U.S. Olympic Basketball: We won't come begging

[Kori Ellis]

We won't come begging, Colangelo says
U.S. men's Olympic basketball team will only play unpaid volunteers

By Amy Shipley
The Washington Post
Updated: 2:19 a.m. ET July 27, 2005

The attempted reconstruction of the U.S. Olympic men's basketball program began this summer over rigatoni and meatballs, pasta with Italian sausage and peppers and fried calamari. Some of the NBA's biggest stars unceremoniously ducked last year when Olympic team invitations went out, but on a Monday night this past June, many of the game's legends showed up on short notice for a brainstorming session designed to help fix the mess.

Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Clyde Drexler, Chris Mullin and a host of other high-profile ex-players and coaches flocked to the third floor of Chicago's National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame to jump-start an overhaul of the U.S. men's senior national team program. The meeting came nine months after the U.S. team struggled to a bronze medal in Athens and fewer than three years after another roster of NBA players staggered to sixth place at the 2002 world championship in Indianapolis, completing a slide from dominant to dominated in a decade.

"This whole concept of a Dream Team, that's over and done with," said Phoenix Suns Chairman and CEO Jerry Colangelo, the newly named architect of the reconstruction who organized the June dinner. "The theme going forward is more about respecting the world basketball community, and it's also about redemption. We have a lot to come back from."

The more than two dozen in attendance agreed that the U.S. program's biggest problems — besides the dramatic improvement of other nations — are a lack of continuity of rosters and commitment from players, some of whom consider participating in the Olympics, and lesser tournaments such as the world championships, a burden rather than an honor.

Yet the group that included Jerry West, Dean Smith, John Thompson, Chuck Daly and Lenny Wilkens nonetheless agreed the solution was not asking less of the NBA's best Olympic prospects, or sweetening the sales pitch for the 2008 Games in Beijing, but, rather, demanding much, much more — and then determining which players voluntarily raised their hands, and with how much enthusiasm they did it.

"If you're going to have to beg them to play, it's not going to work," Daly said.

Colangelo, given ultimate authority over the program when he was appointed by USA Basketball's executive committee in April, won't be begging, he said. He will ask. Just once.

By the end of the year, he said, he hopes to have reached what would be an unprecedented agreement with 25 NBA players. All, he said, will be required to commit to playing international basketball for the next three years, beginning with next year's world championship tournament in Saitama, Japan. They won't receive a cent — but they will earn the respect of Jordan, Bird and company.

"Players will have one opportunity to say 'yes' or 'no,' " Colangelo said. "This is eyeball to eyeball. And just to show how strongly people feel, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan have all said, 'You need help? I'll be right there with you.' "

As for players such as Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, who have said they should be compensated for giving up their sparse summers for the Olympics?

"That was not a good thing to say," Colangelo said. "That doesn't fit the prototype, if you know what I mean."

At the start of the June dinner meeting, Colangelo said, he put the names of 50 of the NBA's top players on a projection screen and asked everyone in attendance to tick off their top 25, factoring in everything from athleticism to age to attitude. Though picks differed, there was consensus on the necessity of building the team around the league's young stars. Think Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Amare Stoudamire, Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, Chris Bosh and other up-and-comers. If they are willing, some could become the anchors of the team.

That, of course, is the question. Will they be willing?

"There were some concerns [in the room], but I'm a little different," Bird said. "I think we will get a commitment out of our best young players. And the guys that are young now won't be so young by the time [the 2008 Summer Games] comes."

Said New Jersey Nets President Rod Thorn, a member of Colangelo's advisory committee, "If they aren't interested in being involved, then we will get the people that are."

Though Colangelo has armed himself with plenty of advisers, he doesn't have to answer to anyone. The executive committee of USA Basketball decided to turn the Olympic operation over to Colangelo. USA Basketball officials decided the former selection process, in which a nominating committee made the Olympic appointments on what became an as-needed basis, had become unwieldy and ineffective.

