two from handball coaches.
In 2008, they were just the best team and were sure about their strength.

[romain.star]

I was thinking about the 1992 handball team aka "les barjots" (crazy men).
France was nothing in handball and after some major upset won a bronze medal.
In the attitude, they were really the perfect underdog. Maybe France could learn a thing or two from handball coaches.
In 2008, they were just the best team and were sure about their strength.

Sure but both teams (Barjots, Costauds and Experts) had the same "we are a squad on a mission and we're gonna win or die trying" deep in their eyes. Same could be said of the 98', 00' football NT.

I'm not sure the comparison is wise but in the attitude, the BB NT reminds me of Lyon during the knock out stages of the champions league.

[ginobili fan]

Anyway props to Spain they are the only team right now in the world who can rivalize with Team USA. They're simply superior.
But I'm disappointed by Tony's no game, I wonder what the scenario could have been if Tony came strong and agressive at the beginning like he usually does with Spurs.
+ France need also another slasher who can create and score, I believe talented Big men is quite a dream.

[Slo spurs fan]

Many reasons could explain this loss. Bottom line is Spain is just too much for us. Talent, size, team spirit, experience... they are just a superior team, possibly the best european NT ever.

Against a world class team like Spain, France misses size and talent in the paint (Noah, Moiso) and shooting skills (where is the new Hervé Dubuisson?).

But what really strikes me is that this team doesn't have this necessary "je ne sais quoi" that every great team cultivates over the years. In their eyes, i've never seen what could be seen in the 98' footballers eyes or in the 08' handballers eyes. TP apart, the guys don't seem to have this needed "culture de la gagne"

:wowNever saw Yugoslavia when they (we) won EC in 1990??? THAT was THE BEST team in Europe in the past, present and in the future! Divac, Rađa, Kukoč, Petrovič, Zdovc....

[Bambililos]

Anyway props to Spain they are the only team right now in the world who can rivalize with Team USA. They're simply superior.
But I'm disappointed by Tony's no game, I wonder what the scenario could have been if Tony came strong and agressive at the beginning like he usually does with Spurs.
+ France need also another slasher who can create and score, I believe talented Big men is quite a dream.

When Tony comes strong in the first quarter, he freezes the NT, and we play bad. He's got to be patient and involve everyone before he gets on fire. But yesterday against Spain, it was too late, especially considering they did a god job defending him.

[z0sa]

how's the weather in france?

[romain.star]

:wowNever saw Yugoslavia when they (we) won EC in 1990??? THAT was THE BEST team in Europe in the past, present and in the future! Divac, Rađa, Kukoč, Petrovič, Zdovc....

Ok let me rephrase it: "possibly the best european NT ever..... along with the early 90' Yugoslavian (then Croatian) team"

[ginobili fan]

When Tony comes strong in the first quarter, he freezes the NT, and we play bad. He's got to be patient and involve everyone before he gets on fire. But yesterday against Spain, it was too late, especially considering they did a god job defending him.

That's what I'm talking about, against superior team, they don't have sufficient talent yet. It doesn't work like that. If it isn't Tony then who?
Boris?Batum?De Colo? They're not the scorers to rivalize the Spanish. And yesterday was the perfect example:with Tony isolated they couldn't score. Yesterday the only chance FNT had was Tony going crazy first whatever they're defending well him or not Tony has to take off the game if he's supposed to be an elite player.
Anyway who gives a shit with FNT it's always the same story they've got the potential with some talented players but never concretize with lack of shooters(killers) and big men.
They're are just outsiders and always will.(unless they find real Big Men)

[Solid D]

I am very impressed with Bokolo. He changes the complexion of the game when he's in there. His defensive pressure is really intense. I know he's not a scorer nor a FT shooter, but the guy rebounds, he hustles, he's pretty fast, and he's shown he can finish on the break.

Excellent role player and difference-maker for any team.

[Bruno]

Next game will be against Turkey tomorrow at 12pm CET (5am CST).

Turkey is a very good team but they aren't fighting for a WC spot and have 16 hours between their loss in OT today and tomorrow game. This game is winnable.

[DPG21920]

Win and your in, correct?

[romain.star]

correct sir

[Macca76]

:lol

don't need to be sorry. That was hilarious. and i don't think boris wasted many breakfast lately considering his fat ass :lol

:lol

[timaios]

Next game will be against Turkey tomorrow at 12pm CET (5am CST).

Turkey is a very good team but they aren't fighting for a WC spot and have 16 hours between their loss in OT today and tomorrow game. This game is winnable.

16 hours between 2 games is just ridiculous ! :downspin:

[Bruno]

16 hours between 2 games is just ridiculous ! :downspin:

A lot of things are ridiculous in this Eurobasket: schedule, format of the competition, referees...
Aside of that, I've found the level of this Eurobasket weak.

