TeamUSA-Greece

[V-2]

timvp where did you read that Greece is not considered a true European country?

[Pero]

what a shock, half the US team didn't even shake hands when it was over, they just left. Classy.

Why is this a shock? It happened before...

[Kamnik]

Before this game, LeBron was shooting 59% from the floor -- highest on the team. And Wade was shooting 54% -- higher than Carmelo. So I don't think you can knock LeBron and Wade's shooting.


SHOOTING

not layups or dunks


i didnt mean fg%

[joeyjfive]

SHOOTING

not layups or dunks


i didnt mean fg%


yeah thats exactly what i was thinking.

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

Before this game, LeBron was shooting 59% from the floor -- highest on the team. And Wade was shooting 54% -- higher than Carmelo. So I don't think you can knock LeBron and Wade's shooting.
I think the U.S. did a pretty decent job as a team. They were just rough. None of the players jacked up shots and no one played selfishly. They just kinda reverted back to old ways at times, like Wade played like he did for the Miami Heat at times.

Today though, was an exception. They flat out stunk and didn't look like they knew what the hell they were doing!!

[SLOVENIAN 8]

:lol

Greece is looked down upon and some don't even consider it to be a true European country.

Now that they beat the US the Euro posters are pretending they are all one big happy continent.

:shootme

I am not pretending. I am a fan of our country SLO, and will always be, but as i live i Europe i rather see that Europe team win than some non Europe.

But what i could see from that game is that Usa have no game, they are just happy if they dunk the ball and scream around

[Kori Ellis]

SHOOTING

not layups or dunks


i didnt mean fg%

Again, LeBron didn't chuck up a lot of jumpshots throughout the tournament.

Wade, yes, he shouldn't have been shooting from 3.

[Pero]

Greece is looked down upon and some don't even consider it to be a true European country.

Now that they beat the US the Euro posters are pretending they are all one big happy continent.

WTF are you talking about????

[Kamnik]

:lol

Greece is looked down upon and some don't even consider it to be a true European country.

Now that they beat the US the Euro posters are pretending they are all one big happy continent.

:shootme

another thing..... i dont know about other Euro posters but whenever (95% of the time) a Euro team plays an non-Euro team i always cheer for the Euros

even against Argentina who is one of my favourite teams

[jbspurs]

US played with their individual talent and not as a team.

[THE SIXTH MAN]

what a shock, half the US team didn't even shake hands when it was over, they just left. Classy.
Why would they when all of Greece's team were acting like they won the gold medal. Looking like a bunch of classless ass holes dancing and shit.

[Pero]

Anyways, good game. Congrats to Greece. What I don`t understand is how come the US didn`t play agressive defense? Were they not mentaly tough enough to do it after the Greeks started leading?

BTW, Tlong, where art thou? :lol

[marlboroman]

:lol

Greece is looked down upon and some don't even consider it to be a true European country.

Now that they beat the US the Euro posters are pretending they are all one big happy continent.

:shootme

you probably mean turkey, right ?
:hat

[Pero]

Why would they when all of Greece's team were acting like they won the gold medal. Looking like a bunch of classless ass holes dancing and shit.

Hmmm, they made it to the finals maybe??? They`ll get a medal, win or lose...

[Kamnik]

Again, LeBron didn't chuck up a lot of jumpshots throughout the tournament.

Wade, yes, he shouldn't have been shooting from 3.

ok maybe i generalized too much

it was Wade much more than James




anyways... my final opinion: your head coach was a joke in terms of tactics and subbing and other game decisions

maybe he could get them play with heart and put in effort but he isnt a match for Greek or many other coaches

he won games with pure depth, talent and athleticism

[SLOVENIAN 8]

Why would they when all of Greece's team were acting like they won the gold medal. Looking like a bunch of classless ass holes dancing and shit.
The USA players probably wont understand that Dancing never that is the problem....

[Kori Ellis]

my final opinion: your head coach was a joke in terms of tactics and subbing and other game decisions

Oh I agree with that. I'm not a Coach K fan to begin with, but he really sucked today.