"If things didn't go well [before], the blame kind of fell in a vacuum," USA Basketball Executive Director Jim Tooley said. "We wanted to put someone directly responsible for the management. . . . Everybody in our organization is very comfortable having Jerry as that person."

Colangelo, whose official title is managing director of the USA men's senior program, was not in Athens but he has been to three Olympics. He was the NBA's executive of the year four times during his 37-year tenure in Phoenix, where he has been general manager, coach and president.

"I was asked by USA Basketball and the NBA whether I would be interested in taking the lead," he said. "I really didn't hesitate . . . [but] it's a daunting responsibility."

Colangelo said he wants to have a senior men's national team coach — he is considering Mike Krzyzewski and two NBA candidates, he said — in place before he begins interviewing players (possibly with Jordan, Bird or Johnson in tow). Colangelo and USA Basketball also will have to ensure that the U.S. Olympic Committee approves their new Olympic team selection criteria.

Daly, who coached the most famous Dream Team at the 1992 Games in Barcelona, said he is eager to see the process unfold. The challenges, he pointed out, won't end with players' commitments. Whoever ends up coaching the team will have the considerable task of managing minutes and egos.

And then there is the matter of simply being good enough to beat the new powers in international basketball.

"There are a lot of questions that are going to have to be answered," Daly said. "I think it's going to be kind of fun, entertaining and interesting to watch."

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/8719655/

[Duncanoypi]

Ray Allen and Paul Pierce are the real heroes of USA...

Book sale:

"Patriotism" by Ray Allen co-authored by Paul Pierce

[TheTruth]

Smart move trying to get some of the younger guys now. Sign up guys like Dwight Howard, Okafor, Ben Gordon, Heinrich, and Bosh, and in 3 years when it comes olympics times they should bonafide super studs.

Though when they are super studs they will probably come up with some type of injury/marriage/terror fear to get out of the olympics anyway.

[TheTruth]

Ray Allen and Paul Pierce are the real heroes of USA...

Book sale:

"Patriotism" by Ray Allen co-authored by Paul Pierce
:lmao

[xcoriate]

:lmao @ Allen and Pierce. WTF would they be paid to represent there country.

I'm sure this isn't popular belief but I hope TD goes to the next Olympics. Sure he said he was 95% sure it would never happen but I think if he were asked he would consider it very strongly.

[xcoriate]

Yeah, Billups at the point would be ideal. Can shoot, clutch, strong, good defender. How old is he though??

[Kori Ellis]

He's almost 29.

[BadlyDrawnBoy]

He's almost 29.

That's what I was going to point out.

He's gonna be too old by the time Bejing rolls around.

[TheTruth]

See if you can get this team to play the next 3 summers together. They may be young now, but in 3 years they should be unstoppable.
PG's - Chris Paul, Heinrich,
SG's - Dwayne Wade, Ben Gordon,
SF's - Lebron James, Carmelo Anthony, Andre Iguodala
PF's/C's - Amare, Dwigh Howard, Emeka, Chris Bosh, Collison

[TheWriter]

I think in 2008. the current superstars plus maybe 3-4 rising stars could fill the team up like the Dream Team of 1996. A lot them older but still good.

[Sense]

This means we lose and this also means more bragging from you know who..

[TheTruth]

This means we lose and this also means more bragging from you know who..
what means we lose? developing good young players over a 3 year period?

[WalterBenitez]

Good begining!!!

1) Players commited to play intl games thru 3 years is good.
2) More TEAM oriented is cool and good, considering the trends in intl bball.
3) The support of MJ, LB and other it is really great enhancement.
4) Permanent staff is also necesary.

They may also consider players from CBA or those thousands of US players that are around the world, some of them really goods, just take a trip around Europe or South America; there are plently of them.

Finally I think players must understand (or at least share or even feel it) that World Cups and Olimpycs is about honor, no money is involved; I think this is a bareer for a super professional league like NBA; This is not only a USA issue, nowadays you see Peja not going to participate to EuroBasket ... just because he needs to ... whatever.