[Riverwalkman]

Come on FNT, Turkey has some strong big men, That's the biggest trouble for France. Now France lead by two.

[Bruno]

FNT win 80-68 and is qualified for the 2010 WC.

They started damn bad the game and were down by 19 points in the second quarter. They come back to lead the game by 17 points before garbage time against Turkey that should be tired and not that motivated. TP played great after a slow start.

The bad news of the day is that Boris sprains his ankle. NBA season starts in two weeks, let's hope it's nothing serious.

The last game will be tomorrow at 12pm CET against the winner of Russia/Croatia for the 5th/6th place. It's a meaningless game.

[Macca76]

Pfffffffffffffittttt !

They scared the shit out of me !

First quarter and a good part of the second were just nightmare !

Huge Diot who started the momentum and TP of course (28 pts 10 ass)

I also think that the Turkish team was tired after the half.

World championship, here we are !

[Riverwalkman]

France win. TP had a great game. France came back from a double digit deficit.

[Mel_13]

Very nice comeback win for the FNT.

Even though tomorrow's games against Croatia/Russia winner has little meaning, a win will give them an 8-1 record for Eurobasket 2009. With the lone loss coming to Spain, this summer marks a great improvement over the past two summers, as well a good foundation for 2010.

BTW, is there ever any discussion about FIBA changing their tournament format to ensure that teams excel in the preliminary rounds are rewarded with a favorable matchup in the first knockout game?

[velik_m]

BTW, is there ever any discussion about FIBA changing their tournament format to ensure that teams excel in the preliminary rounds are rewarded with a favorable matchup in the first knockout game?


You got the 4th team from other group, what more do you want?

[Milo]

What about first teams choose the opponent they want for the QF :king

[Mel_13]

You got the 4th team from other group, what more do you want?

I assume you are joking.

Spain was 4th because they cruised into the tourney knowing they only had to make the QFs and then play a 3 game tournament. Surely there are competition formats that would make such strategies painful.

I can suggest one. Instead of two rounds of three games each to get to the final eight, how about this?

Two eight-team groups to start. Teams play the other teams in their group for a 7-game first round. The first two teams in each group advance to the semifinals, the next two teams in each group advance to the 5-8 classification.

The current format allows teams to give less than their best effort early and even has teams losing on purpose to improve their chances.

And I don't say this as a French NT fan. I'm a Spurs fans who follows these tourneys in the offseason and pulls for the teams with past, current, and future Spurs connections. So I am pulling for Slovenia as well. I just think there must be better ways to seed the final eight teams than the current format.

[timaios]

Interesting article about the new generation of french players.

http://www.eurobasket2009.org/en/coid_PrriAyxFGqAfEOVYBuMr93.articleMode_on.html

France Future Upbeat
18 September 2009
By David Hein

Disappointment has surely already set in deep for France, who once again failed to capitalize on loads of talent in losing to Spain in the EuroBasket 2009 Quarter-Finals.


But France still can qualify for the 2010 World Championship and Poland 2009 saw the glimpses of France's two golden generations mixing together for the first time, giving Les Bleus fans plenty of hope to finally celebrate the nation's first-ever men's senior side European Championship.

Tony Parker, Boris Diaw and Ronny Turiaf captured the gold medal together at the U18 European Championship in 2000. And Nicolas Batum and Antoine Diot were part of a historic French generation which won U18 Euro gold in 2006 and U19 worlds bronze in 2007.

Batum and Diot are just two high level youngsters who have crashed down the door to the French senior side. And their NBA elders have welcomed the young corps with open arms.

"I love the new guys. It's very refreshing. They are very motivated. I'm happy to play with them," said Parker.

"They had high expectations because we set the bar very high. They used that as motivation and now they are playing with us and playing with great energy for us. I think it's a great mix between both generations and hopefully we can get some great results with both generations."

"I think they're coming along great. They definitely are very good. They are playing really well at a young age and are showing signs that they are already mature and they will help us a lot," said Diaw.

Turiaf meanwhile added: "I love those guys. I tell them all the time that I love them. They bring so much joy and so much enthusiasm. Some times we need that."

Batum and Diot built up nearly legendary status on their way through the junior ranks to rising to the senior side.

After helping France win the U16 European gold in 2004, the small forward Batum then captured MVP honors in leading Les Bleus to U18 gold in 2006. A year later Batum was one of the leaders on the team that grabbed bronze at the 2007 U19 World Championship.

"I'm just going to follow these guys. They are good players who are used to playing in big tournaments," said Batum of the NBA trio.

"We have had a lot of success so we are used to playing at a high level already. That helps. And now we just want to keep winning."