He was subbing like a madman throughout the 4th quarter as if he had no game plan whatsoever to get back in. He was horrible.

[ponky]

Why would they when all of Greece's team were acting like they won the gold medal. Looking like a bunch of classless ass holes dancing and shit.

See, that's because they played with heart so they're going to show some emotion, something Team USA needed today.

[V-2]

Spanoulis as I said like a month ago will revitalize Houston's backcourt.
It's unfortunate that Fotsis tried his luck with the Grizzlies.
Big Sofo will be a good role player for the Clips in the future.
Diamantidis and Papaloukas can play in the NBA.
Greek players have Bodiroga's mentality, tax free money-big fish in a small lake.

[ca®lo]

Anyways, good game. Congrats to Greece. What I don`t understand is how come the US didn`t play agressive defense? Were they not mentaly tough enough to do it after the Greeks started leading?

BTW, Tlong, where art thou? :lol


maybe because they didnt know how to? :rolleyes

[stefano]

I think the team U.S.A needs an european coach for the difference between fiba and Nba. Ettore Messina is the greatest european coach

[fonzy16]

:lol

Greece is looked down upon and some don't even consider it to be a true European country.

Now that they beat the US the Euro posters are pretending they are all one big happy continent.

:shootme

Yeah and Texas is not trully considered as US state. Timvp - you are losing it! :smokin

[THE SIXTH MAN]

What I don`t understand is how come the US didn`t play agressive defense?

It was more less the US being out coached, and a whole lot of mismatches through the pick n roll than defense intensity.

[joeyjfive]

What happens now we add Kobe and hope to get better? Without a doubt we will be better but USA really needs to play as a team, I dont care how long a time they didnt have they are nba players and get paid millions of dollars to PLAY BASKETBALL, they are the best in the world and cannot come together on offense nor defense.

[Kori Ellis]

I'm glad all the Euros flipped out about timvp's comment, just how he intended :lol

[Pero]

maybe because they didnt know how to?

They didn`t know how to? They did in some previous games...

[Kori Ellis]

Yeah and Texas is not trully considered as US state.

That won't provoke a response. I don't think timvp cares at all about Texas :lmao

[StylisticS]

Somewhere along the line, the country forgot how to play basketball. It's just an individual game now, in a team concept, much like baseball is. The players don't care about knowing how to play together, they just want to score. The only time they'll pass the ball is to make the "assist" pass for their stats. But nobody wants to make the pass that leads to the assist. Nobody wants to set a screen. In the NBA if they have a play that even involves 3 guys touching the ball anymore, a team is regarded as the second coming of the 70 Knicks, it's pathetic.

Thank God I'm a Spurs fan, or else the NBA would be completely unwatchable. Can you imagine if team Argentina was its own NBA team? They'd never lose. And their whole payroll would be much less than the Knicks.


great post

[jbspurs]

Basketball is a team sport...

If you get triple team pass the ball. There is no extra point for degree of difficulty.

[Spurologist]

Before this game, LeBron was shooting 59% from the floor -- highest on the team. And Wade was shooting 54% -- higher than Carmelo. So I don't think you can knock LeBron and Wade's shooting (except Wade should never shoot 3's :lol).

You can knock their shot selection though. Their high percentage is MOSTLY because of fast break dunks by gambling for steals on defense. Wade/LeBron have consistently made horrible shots at the wrong time.

In the last game when US was trailing Wade tried to bank a three and missed horribly. Then he drives the lane, leans his body, and throw up a wild shot expecting a foul. Then he jogs back on D. Wade should

Lebron could have been switched with any good athlete in the US and nothing would have changed. Got steals and dunks but what's up with the pull up 3 pt shooting.