[drivanroca]

Coach???

[exstatic]

It's funny that they have MJ as ambassador, and they "won't come begging". He set all KINDS of conditions, including Isaiah Thomas NOT being on the team.

[Sense]

what means we lose? developing good young players over a 3 year period?

Vbookie bet?

[TheTruth]

Vbookie bet?
what do you think is the best way to choose the team?

[Sense]

what do you think is the best way to choose the team?


NBA players, just like all the other years.

[Spurologist]

They'll be begging even though it might not be directly. I want another dream team, but that's just me. Too bad the super stars need money to be patriotic. What's up with that? Paul Pierce was on the past olympic team if I remember correctly. I am surprised he said he wanted to be compensated. I am sure Manu and Yao have no hestitation to go the olympics after a grueling 82 game season. There's also considerable pressure from their contrymen to play. It's almost an obligation to for international players to play. It's quite the opposite for us players.

[waly.mg]

See if you can get this team to play the next 3 summers together. They may be young now, but in 3 years they should be unstoppable.
PG's - Chris Paul, Heinrich,
SG's - Dwayne Wade, Ben Gordon,
SF's - Lebron James, Carmelo Anthony, Andre Iguodala
PF's/C's - Amare, Dwigh Howard, Emeka, Chris Bosh, Collison


I believe that if the Team of the United States really wants to demolish its rivals it does not have to take all players of this type

Why?: Because the team need players who can play without the ball, and who don´t shoot 15-20 times each game

Check the Numbers:

Lebron: 21.1 FGA x game
Amare: 16.7
Wade: 17.1
Anthony: 16.4
Bosh: 12.6
Hinrich: 14.6
Okafor: 13,7
Gordon: 12.9
Howard: 8.3
Iguodala: 6.7
Collison: 4.3
Paul: 10

Total: 154.4 FGA, it´s impossible

My team have players like: Bruce Bowen : 7.3 (Ex: on Manu), Chauncey Billups: 11.4 FGA (2nd Low in the 1st 50 in points, the 1st is Manu with only 10.5), Kyle Korver: 9.3, R. Patterson: 8.6, 53,1%FG, Udonis Haslem: 8.0, 54%, Ben Wallace: 8.8, Andre Miller: 10.9, Jason Terry: 9.3, 50,1%

The best team:
Starters: Billups - Wade - Lebron - Amare - Ben Wallace
Bench: Terry - Gordon - Bowen - Iguodala - Collison
Others: Kyle Korver - Paul

Starters:75.1 FGA
Bench and Others: 59.8 FGA
Total: 134.9 FGA

[Rick Von Braun]

This is very good news! I've been in favor of something like this for a loooong time.

One issue that is quite important is the designation of the full time coach (and assistants!). They could design a plan, scouting, and set up a doable/reasonable schedule. In addition, if you are a playa, you need to know who the coach is before you commit for 3 years.

Good times http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/images/smilies/smismokin.gif

[Joesteds]

See if you can get this team to play the next 3 summers together. They may be young now, but in 3 years they should be unstoppable.
PG's - Chris Paul, Heinrich,
SG's - Dwayne Wade, Ben Gordon,
SF's - Lebron James, Carmelo Anthony, Andre Iguodala
PF's/C's - Amare, Dwigh Howard, Emeka, Chris Bosh, Collison

This team would have the same problem as last year's squad, no shooting. Zone them up and nullify that great athleticism. The only guy on there that is a proven shooter is Heinrich and Gordon is a streaky type of shooter.

[Summers]

I think it's smart to get them to commit now through the Olympics. If they have a consistent team that starts practicing and playing together now, they can avoid a lot of the mistakes of Athens. I'd be excited to see who they get.

[TheTruth]

NBA players, just like all the other years.
Read my list. They are all NBA players.

[TheTruth]

This team would have the same problem as last year's squad, no shooting. Zone them up and nullify that great athleticism. The only guy on there that is a proven shooter is Heinrich and Gordon is a streaky type of shooter.
Wade and Lebron have improved their J's alot since their rookie seasons. Those two with heinrich, gordon, and melo should be enough jump shooting.