But Batum was far from the only emerging star from the successful France generation from 1986 to 1989.

Also coming from Batum's 1988 age group was 7-foot center Alexis Ajinca, who is not in Poland but like Batum drafted by the NBA in the spring of 2008 and played as a rookie last season with the Charlotte Bobcats.

Ajinca was a part of all the same successful teams with Batum. Also on the 2006 U18 Euro gold medal team and 2007 U19 worlds bronze-winning side were 1989 generation members Edwin Jackson and Diot as well as Adrien Moerman (1988).

Jackson and Moerman both were cut from Vincent Collet's training camp for Poland though Jackson helped France to the silver medal at this summer's U20 European Championship.

Diot ended up a member of the 2009 U20 All-Tournament team and now he is making his debut with the senior side after his own strong youth career.

"I am very happy and proud to be here and play with Tony Parker and Boris Diaw. I really learn a lot from them. And I am playing, so it's very good for me," said Diot, who defends Parker in practice and listens to his advice including tips on running the pick-and-roll.

Diot's trophy case includes 2005 U16 Euro silver (as MVP), 2006 U18 Euro gold, 2007 U19 Worlds bronze and 2009 U20 Euro silver.

"We learn from them and they learn from us. So that's good. We won a lot of things in the youth hopefully we can win together," added Diot.

All told, six players are making their senior national team debut for Collet in Poland - the others being Ian Mahinmi (1986), Nando De Colo (1987), Alain Koffi (1983) and Ali Traore (1985).

"It's all part of a learning process. We started young and playing with the youth teams and now we are with the big team. That's what we all always dreamed about - playing for the national team," said Mahinmi, who played six games with the NBA San Antonio Spurs two seasons ago before returning to Europe last season.

"We are all growing but it's great to be growing together too. And it's nice to be around the older guys too, like Tony Parker, Boris Diaw and Ronny Turiaf. It's great to be around them every day and practice with them. I really enjoy it."

French fans hope the mix of two golden generations can bring plenty more success in the future.

[timaios]

France 80-68 Turkey

http://www.eurobasket2009.org/en/cid_toT,ovGDH2EaLKL67XnPo2.compID_qMRZdYCZI6EoANOr Uf9le2.season_2009.gameID_6369-47-A-1.html

19 September 2009
See You In Turkey

Game Summary

Turning point: France made a furious comeback after the break, going on a 21-9 run to edge in front 53-52 on Tony Parker's banked shot with 4:05 left in the third quarter. It was their first lead since the opening minutes of the game. With the momentum firmly on their side as they started the final frame with a 61-59 advantage, Les Bleus would add to it the rest of the way.

Hero: Tony Parker. He bounced back in impressive fashion after a sub-par performance against Spain in Thursday's quarter-final to lead the way for Vincent Collet's side. The San Antonio Spurs guard led France's furious comeback and made sure to get his team-mates involved as his 10 assists indicate.

Stats: It all came down to turnovers. France had eight in the opening quarter as they fell behind 26-12 and four more in the second period for a 43-32 deficit at the half. Turkey, who turned the ball over just three times in the first two quarters, gave it away eight times in the pivotal third quarter. The Turks finished with 16 turnovers, one more than France.

-----------------------------------------------------------

France came back from a 19 point first-half deficit to beat Turkey 80-68 and clinch their place in next year's World Championship in the first 5th-8th place game in Katowice.

Tony Parker had game-highs of 28 points and 10 assists as he bounced back from a sub-par performance against Spain to lead the way for Les Bleus .

Afterwards, Nicolas Batum was satisfied that his team accomplished what they set out to do.

"Our goal was to make it to the World Championship and we have done just that," said the Portland Trailblazers forward.

"We played a bad first half but we showed more heart and determination after the break. I think we have a talented team with young players and this tournament has allowed us to get experience to the World Championship."

"We did fear that the game could get out of our hands in the first half, but we managed to hit big threes and get a good run going in the third quarter."

Trailing 43-32 at the break, France went on a 21-9 run to edge in front 53-52 on Parker's banked shot with 4:05 left in the third quarter. That gave them their first lead since the opening minutes of the game.

Batum scored Les Bleus' first five points after the intermission and they were soon within one, 52-51, thanks to some patient ball movement which resulted in open three-pointers for Antoine Diot and Boris Diaw.

Parker then edged his side in front with his basket and they were up 59-55 when he fed Florent Pietrus for a corner three. They would not trail the rest of the way.

Turkey made four free-throws courtesy of Kerem Tunceri and Hidayet Turkoglu to tie the game at 59 with 1:07 left in the period before Parker hit a pair of foul shots to put France back in front.