Since when did Bron/Wade become three point shooters. One word. Ego

[fonzy16]

That won't provoke a response. I don't think timvp cares at all about Texas :lmao

:lol he can insert state name, he is currently fond of :lol :lol :lol

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

See, that's because they played with heart so they're going to show some emotion, something Team USA needed today.
True. U.S. at the beginning had that familiar look of overconfidence. They were expecting to be in the gold medal game. Maybe be challenged there, but they didn't show any emotion except desperation in the last 5 minutes.

[Kamnik]

I think the team U.S.A needs an european coach for the difference between fiba and Nba. Ettore Messina is the greatest european coach

great idea

Messina,Di Antoni and Popovich

that would be a good coaching staff



not some College legend-if he is so damn good why isnt he in the nba? (serious question)

[Kori Ellis]

You can knock their shot selection though. Their high percentage is MOSTLY because of fast break dunks by gambling for steals on defense. Wade/LeBron have consistently made horrible shots at the wrong time.

In the last game when US was trailing Wade tried to bank a three and missed horribly. Then he drives the lane, leans his body, and throw up a wild shot expecting a foul. Then he jogs back on D. Wade should

Lebron could have been switched with any good athlete in the US and nothing would have changed. Got steals and dunks but what's up with the pull up 3 pt shooting.

Since when did Bron/Wade become three point shooters. One word. Ego

Wade was horrible in the Germany game. But in 7 games before today he only took 12 three-pointers total. That's not many. So it's not ego because he isn't taking that many. The problem is he just only made one of 12.

I disagree about LeBron. He rebounded well in the tournament and he was second in assists to Paul. I think he played a nice well-rounded set of games and wasn't selfish at all.

[THE SIXTH MAN]

Hmmm, they made it to the finals maybe??? They`ll get a medal, win or lose...
The question was why didn't the US players congratulate the Greece players. Your missing the point at hand. It wasn't about the team celebrating it was the fact that they did it as soon as the game was over. Celebrate all you want, but the least you can do is shake hands with the competition first.

[jbspurs]

It was more less the US being out coached, and a whole lot of mismatches through the pick n roll than defense intensity.


Coach didn't even use Josh Howard in the second half. He was playing good basketball first half!

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

Since when did Bron/Wade become three point shooters. One word. Ego
It's think the problem lies with the Coach not reining them in, more than Wade and Bron.

[THE SIXTH MAN]

See, that's because they played with heart so they're going to show some emotion, something Team USA needed today.
Well seeing that your a mav fan I can understand you dont see anything wrong with premature celebration. :lol

[joeyjfive]

I dont understand why the US kept settling for the damn jumpshots, it was obvious they werent falling, I dont care how much confidence you have shooting them. The outside shots might have kept us in the game but its also what killed is. That and the 87548 missed free throws.

[V-2]

SIXTH MAN,
Greece accomplished its greatest win ever, noone predicted it. They can celebrate all they want as far as I'm concerned.

[Kamnik]

you probably mean turkey, right ?
:hat

probably ;)

Israel also isnt looked upon as an Euro country even if their teams play in Euro competitions; also Russia (well hard to say anything here when u border with Finland on one side and China and Japan on other :lol )

[Kamnik]

Coach didn't even use Josh Howard in the second half. He was playing good basketball first half!

:lol :lol :lol

[ponky]

Well seeing that your a mav fan I can understand you dont see anything wrong with premature celebration. :lol


Lol, that's pretty good...I'm over it, looking forward to Nov. 2, got my season tix last week.

[jbspurs]

Anyways, good game. Congrats to Greece. What I don`t understand is how come the US didn`t play agressive defense? Were they not mentaly tough enough to do it after the Greeks started leading?

BTW, Tlong, where art thou? :lol


They are over confident!!!!

[ponky]

I dont understand why the US kept settling for the damn jumpshots, it was obvious they werent falling, I dont care how much confidence you have shooting them. The outside shots might have kept us in the game but its also what killed is. That and the 87548 missed free throws.


Maybe it had something to do with the fact that the average height on the Greek team was 6'8" and all defense. These guys weren't just clogging the lane they were defending it well.