[ObiwanGinobili]

I vote Coach Carter for US Olympic BAsketball coach.


there that should solve all problems. including world hunger.

[manubili]

As an argentine, I do really think that it's not all about which players are playing in the US team. US doesn't need the very superstars to beat argentina or whatever. You can make a couple of dozens of olympics-winning-teams, with SO many american good players in the league.

But they need to have a team playing all togheter for a long time. It must feel like a team. They should be playing now, the Stankovic cup, for instance.

Although, I think this is a good step.

I want to see that Bowen on Manu stuff, right now!!!

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

I still think they need to go back to using college players. If the pros are going to not really be into it and lose anyway, why not see what the college guys can do.

The international game would almost fit college players better anyway. The pace, the short three point line, the foul calls, etc.

[clubalien]

devin brown I bet he woudl be willing to play

[ducks]

good
because good players or superstars will not want to commit for 3 years
and will not hurt the nba game

[Obi wan Ginobili]

I hope Argentina wins again honestly.

It means more to them, advances the sport in their country, and solidifies Manu as a Hall of Fame player.

[Medvedenko]

No mention of Kobe as the starting SG....oh well...I do agree that we don't need a team of superstart...but role players and some bangers and specialists.
Committment is going to be tough for some of the players, but I saw the same thing in Hockey when Canada lost to the Czech Republic in the Olympics. We had a Hockey summit and Wayne Gretzky was brought in to devise the system and the team. Players were dieing to play and represent the country. No matter who they picked they were playing with exception to Patrick Roy. The sense of pride and patriotism and taking back the game was in full effect. Guess what it worked. No one asked for money or worried about playing time...oh and we took back the gold.

[WalterBenitez]

2005 USA Men's World Championship Qualifying Team Finalists Roster

9 FIBAs
Michael Batiste F 6-8 235 11/21/77 Panathinaikos (Greece) / Arizona State '99
Charlie Bell G 6-3 175 03/13/79 Leche Rio (Spain) / Michigan State '01
Tyus Edney G 5-10 160 02/14/73 Lottomatica Roma (Italy) / UCLA '95
Lynn Greer G 6-1 175 10/23/79 Dynamo Moscow (Russia) / Temple '02
Jimmie Hunter G 6-5 210 12/24/77 Sebastiani Rieti (Italy) / Life ‘00
Kris Lang C 6-11 247 12/12/79 Unicaja Malaga (Spain) / North Carolina '02
Aaron McGhee F 6-8 250 06/28/79 Pusan KTF (Korea) / Oklahoma '02
Marque Perry G 6-1 180 01/28/81 Olympiacos (Greece) / Saint Louis ‘03
Alex Scales G 6-4 07/03/78 Samsung (Korea) / Oregon '99


4 CBAs
Jerome Beasley F 6-10 224 05/17/81 Sioux Falls (CBA) / North Dakota '03
Corsley Edwards F 6-9 275 03/05/76 Sioux Falls (CBA) / Central Connecticut State'02
Noel Felix F 6-9 225 10/04/81 Yakima (CBA) / Fresno State ‘03
Melvin Sanders F 6-5 210 01/03/81 Dakota (CBA) / Oklahoma State '03


2 D-League
Ernest Brown C 7-0 255 05/17/79 Fayetteville (D-League) / Indian Hills C.C. "00
Ron Slay F 6-8 225 06/29/81 Asheville (D-League) / Tennessee '03

[PM5K]

It's sad too because Pierce and Allen make CONSIDERABLY MORE money than Jordan, Bird, and Magic did back in 92, infact Allen makes more than all of them did combined back in 92, and they want compensation?

[Summers]

As an argentine, I do really think that it's not all about which players are playing in the US team. US doesn't need the very superstars to beat argentina or whatever. You can make a couple of dozens of olympics-winning-teams, with SO many american good players in the league.