The Turks committed three turnovers inside the last minute of the third quarter - they had nine in that frame alone - and France rode their momentum, using a 17-0 run to go up 76-59 in the final quarter.

Bogdan Tanjevic's men went without a single point for 7:06 between Turkoglu's free-throw late in the third period and Oguz Savas' bucket with 4:20 left to play for a 76-61 deficit.

France head coach Vincent Collet admitted his team got off to a very slow start.

"We didn't have the energy early on. It was like we played yesterday and not Turkey. In the second quarter, we started to step up on defense," he said.

"The second half was much better in terms of controlling the ball. We didn't lose the ball but we made them lose the ball. We shot better in the end too. You cannot be good in this game if you let the other team shoot so much better than you."

Early on, France were within four, 14-10, on a Parker free-throw but Turkey then went on a 10-0 run.

Les Bleus turned the ball over seven times in the first quarter and went without a single point for 4:16, between Parker's free-throw and Pietrus' tip-in with 47 seconds remaining to cut the deficit to 24-12.

Omer Anon buried a wing three to give Turkey their first double-digit lead at 20-10 and Turkoglu drove to the basket for a 26-12 lead to end the period.

France continued to struggle early in the second period, giving the ball away on three consecutive possessions and falling behind 33-14 after Semih Erden made a pair of free-throws with 6:27 left in the half.

Collet's men eventually gave their fans a reason to cheer, as Diot and Parker combined for 11 unanswered points to cut the deficit to 39-32 with 52 seconds to go in the period.

But Turkey closed out the half scoring the last four points, Engin Atsur and Omer Asik teaming up for the alley-oop and the center getting a tip-in just before the buzzer for a 43-32 lead at the break.

France had 12 turnovers by half-time, one more than they did at the same stage of the game against Spain. They gave the ball away only six times in the second half.

And it was the other way around for Turkey, who finished with 16 turnovers, 13 of them after the break.

Tanjevic gave credit to France but conceded his team didn't play full out.

"France are one of the best teams in the competition. Our team played for maybe 15 minutes. And then we gave up our energy to fight until the end," he said.

There was some bad news for France as they will be without Diaw for the 5th-6th place on Sunday after he sprained his ankle in the third quarter and did not return.

19 September 2009
Quotes France vs. Turkey

Vincent Collet (France Coach):

"We are glad to win this game. Qualification to the World Championship in Turkey was our goal from the beginning, but of course we hoped to advance further. We started today really bad - lacking energy. We stepped up later with our defense and we were much more aggressive, which helped us change this game."

Florent Pietrus (France):

"We wanted to win this game and I have to congratulate my teammates for doing it. We were minus 19, but we still did it and advanced to Turkey next year. We did a great job today, not giving up."

Bogdan Tanjevic (Turkey Coach):

"We had excellent 15-20 minutes, but my players lost all energy and France took over the game. Today we were playing without two key players - Ilyasova and Arslan, we also had a very tough game last night against Greece."

Kerem Tunceri (Turkey):

"We had to play two very good teams in less than 24 hours. We were great for 15 minutes, but our condition was bad later during the game. Also France was making shots against our zone defense. We are sorry to lose, because every game we play to win and we always try to keep fighting."

[Bruno]

The last game is against Croatia.

Diaw is out for at least a month with an ankle sprain. :depressed

TP won't play tomorrow to avoid injuries. I guess other main players (Batum, Turiaf, Pietrus) will also not play or play very limited minutes. Tomorrow game should be more a scrimmage than a true game.

[duncan228]

Parker, France earn spot in ’10 worlds (http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/Parker_France_earn_spot_in_10_worlds.html)

Spurs point guard Tony Parker scored 28 points and had 10 assists to lead France past Turkey 80-68 on Saturday for a spot in next year’s world championship.

After trailing by as many as 19 in the first half, France battled back to tie the game at 59 late in the third quarter at the European championships. Parker made two free throws to spark a 17-0 run that put the French ahead for good.

“We are so happy to win this game because the first quarter was really tough for us, we were down 20 and never gave up,” French forward Florent Pietrus said. “And we’re so happy because we’re going to the world championship next year.”

France and Turkey lost in the quarterfinals and were playing only to determine the final placings. The top six teams at the tournament automatically qualify for next year’s world championship. Turkey has already qualified as the tournament’s host nation.

Turkey, which was playing less than 18 hours after an overtime loss to rival Greece, ran out of energy against a French team that had one full day off.

“Because of the schedule, in not 24 hours, we played two very tough games,” Turkey guard Kerem Tunceri said. “The first maybe 15 minutes we played great, but after that, because of our condition, we went very bad down.”

Earlier, world champion Spain defeated Greece 82-64 to advance to the European final against Serbia.