Coach didn't even use Josh Howard in the second half. He was playing good basketball first half!

I'm so glad Josh decided to stay home and do something for his community.

[Kori Ellis]

Oh well. Manu better not lose to Grizzly Gasol now.

[dav4463]

I have to give credit to Greece. That team played an incredible basketball game and derserved the victory. I thought the officials were outstanding in this game. The game was called very fairly both ways. Contact was allowed when it didn't affect the shot and was called the same on both ends. Give the refs some love ! I think now the USA has to realize that the AND ONE crap does not work !...... Team Basketball will beat individual talent nine times out of ten. I think the USA screwed up by not having Bowen out there to guard the hot shooters. That is their fault. Greece deserved the win. Give them all the credit. I am ready to watch Manu play now! Go Argentina !!!

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

I dont understand why the US kept settling for the damn jumpshots, it was obvious they werent falling, I dont care how much confidence you have shooting them. The outside shots might have kept us in the game but its also what killed is. That and the 87548 missed free throws.
They were just a mess after Greece got the lead. Like a chicken with its head cut off. It was funny, now that I think about it.

At the same time pitiful.

[aaronstampler]

The thing I really noticed about this game is that for the most part, USA defied all the stereotypes and excuses that were put on the past WC and Olympic teams that couldn't get it done.

"Bunch of selfish arrogant knuckleheads"
"They don't play hard, don't respect their competition"
"Nobody on the team can shoot"
"Nobody tries on defense"

No, no, no, and no. Besides maybe Joe Johnson, there wasn't really any arrogant or unlikable players on Team USA this year. I think Colangelo did a good job with that. I think even Carmelo has taken major strides at maturing. And the team definitely had enough guys to stroke threes and shoot jumpers. They were a better shooting team than Greece coming in. And as poorly as they played on defense, I don't think it was because they weren't trying. The team tried their asses off.

No the reason they lost was...

THEY WEREN'T GOOD ENOUGH. The game wasn't a fluke. Greece just played better, period. The thing about basketball is that the way the game was designed, the offense has all the advantages. They know what they're doing with the ball, the other team can only guess and play the percentages. If you have five skilled players working together, it's incredibly hard to stop them on defense, no matter how hard you try. The best you can do as a defense is give up an open jump shot and hope the guy misses. Greece had size, skill, they shot incredibly from inside and out, and they played unselfishly so nobody ever forced a poor shot when a better one was available with patience.

Quite frankly I knew this was coming, if not in this game, then against Spain or Argentina next game. Team USA's defense is predicated on forcing turnovers by pressuring less skilled ballhandlers. But against Greece today or against a Pepe Sanchez, they're going to give up tons of layups because they won't get the easy turnovers. Consequently, it will effect them on the other end of the floor because they won't get all the easy 3 on 1 dunks.

The only way Team USA can win a gold is to get 12 players to play together for a long time, but that's just not going to happen.

[THE SIXTH MAN]

SIXTH MAN,
Greece accomplished its greatest win ever, noone predicted it. They can celebrate all they want as far as I'm concerned.
Wouldn't winning the gold be the greatest win ever? Greece beat a team that had a lot of questions going in to the tournament, and that only won bronze last time around. A greater accomplishment would be defeating a gold medal team like Argentina.

[joeyjfive]

Oh well. Manu better not lose to Grizzly Gasol now.


Yeah, I guess since my beloved USA team has lost now, I will root for Manu. I hope they win and beat the shit outta Greece and yes I am bitter.

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

Oh well. Manu better not lose to Grizzly Gasol now.
That's in 30 minutes right?

Please don't give me more Mike & Mike...

[ponky]

So this three year commitment that Team USA players had to make, is it a contract and binding? Just wondering if any of them wanna bail before the Americas tournament next summer.

[Spurologist]

I dont understand why the US kept settling for the damn jumpshots, it was obvious they werent falling, I dont care how much confidence you have shooting them. The outside shots might have kept us in the game but its also what killed is. That and the 87548 missed free throws.