But they need to have a team playing all togheter for a long time. It must feel like a team. They should be playing now, the Stankovic cup, for instance.

Although, I think this is a good step.

I want to see that Bowen on Manu stuff, right now!!!

Beg your pardon??

:lol

But I completely agree with your post. The Athens team had 4 weeks to practice as a team. It's amazing to me they won the bronze.

I have a question that goes along with what Ed said: Is there any reason the olympic team couldn't be, say, the winner of the sweet 16 tournament, assuming you could get the whole team to commit to the summer? That would be a real, cohesive team, if not necessarily the best 12 players...

[gus]

U.S.A with this team will get easily the spot for the World Tournament.
However I still think why do they pick players of Korea??? They should pick
almost exclusively players from Europe, and they will get a winner. Charlie Bell is a stud. Tyus Edney, Lynn Greer are very good also. With a good coaching they will be able to win it all.

I doubt even on the CBA level.

Gus

[ducks]

Six former NBA players among Team USA invitees
July 27, 2005

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (Ticker) - Fifteen players, including six with NBA experience, have been invited to compete for the 12 roster spots for the United States team competing in next month's FIBA Tournament of the Americas.

There are no current NBA players among the invitees, who were announced Wednesday by USA Basketball. They are all professional players who played in six countries last season.

Those with NBA experience are 7-footer Ernest Brown of Fayetteville of the D-League, forward Michael Batiste of Panathinaikos in Greece, guard Tyus Edney of Lottomatica Roma in Italy, forward Corsley Edwards of Sioux Falls of the CBA, forward Jerome Beasley of the CBA and swingman Ron Slay of Tulsa of the D-League.

ADVERTISEMENT
Other invitees are guards Charlie Bell of Leche Rio in Spain, Lynn Greer of Dynamo Moscow in Russia, Jimmie Hunter of Sebastiani Rieti in Italy, Marque Perry of Olympicos in Greece, Alex Scales of Samsung in Korea and Melvin Sanders of Dakota in the CBA; forward Aaron McGhee of Pusan KTF in Korea and Noel Felix of Yakima in the CBA; and center Kris Lang of Unicaja Malaga in Spain.

"We have great diversity, players who can play more than one position," said Team USA coach Mo McHone, a long-time NBA assistant who briefly coached San Antonio. "We've got shooters, inside players, players who can play both inside and outside and we've got very good defenders.

"But the No. 1 thing is we wanted players who wanted to represent the USA. Not players looking for contracts or players looking for jobs, but players who truly wanted to represent the USA and I think we put together a group that's that way."

The FIBA Tournament of the Americas will be from August 24-September 4 in the Dominican Republic and is a formality for the United States. The top four teams plus Argentina in the 10-team draw qualify for the 2006 World Championships in Saitamo, Japan from August 19-September 3.

The World Championships have been expanded from 16 to 24 teams, with 20 teams placed through zone qualifying and four berths filled by FIBA. Even if Team USA finishes fifth or lower in the Tournament of the Americas, it in all likelihood will be invited to the World Championships, where it will be using NBA stars.

Team USA has won 28 straight games in qualifying for the Olympics or World Championships. It is in Group A with Brazil, Canada, Panama and Venezuela. Group B has Argentina, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Uruguay.

McHone and assistant Dennis Johnson and Joey Meyer will conduct trials and training in Miami from August 5-9. The U.S. will participate in a four-nation tournament in Brazil from August 11-13 and play a pair of exhibition games vs. Brazil on August 15 and 17.

Team USA returns to Miami for practice from August 19-21 and leaves for Santo Domingo on August 22.

[ducks]

There are no current NBA players among the invitees, who were announced Wednesday by USA Basketball. They are all professional players who played in six countries last season.

[Billy Cobham]

I hope they look at Sebastian Telfair as a possible participant in the Olympics. The kid is going to be one of the top PG's in the league by that time. Certainly as good as Paul or Hinrich.