The win gives six-time runner-up Spain another shot at its first Euro title. Serbia beat Slovenia 96-92 in overtime behind 32 points from Milos Teodosic.

Spain held Greece scoreless for the first four minutes of the second quarter to open a 34-24 lead that Greece couldn’t get below seven points.

Lakers center Pau Gasol led Spain with 18 points, while Trail Blazers guard Rudy Fernandez added 14.

Croatia earned the other automatic bid for the 2010 worlds, beating defending champ Russia 76-69 behind 18 points and eight assists from Roko-Leni Ukic.

Croatia will play France today for fifth place.

[timvp]

Thank the basketball gods that this thing is over and Parker wasn't the one to get hurt. I still don't understand why these players risk so much to play in these games but whatever. Congrats to France for looking better than previous years.

Now it's up to Pop to figure out how to give TP adequate rest so that he's strong for the playoff push . . .

[Bruno]

Now it's up to Pop to figure out how to give TP adequate rest so that he's strong for the playoff push . . .

TP has taken a big break this summer (2 months and a week without playing or practicing). It's the first time he did that in the past 5 or 6 years.

TP should be fine for the NBA season.

[Spursfan092120]

Anyone noticed KBP is back in the house? He's active on the site right now.

[benefactor]

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/gospelrapper/purgatory.jpg

[DPG21920]

Did Ian get to play today?

[timvp]

TP has taken a big break this summer (2 months and a week without playing or practicing). It's the first time he did that in the past 5 or 6 years.

TP should be fine for the NBA season.

Nine weeks of rest for ten months of play? That's not much of rest ... especially since he just came off playing two games in less than 24 hours. Add in the travel and the effort he had to give being the best player on his team and I can't believe he's as rested right now as he's been in years past.

My hope is Pop gives him most of October off and that Hill is good enough to keep TP's MPG as close to 30 as possible during the regular season. The goal should for TP to be able to play 40 minutes in the playoffs.

[DPG21920]

Well, TP has never seemed able to play that many minutes. At least not like a Kobe Bryant. He is not good at pacing himself throughout games. Now, with his new increased role in the Spurs offense, he looked very tired last year at times in the playoffs having to carry that burden (although he handled it well). Hopefully with people healthy and the new additions it won't be so difficult.

[polandprzem]

Thank the basketball gods that this thing is over and Parker wasn't the one to get hurt. I still don't understand why these players risk so much to play in these games but whatever. Congrats to France for looking better than previous years.

Now it's up to Pop to figure out how to give TP adequate rest so that he's strong for the playoff push . . .

Thank God they are not risking in the NBA

[timaios]

Nine weeks of rest for ten months of play? That's not much of rest ... especially since he just came off playing two games in less than 24 hours. Add in the travel and the effort he had to give being the best player on his team and I can't believe he's as rested right now as he's been in years past.

TP played his last 2 games thursday and saturday. That's 2 games in 3 days.

The FNT camp started July 14, the Spurs were eliminated from the playoffs April 28. This is 77 days of rest... 11 weeks (+about 2 weeks because of his "famous" injury). He will have some more weeks of rest now.

Oh, and don't start with the travels... you know why. :p:

[polandprzem]

TP played his last 2 games thursday and saturday. That's 2 games in 3 days.

The FNT camp started July 14, the Spurs were eliminated from the playoffs April 28. This is 77 days of rest... 11 weeks (+about 2 weeks because of his "famous" injury). He will have some more weeks of rest now.

Oh, and don't start with the travels... you know why. :p:

Why?

NBA players in the offseason should just sit on thiet a$$e$ and do nothing more then sit on their a$$e$.
They can't do the things they like, swimming, riding a bike etc. Shit and you want them to represent their country? Something they are pround of? Get serious man !!!!

[Bruno]

Nine weeks of rest for ten months of play? That's not much of rest ... especially since he just came off playing two games in less than 24 hours. Add in the travel and the effort he had to give being the best player on his team and I can't believe he's as rested right now as he's been in years past.


It's sure that today TP should be tired after the Eurobasket like he is tired after 2 weeks of regular season and he has 10 days to rest before the start of the training camp. In April, after months of NBA games, these 2 weeks of Eurobasket will be meaningless.

What is important in an offseason is to have enough time off to allow the body to heal from his nagging injuries and to be ready mentally wise for a new NBA season. This year TP has had more time off than in the previous offseasons with 10 weeks truly off.

Whether or not you can't believe it, TP has been able to rest more this summer than he had in the years past.

[timaios]

Why?

NBA players in the offseason should just sit on thiet a$$e$ and do nothing more then sit on their a$$e$.
They can't do the things they like, swimming, riding a bike etc. Shit and you want them to represent their country? Something they are pround of? Get serious man !!!!

huh ?????