Someone tell me why Jameson didn't see any time? Is Coach K going to hold a press conference. Maybe not. Larry Brown is back and in charge.

OWNED

http://img224.imageshack.us/img224/8813/lbrownev4.jpghttp://seattlepi.nwsource.com/dayart/aponline/47586.69WORLD-CHAMPIONSHIPS-BASKETBALL-USA.sff.jpg

Sit Down!!!!!!!!

[Sanders]

I wonder what sort of game team USA is going to produce in the match for the bronze medal. Either way the oponent is not going to be an easy one...

[velik_m]

so Argentina-USA for bronze?

[Nikos]

Oh well. Manu better not lose to Grizzly Gasol now.

Yeah I really hope Argentina wins. I will be just as upset if Argentina loses this game, as I would if Greece were to lose in the finals to Spain......

Spain has owned them lately though......

[V-2]

Wouldn't winning the gold be the greatest win ever? Greece beat a team that had a lot of questions going in to the tournament, and that only won bronze last time around. A greater accomplishment would be defeating a gold medal team like Argentina.
We'll work on that.

[THE SIXTH MAN]

We'll work on that.
good luck.

[Spurologist]

Maybe USA just loves the BRONZE medal. It does look nice.

http://www.appleseeds.org/olympics-bronze.jpg

[dav4463]

Would the USA be better off sending the NBA champions to these World Events?
We really need a TEAM, not a bunch of all-stars.

[THE SIXTH MAN]

Spain vs. Argentina coming on in a couple of minutes. I'm out.

[smeagol]

The only way Team USA can win a gold is to get 12 players to play together for a long time, but that's just not going to happen.
Word

[aaronstampler]

I'm Turkish, and we're in the same boat as Israel, even though we count as a European team in all the soccer and basketball competitions, they won't let us be a part of the contenant basically because we're not Christians.

[Kamnik]

Maybe USA just loves the BRONZE medal. It does look nice.

http://www.appleseeds.org/olympics-bronze.jpg

u trying to be banned? :lol

[smeagol]

great idea

Messina,Di Antoni and Popovich

that would be a good coaching staff
He had his chance in 2004 and blew it.

[Kamnik]

great idea

Messina,Di Antoni and Popovich

that would be a good coaching staff



not some College legend-if he is so damn good why isnt he in the nba? (serious question)


i know it is lame to quote myself but can someone answer me to the last sentence at least....

did he decide not to go to the nba? (i doubt it)

[Kori Ellis]

u trying to be banned? :lol

That won't get him banned.

timvp and I don't even care about the WC or Olympics enough to ban anyone over medal smack :lol

timvp doesn't even think any NBA players should play in these international competitions.

[Kamnik]

He had his chance in 2004 and blew it.

Larry Brown was the head coach then so i guess i doesnt count ;)


i consider Pop one of the best coaches out there (ok he was blessed by TD but still)

[Kori Ellis]

i know it is lame to quote myself but can someone answer me to the last sentence at least....

did he decide not to go to the nba? (i doubt it)


He turned down coaching the Lakers before they got RudyT.

[JLH Fans]

It's become quite ironical that NBA champion called word champion:D:D:D
The American professional basketball is no more the best in the world,even the NBA is still the best championship.
James looked like a average hungarian basketball player instead of the best player of the world.

[Kori Ellis]

It's become quite ironical that NBA champion called word champion:D:D:D
The American professional basketball is no more the best in the world,even the NBA is still the best championship.
James looked like a average hungarian basketball player instead of the best player of the world.

The NBA Champion isn't called World Champion anymore. The Spurs changed their banners after the 2005 title.

[Kamnik]

That won't get him banned.

timvp and I don't even care about the WC or Olympics enough to ban anyone over medal smack :lol

timvp doesn't even think any NBA players should play in these international competitions.


i know i was just fooling around :)

btw-thx for the coaching question answer

[aaronstampler]

I think people blaming Coach K are giving him a bad rap. The problem isn't with the coaching or the players, it's an institutional thing. The greatest coach in the history of the world isn't going to rewire and reprogram all the bad habits these players have picked up throughout high school, summer sneaker leagues, and the playground. If a guy has poor shot selection and not a very clear understanding of how to play pick and roll defense his whole life, Coach K is supposed to teach him in three weeks to be a different person?