[Kori Ellis]

There are no current NBA players among the invitees, who were announced Wednesday by USA Basketball. They are all professional players who played in six countries last season.


That's for the World Championship Qualifiers. It has nothing to do with the players that are going to be on the Olympic team though.

[Money316]

NBA players, just like all the other years.

Obviously, you have no common sense.

Heart - it all about heart. Let’s see who's interested in volunteering their time for three years. For the others - Fuck em if you have to ask.

There that's settled - the volunteers are my Team.

Fuck statistics, age, and their bull shit professional status.


:fro :fro :fro

[Money316]

I vote Coach Carter for US Olympic BAsketball coach.


there that should solve all problems. including world hunger.

Don't forget about world peace and the war on terrorism.

[Sense]

Obviously, you have no common sense.

Heart - it all about heart. Let’s see who's interested in volunteering their time for three years. For the others - Fuck em if you have to ask.

There that's settled - the volunteers are my Team.

Fuck statistics, age, and their bull shit professional status.


:fro :fro :fro

Obviously I have no common Sense?
Right..

I'm not saying it's happening moron... I said we were losing because of that, and I could care less about USA basketball right now.

[Money316]

Obviously I have no common Sense?
Right..

I'm not saying it's happening moron... I said we were losing because of that, and I could care less about USA basketball right now.

Then just say it.

[hendrix]

That's for the World Championship Qualifiers. It has nothing to do with the players that are going to be on the Olympic team though.

Luckily for USA most american teams suck and 4 spots are available.
Canada, Brazil and USA are in. Puerto Rico is probably the 5th american team to compete in next WC.

[xcoriate]

You can't just send a college team for 2 reasons..

1. College teams have international players on them.
2. Argentina amongst others would destroy them.

[TheTruth]

I believe that if the Team of the United States really wants to demolish its rivals it does not have to take all players of this type

Why?: Because the team need players who can play without the ball, and who don´t shoot 15-20 times each game

Check the Numbers:

Lebron: 21.1 FGA x game
Amare: 16.7
Wade: 17.1
Anthony: 16.4
Bosh: 12.6
Hinrich: 14.6
Okafor: 13,7
Gordon: 12.9
Howard: 8.3
Iguodala: 6.7
Collison: 4.3
Paul: 10

Total: 154.4 FGA, it´s impossible

My team have players like: Bruce Bowen : 7.3 (Ex: on Manu), Chauncey Billups: 11.4 FGA (2nd Low in the 1st 50 in points, the 1st is Manu with only 10.5), Kyle Korver: 9.3, R. Patterson: 8.6, 53,1%FG, Udonis Haslem: 8.0, 54%, Ben Wallace: 8.8, Andre Miller: 10.9, Jason Terry: 9.3, 50,1%

The best team:
Starters: Billups - Wade - Lebron - Amare - Ben Wallace
Bench: Terry - Gordon - Bowen - Iguodala - Collison
Others: Kyle Korver - Paul

Starters:75.1 FGA
Bench and Others: 59.8 FGA
Total: 134.9 FGA
that is a pretty old team in 3 years. Ben Wallace has already turned down an Olympic invite once, and Ruben Patterson thug ass should be nowhere near an olympic team. I like the Korver pick though.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

Wow, two peopled owned themselves when picking players. Nick Collison? Why not just bring back Christian Laettner as the penultimate white guy at the end of the bench stiff?

And those lineups are weak on outside shooting, something Team USA badly needs. You want to build a winner? Put Michael Redd, Kyle Korver, and Joe Johnson on there to drop threes, for starters...

[TheTruth]

Wow, two peopled owned themselves when picking players. Nick Collison? Why not just bring back Christian Laettner as the penultimate white guy at the end of the bench stiff?

And those lineups are weak on outside shooting, something Team USA badly needs. You want to build a winner? Put Michael Redd, Kyle Korver, and Joe Johnson on there to drop threes, for starters...
Nick Collison has already, in one year, shown himself to be a better player the laettner ever was. I'd like my 12th man to be a banger with size that doesn't want to shoot the ball. Collison fits that mold perfectly. If Redd and Johnson would agree to a 3 year commitment (which they wont) i say sign them up. If Korvers playoff performance this past season is any indication of how he plays in big games, I say keep him away from the Olympic Team.