[polandprzem]

huh ?????

SARCASM RAGE :rolleyes



In polish borads I do not have to explain sarcasm. why do I have to do it in here every single time I use one?

[polandprzem]

And yes well it was towards timvp and rest of guys that negates players playing (in the offseason)

[timaios]

And yes well it was towards timvp and rest of guys that negates players playing (in the offseason)

So do it quoting the right people.

[timaios]

Good news, Ian Mahinmi is playing right now !

It's a really really friendly game.

[timaios]

Buzzer beater from half court by Antoine Diot just before halftime.
France 34 Croatia 24

Diot 15 pts in 14 min
De Colo 12 pts in 14 min
Mahinmi 4 pts 3 reb in 12 min

The young guys are doing well in a very friendly game.

Tony Parker and Florent Piétrus are not playing (rest) and Boris Diaw is injured.

[timaios]

14-0 for Croatia at the end of the 3rd and start of the 4th.

Now the 2 teams are playing for real. 5 min to play France 57 Croatia 53.

[timaios]

France win 69-62.

France with only 1 loss and 8 wins finish in 5th position at the 2009 Eurobasket.

The Spurs should draft Antoine Diot next year, he's gonna be an awesome player.

[polandprzem]

So do it quoting the right people.

I did

It was better to quote you with the adequat phrase

[Bruno]

It wasn't a that bad game for a meaningless, end of tournament game. It was nice to see Ian playing even if he was quite bad.

So, end of the summer for FNT. To me, it was a positive one with good results and a better game than in previous years. It's a good basis to build something with 2012 Olympic games as final goal. The biggest negative is Boris' injury.

[Texas_Ranger]

If Spain wins today, France will be the only team with just one defeat and they are fifth. This is just stupid.

[Kobayagi]

Well, it's not a league, it's a tournament. Whether you like it or not.

[romain.star]

If Spain wins today, France will be the only team with just one defeat and they are fifth. This is just stupid.

Yeah but those who made the tournament rules could not have forseen the fact that the best team of the tournament (Spain) would finish 4th of his group...

[sonic21]

and group E was weak compared to group F.

[Milo]

and games against Greece, Turkey and Croatia were not exactly that competitive and as meaningfull

[Freeze]

The Spurs should draft Antoine Diot next year, he's gonna be an awesome player.

I agree that the kid was way better than I expected the whole summer.
If he can confirm his potential on the Euroleague level (his team will play the qualifying rounds in few days) he could very well be drafted next year, but I don't think he will be NBA ready until 2011.

[timaios]

http://www.lequipe.fr/Basket/breves2009/20090920_162005_pietrus-ca-valait-le-coup.html


Florent Pietrus : «On est vraiment content même si on n'a rien ramené cette année. On sait que l'année prochaine, on pourra ramener quelque chose. Collectivement, on a vraiment franchi un pas. Au bout, ça fait super long mais ca valait le coup de se sacrifier pendant deux mois parce que le basket français était dans une situation assez compliquée. On a ramené de cette campagne deux compétitions, la Turquie l'année prochaine et la Lituanie dans deux ans.»

Ronny Turiaf : «Ca fait du bien de voir les petits copains sur le terrain en train de se faire plaisir, d'avoir du succès. On joue vraiment les uns pour les autres, personne ne tente de tirer son épingle du jeu. On se met vraiment au service de l'équipe. C'est pour ça qu'il y a toute cette joie, tout cet engouement pour chacun. Je suis content. Huit victoires et une défaite, je pense que vous allez être gentils avec nous...»

Ian Mahinmi : «C'est vrai que ce n'était pas forcément facile du fait de ma blessure. Je n'ai pas pu m'entraîner, ça fait deux semaines que je ne cours pas trop. Ce n'est pas facile d'être lancé comme ça mais ça m'a fait plaisir. J'ai joué vingt minutes, ça fait du bien. Je n'ai pas eu de douleur mais de l'appréhension au début. Après, ça a été. Maintenant, il faut me concentrer sur ma prochaine saison (avec les San Antonio Spurs), qui est très importante.»


http://www.lequipe.fr/Basket/breves2009/20090920_151207_diot-un-ete-de-dingue.html


Diot : «Un été de dingue»
Début août, après l'Euro espoirs, Antoine Diot devait partir en vacances à Djerba. Mais il a été appelé en urgence en équipe de France. En un tour en main et à seulement vingt ans, le meneur du Mans s'est affirmé comme un Bleu incontournable. Il commente cette trajectoire fulgurante et son avenir.