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

The NBA Champion isn't called World Champion anymore. The Spurs changed their banners after the 2005 title.
Do the Spurs ...rather Manu, have that much pull?? :lol

What did the Miami Heat's banners say?

[ponky]

Greece won, Agassi won a tough five set match today, this is turning out to be a great day of sports for me...time to try and stay up for the Argentina/Spain game, either one will be tough for the U.S. to beat for bronze.

[smeagol]

timvp doesn't even think any NBA players should play in these international competitions.
Well, it's painfully clear the world has caught up with US basketball. There is now way the US will win anything in international competitions if they don't send their best players and allow them to train as a team beforehand.

As I said in a post responding Shoogarbear a couple of days ago: the more the US loses in the Olympics and the WC, the more fans are going to want players to start giving a fuck about international ball.

[aaronstampler]

It's become quite ironical that NBA champion called word champion:D:D:D
The American professional basketball is no more the best in the world,even the NBA is still the best championship.
James looked like a average hungarian basketball player instead of the best player of the world.

It's quite "ironical" indeed that a semi-educated adult like yourself doesn't know that ironical isn't a word.

Also, what is a "word champion" like the best Scrabble player?

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

It's become quite ironical that NBA champion called word champion:D:D:D
The American professional basketball is no more the best in the world,even the NBA is still the best championship.
James looked like a average hungarian basketball player instead of the best player of the world.
There's been a schism between NBA basketball, and International in the last 15 years...The U.S. hasn't had a dream team since'.

[ponky]

It's quite "ironical" indeed that a semi-educated adult like yourself doesn't know that ironical isn't a word.

Also, what is a "word champion" like the best Scrabble player?

Maybe the poster is a foreigner who knows English as a second language? More than I can say for most Americans.

[Spurologist]

i know it is lame to quote myself but can someone answer me to the last sentence at least....

did he decide not to go to the nba? (i doubt it)

He has been offered a coaching job in the nba many times. One in 04 to coach the fakers like Kori, but everytime he thinks about it, he get the deer in the headlights look. You know when you get scared because you don't want your reputation as a coach to be tarnished.

[jbspurs]

They were just a mess after Greece got the lead. Like a chicken with its head cut off. It was funny, now that I think about it.

At the same time pitiful.


oH YEAH!! You can see it on their faces after Greece got the lead. Even on coach K face....


Coach K :td

[JLH Fans]

The NBA Champion isn't called World Champion anymore. The Spurs changed their banners after the 2005 title.

Thank U :)
By the way,it s still unbelieveable.
I suspected that USA won't win the gold,but Argentina or Spain,but this kind of performance...
I thought they would beat Greece at least by 15.

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

It's quite "ironical" indeed that a semi-educated adult like yourself doesn't know that ironical isn't a word.

Also, what is a "word champion" like the best Scrabble player?
I noticed that error as well. I assumed English wasn't his first language.

Not a big deal.

[JLH Fans]

Maybe the poster is a foreigner who knows English as a second language? More than I can say for most Americans.
Well,English is not my second,but my third language :oops
But I hope even with my mistakes I am still understandable:)

[smeagol]

Everybody in the US refers to the NBA champs and "World Champions": fans, players, coaches, TV announcers.

This will not change overnight.

[Spurologist]

Someone want to give me an answer on why Jameson didn't see any time on the court. Coach K is unavailable for comment.