[Sense]

Then just say it.

WTF?

[boutons]

"Michael Redd"

3G% of 35% for last two seasons, about the same a very mediocre SJax.

Redd is not in NBA Top50 for 04/05, not in FG% nor 3G%.

Try to get somebody who can shoot the fucking ball with some efficiency. Olympics are essentially single-game elimination.

[exstatic]

Those were his two worst years of shooting, boutons. For his career, he's a .394 shooter from beyond the arc. Nothing like skewing the statistics to support your non-point. :rolleyes

[boutons]

"two worst years of shooting years"

The recent past is best predictor of imminent future. As the main scorer for Bucks, why has his shooting got as bad as SJax's. Who is to say it will get better? WTF is his problem, esp now that he landed an overpaid contract as too-small SG?

Ignoring his his last two years is really stupid way to make your non-point.

[exstatic]

I didn't ignore them. They are included in the only stat I quoted: his career 3G percentage. Ignoring them would be only quoting his + .440 3G% from his first two years. ;) He also had better talent around him then, including Cassell and Ray Allen. Oh, and he's 6'6" 215. That's hardly a "too-small SG".

[SequSpur]

Bird, Fag Magic, Gamblin Jordan blow. I wish they would go away. Time to recognize the new players.......

[TheTruth]

Bird, Fag Magic, Gamblin Jordan blow. I wish they would go away. Time to recognize the new players.......
They should let Vince Carter select the team.

[SequSpur]

Who died and made Colangelo captain?

If they get tough with these players and start talking shit, the team will be so weak they won't even make the olympics.

I am sick and tired of Colangelo getting pub for nothing. What happened to Holt? Pop? Phil Jackson? Larry Brown?

The real winners of basketball.

Jordan is jaded.

Magic has HIV.

Bird is a twirp.

If the players want jack... then give them jack. They fucking deserve it.

[TheTruth]

Who died and made Colangelo captain?

If they get tough with these players and start talking shit, the team will be so weak they won't even make the olympics.

I am sick and tired of Colangelo getting pub for nothing. What happened to Holt? Pop? Phil Jackson? Larry Brown?

The real winners of basketball.

Jordan is jaded.

Magic has HIV.

Bird is a twirp.

If the players want jack... then give them jack. They fucking deserve it.
Brown had his shot, and it didn't work out.

[WalterBenitez]

Good news is that USA Basketball realized they need a team, practice, and have a all year coach.

The other questions is about players that were selected, I am not in apositions to say if they are good or bad, but ... at least mostly of them knows FIBA's rules which is good.

My natural candidates for World Cup Qualifaying Torunament are ...

1) CANADA (if Nash is in),
2) BRAZIL (especially if they put their NBAs = Nene, Varejão, Barbosa, Araujo ...),
3) PUERTO RICO (with their NBAs will be a good Team),
4) USA Whatever team they send (Some people strongly disagree with me that USA will qualify with no NBAs in the roster).

The rest of the troupe is MEXICO, URUGUAY, VENEZUELA, PANAMA are an enygma.

[Medvedenko]

Originally Posted by SequSpur
Who died and made Colangelo captain?

If they get tough with these players and start talking shit, the team will be so weak they won't even make the olympics.

I am sick and tired of Colangelo getting pub for nothing. What happened to Holt? Pop? Phil Jackson? Larry Brown?

The real winners of basketball.

Jordan is jaded.

Magic has HIV.

Bird is a twirp.

If the players want jack... then give them jack. They fucking deserve it.

That's the most ignorant post I have ever read....how about wanting to play for your country and be part of Olympic History. You're a big tool buddy...seriously...Magic having HIV should have nothing to do with his ability at using his expertise and persona for the Olympic process.