«Antoine Diot, l'Euro vous a-t-il changé en tant que joueur ?
Je ne pense pas avoir changé ma façon de jouer. J'ai pris de l'expérience et de la confiance surtout. La compétition avec les moins de vingt ans (l'Euro espoirs en juillet, où la France a terminé deuxième) m'a fait énormément de bien. J'ai retrouvé une position de leader, je me suis libéré. Je suis arrivé dans cette équipe en étant serein et en ayant confiance en moi. En plus, mes coéquipiers et le coach m'ont fait confiance tout de suite. Obligatoirement ça aide. J'ai évolué au cours de (...) cet été de dingue. Je ne me suis pas arrêté. J'ai eu trois jours entre les deux compétitions, mais je ne regrette rien, j'ai gagné une médaille avec les moins de vingt ans et on finit cinquième d'un Euro.

Vous reprenez dès les jours qui viennent avec Le Mans. Ne risquez-vous pas de payer le prix de cet Euro chargé ?
On a tout de suite des matches importants, le match des champions (Le champion de France, l'ASVEL, contre le vainqueur de la Coupe de France, Le Mans, dimanche prochain), le tour de qualification de l'Euroligue dès la semaine prochaine. Ça va être difficile mais je ne suis pas spécialement fatigué. Je le sens un peu sur les fins de match mais je n'ai pas de pépin physique. Avec du repos, en gérant un peu les entraînements, je pense que ça devrait passer.

Au Mans, l'entraîneur J.D. Jackson a recruté un meneur plus organisateur que scoreur. Vous aurez donc l'occasion de confirmer vos progrès au shoot.
Zach (Wright) est un meneur vachement passeur, qui joue plus en défense, qui fait un peu de tout, mais qui n'est pas énormément scoreur. On en avait parlé plus ou moins avec J.D. Il a énormément de confiance en moi, donc je pense que c'est un peu dans cette optique, une espèce de transition.

Où vous situez vous dans l'équipe de France à ce jour ?
J'espère être dans l'avenir le back up (remplaçant) de Tony (Parker). On peut même jouer ensemble. On l'a fait, on se complète plutôt bien. C'est important de garder ça. Maintenant, je sais que tant que Tony sera là, je serai son back up, que la hiérarchie sera toujours la même pour moi. Je l'accepte, je suis vraiment content de jouer à ses côtés, même derrière lui. Aux entraînements, il m'apprend beaucoup. Je suis content d'être là. Ça se passe très bien.»

[spursballer21]

http://www.lequipe.fr/Basket/breves2009/20090920_162005_pietrus-ca-valait-le-coup.html



http://www.lequipe.fr/Basket/breves2009/20090920_151207_diot-un-ete-de-dingue.html
translate this plz

[Bambililos]

translate this plz
Florent Pietrus: "We're really glad even if we didn't win anything this year. We know that next year, we'll be able to win something. Team-wise, we really took a step forward. In the end, it's very long but it was worth sacrificing ourselves for 2 months because French basketball was in a rather complex situation. We brought two tourneys from this one: Turkey next year and Lithuania in two years."

Ronny Turiaf: "It feels good to see the buddies on the court having fun, being successful. We really play for the others, nobody's trying to take over. We really give ourselves to the team. That's why there's all this joy, all this craze for everyone. I'm glad. Eight wins and a loss, I think you (journalists) will be kind to us..."

Ian Mahinmi: "It's true that it wasn't easy because of my injury. I couldn't practice, I've not been running much for two weeks. It's not easy to be thrown (in the game) like this but I liked it. I played 20 minutes, it feels good. I didn't feel pain, but a little apprehension at first, and then it was alright. Now, I need to focus on the next season (with the Spurs), which is capital."


Diot: "A crazy summer"
Early August, after the Euro Espoirs (less than 20 years), Antoine Diot was going on vacation at Djerba, but he was called in emergency into the French National Team. Immediately, at just 20, the Mans point guard turned into an indispensable "Bleu". He comments this meteoric trajectory and his future.

"Antoine Diot, did the Euro change you as a player ?

I don't think I've changed my style of play. I gained experience and confidence mostly. The competition with the under 20 (in July, France finished 2nd) did me a lot of good. I got back to a leader position, I got free. I came into this team with a peace of mind and self-confidence. Besides, my teammates and the coach trusted me right away. Of course it helps. I progressed during this crazy summer. I didn't stop. I got three days in between the two tourneys, but I don't regret a thing, I won a medal with the under 20, and we end up 5th of a Eurobasket.

You play with Le Mans in the next few days. Won't you pay the price of this busy Euro ?

We got important games right away, the Champions game (France champion, ASVEL, against the winner of France Cup, Le Mans, next Sunday), the Euroleague qualification round next week. It will be hard but I'm not really tired. I feel it a little bit by the end of games, but I don't have any physical trouble. With some rest and practice-management, I think it should be OK.

This question is about his French club, I don't translate.

Where is your place in FNT now ?

I hope to be Tony's back up in the future. We can even play together. We did it, we were pretty complementary. It's important to keep that. I know that as long as Tony will be there, I will be his back up, that hierarchy won't change for me. I accept that, I'm really glad to play next to him, even behind him. At practice, he teaches me a lot. I'm happy to be there. It goes very well."

[DPG21920]

So Boris's injury is not that serious and will not effect the FNT at all, correct? Good to hear Ian is playing. Hopefully he can be ready and confident for Spurs training camp.

Bruno or others that watched: did Ian play poorly because of taking it easy with the injury or did it look like he was over matched talent wise?

[timaios]

So Boris's injury is not that serious and will not effect the FNT at all, correct? Good to hear Ian is playing. Hopefully he can be ready and confident for Spurs training camp.

Bruno or others that watched: did Ian play poorly because of taking it easy with the injury or did it look like he was over matched talent wise?

Boris Diaw will be out 1 month.
About the FNT... Eurobasket 2009 is over. France is 5th.
Ian Mahinmi was OK. When he played the 2 teams were playing very soft, so there's really nothing to say. It was a 1st game after an injury, he was very careful because he knows a great challenge awaits him in 1 month.

[Macca76]

Boris Diaw will be out 1 month.
About the FNT... Eurobasket 2009 is over. France is 5th.
Ian Mahinmi was OK. When he played the 2 teams were playing very soft, so there's really nothing to say. It was a 1st game after an injury, he was very careful because he knows a great challenge awaits him in 1 month.

+1 The main thing IMO is that he actually played and will be OK for training camp.

[Solid D]

http://www.eurobasket2009.org/en/files/%7B216AA606-54C7-4C50-B45B-C0F3E7C3DA46%7D.gif

[romain.star]

http://www.eurobasket2009.org/en/files/%7B216AA606-54C7-4C50-B45B-C0F3E7C3DA46%7D.gif

So team USA is directly qualified? I don't get it... They are the Olympic champion but Spain is the World champion right?

[Mel_13]

So team USA is directly qualified? I don't get it... They are the Olympic champion but Spain is the World champion right?

As the 2006 World Champion, Spain was directly qualified for the 2008 Olympics. The 2004 Olympic Champion had to qualify thru the 2007 FIBA Americas tourney.

The winner of the 2010 WC will directly qualify for the 2012 Olympics. All others, except the host nation, will have to qualify via the 2011 continental tourneys.

World champs qualify for the following Olympics, Olympic champs qualify for the following WC.

[Mel_13]

http://www.eurobasket2009.org/en/files/%7B216AA606-54C7-4C50-B45B-C0F3E7C3DA46%7D.gif

For the wildcards:

Dominican Republic
Russia
Germany
Lithuania/Poland ??

[Bukefal]

Germany and Russia will get wild cards for sure, lithuania yeah maybe, but Poland, Im not sure.

Damnit I wish they gave us a wildcard :lol

[Pero]

No way Poland gets it. I think Russia, Lithuania and probably Germany.

[romain.star]

As the 2006 World Champion, Spain was directly qualified for the 2008 Olympics. The 2004 Olympic Champion had to qualify thru the 2007 FIBA Americas tourney.

The winner of the 2010 WC will directly qualify for the 2012 Olympics. All others, except the host nation, will have to qualify via the 2011 continental tourneys.

World champs qualify for the following Olympics, Olympic champs qualify for the following WC.

it makes more sens indeed
thanx

[velik_m]

Lithuania will get wild card for sure - they host the next EC. If they don't get the wc they will not play at all next year (as host they are already qualified). That would mean two years without competitive play for their NT.

[Solid D]

As the 2006 World Champion, Spain was directly qualified for the 2008 Olympics. The 2004 Olympic Champion had to qualify thru the 2007 FIBA Americas tourney.

The winner of the 2010 WC will directly qualify for the 2012 Olympics. All others, except the host nation, will have to qualify via the 2011 continental tourneys.

World champs qualify for the following Olympics, Olympic champs qualify for the following WC.


it makes more sens indeed
thanx

Yeah, the last sentence answered your question directly. As I kept trying to tell a certain pink_poster a couple of weeks ago, these FIBA events are linked, offering qualifying opportunities for the next world or regional event.

[Bruno]

The behind the scene documentary on French NT Eurobasket (in French):
http://www.canalplus.fr/pid2708.htm

[bobbybob0]

The behind the scene documentary on French NT Eurobasket (in French):
http://www.canalplus.fr/pid2708.htm

Thanks a lot Bruno !