[waly.mg]

The Olympics are one round to qualiffy and 4 games seven

Win or Go Home, so it´s necessary players of game 7, like Horry (not him) who can score under pressure

The team don´t need shooters, need 3 or 4 7´guys

[hendrix]

Good news is that USA Basketball realized they need a team, practice, and have a all year coach.

The other questions is about players that were selected, I am not in apositions to say if they are good or bad, but ... at least mostly of them knows FIBA's rules which is good.

My natural candidates for World Cup Qualifaying Torunament are ...

1) CANADA (if Nash is in),
2) BRAZIL (especially if they put their NBAs = Nene, Varejão, Barbosa, Araujo ...),
3) PUERTO RICO (with their NBAs will be a good Team),
4) USA Whatever team they send (Some people strongly disagree with me that USA will qualify with no NBAs in the roster).

The rest of the troupe is MEXICO, URUGUAY, VENEZUELA, PANAMA are an enygma.

Pretty much what i have in mind.
The thing is... IF some other country comes strong, Is the US Team at risk of not qualifying at all?? I think the players will commit with the team and will qualify.
The format is as follows:
2 groups of 5 teams each. 8 teams in total will play the second round. My guess is the following standings are probable:

1. Brazil (q)
2. Canada (q)
3. Argentina (already qualified)
4. Puerto Rico (q)
------------------
5. USA
6. Venezuela

Semifinals:
(1)Brazil vs (4) PR
(2)Canada vs (3) Argentina

So USA would play Venezuela for the 5th place in this tournament AND the final spot for the WC 2006. Luckily here, no contest...

[WalterBenitez]

Is the US Team at risk of not qualifying at all??

USA will qualify for WC for sure, the only doubt I have is ... how far will go in this tournament, since they are not playing at this moment.

Do not forget MEX, this guys defeated ARG (Manu, Oberto, Scolla, Chapu ...etc) twice previous to Olimpycs!

[hendrix]

USA will qualify for WC for sure, the only doubt I have is ... how far will go in this tournament, since they are not playing at this moment.


But if you agree with me in the final 4 (Brazil, Canada, Arg and PR) then US qualifies 5th. There aren't strong teams outside those 5.

[gus]

Let me explain. USA can win it all without NBA players.
In fact all over the world (Argentina included ) American
players are the difference makers. Argentina Can make an
All Argentina League and beat the ass of the Americans playing
in our league but the Americans are necesary because they
are far superior to the average player, same in the rest of the
world (Even Serbia).

So USA fellows don't be worried, USA is still the Basketball
mecca, but... some countries have 20-30 players with very good level (Argentina, Spain, Serbia etc. ), even good enough
to play in the NBA like Manu or Euroleague like the rest of our team.

So the only thing they have to do is to get good players no matter which professional league are they from, and make a TEAM. With that they will be fine.


Gus

[hendrix]

We all know US players around the world are doing well, but Teams are formed by only 12 players. This is not "The best 500 players from USA vs the best 500 players from anywhere"... we all know who will win there.
And I was estimating the final standings based on the level of Brazil, Canada and PR. There is no way we can know now how Team USA will do.

[WalterBenitez]

But if you agree with me in the final 4 (Brazil, Canada, Arg and PR) then US qualifies 5th. There aren't strong teams outside those 5.

To be honest, IMO, USA could get Gold Medal or be 6th; with the info I read up to now, BRAZIL sounds like the CANDIDATE (Good base + NBAs), CANADA & PR will do Pretty good; ARG will go to test the TEAM "B".

USA is a mistery, if they started to play against FIBA's National Teams right now they will be prepared and ready to reach the TOP 4; I think they have a really good chance because (they) will use a lot of FIBA's players and have time to practice.

[ambchang]

That's the most ignorant post I have ever read....how about wanting to play for your country and be part of Olympic History. You're a big tool buddy...seriously...Magic having HIV should have nothing to do with his ability at using his expertise and persona for the Olympic process.
Oh no! I am agreeing with a Laker fan! Please shoot me.