Seriously, Jameson's D is at the level of half the players that were on the court and his rebounding and 3 pt shooting could have been deadly

[Kamnik]

He has been offered a coaching job in the nba many times. One in 04 to coach the fakers like Kori, but everytime he thinks about it, he get the deer in the headlights look. You know when you get scared because you don't want your reputation as a coach to be tarnished.

i think he had that look on a couple of times today :lol

he really was an odd choice for a coach of this team

[aaronstampler]

That won't get him banned.

timvp and I don't even care about the WC or Olympics enough to ban anyone over medal smack :lol

timvp doesn't even think any NBA players should play in these international competitions.

Well I think all the star power and blowouts the Dream Teams handed out kind of opened up Pandora's Box in regard to the imaginations and aspirations of the young kids all over the world, so now everyone has raised the level of their play considerably to compete with the US. However, not only are athletes all over the world better now, but thanks to good coaching in the lower levels, the players still learn now to play as a team and to play the game the right way.

At this point the rest of the world is so good that Team USA is basically forced to send NBA players. They're basically scraping by and surviving against the other teams with their superior athleticism and individual skill level now.

You take those strengths away and just put less talented -but still clueless- college kids in there, and Team USA would get blown out by 30 points by the Lithuanias and Brazils of the world.

[JLH Fans]

Today,I also missed Bruce Bowen.
He should have been on the court.

[Kamnik]

Someone want to give me an answer on why Jameson didn't see any time on the court. Coach K is unavailable for comment.

Seriously, Jameson's D is at the level of half the players that were on the court and his rebounding and 3 pt shooting could have been deadly

i believe his 3pt shooting isnt the best but i agree on other things

[dav4463]

Greece won, Agassi won a tough five set match today, this is turning out to be a great day of sports for me...time to try and stay up for the Argentina/Spain game, either one will be tough for the U.S. to beat for bronze.

Off topic, but wasn't that Agassi win tonight a classic? Unbelievable ! An incredible sports night for me too. The college football season started. The NFL had a couple of games to watch tonight. Now I'm topping it off with some basketball. What a great way to enjoy a day off from work!

[Kori Ellis]

Well,English is not my second,but my third language :oops
But I hope even with my mistakes I am still understandable:)

Your English is fine. Ignore people who say otherwise.

[JLH Fans]

But what is still the most incomprehensible for me,is James.
I saw a couple of dunks from him,and a few worthy pass.
What else did he do?

[joeyjfive]

Man, Mike and Mike in the morning freakin sucks balls, can I get a witness!! haha

[Spurologist]

Today,I also missed Bruce Bowen.
He should have been on the court.

As much as I disliked the decision to keep him off the team, I don't think he would have made a difference. Poor Greece shooters made contested jumpers all night. When they were up 10+, they just kept shooting threes like they had nothing to lose. The defensive lapses were due to poor transition D (Tractor Traylor beat D Howard down the TWICE), lack of interior D AND poor pick and roll defense.

[ponky]

Off topic, but wasn't that Agassi win tonight a classic? Unbelievable ! An incredible sports night for me too. The college football season started. The NFL had a couple of games to watch tonight. Now I'm topping it off with some basketball. What a great way to enjoy a day off from work!

Lol, yeah I wish I was there to see him (Agassi) play live, I went in 2004. I'm looking forward to the U.T. game on Saturday and the NFL as well, yay!!!

[jbspurs]

I think people blaming Coach K are giving him a bad rap. The problem isn't with the coaching or the players, it's an institutional thing. The greatest coach in the history of the world isn't going to rewire and reprogram all the bad habits these players have picked up throughout high school, summer sneaker leagues, and the playground. If a guy has poor shot selection and not a very clear understanding of how to play pick and roll defense his whole life, Coach K is supposed to teach him in three weeks to be a different person?

Pls. tell me how can he not use Josh Howard in the second half? How come he allowed Wade to continue playing even though he doesn't pass the ball when he's getting tripled team?

[joeyjfive]

Well I'm gonna go watch the Argentina-Spain game, it was good seeing a good amount of people either stay up or wake up just to see some basketball. Real basketball fans.

[Kamnik]

As much as I disliked the decision to keep him off the team, I don't think he would have made a difference. Poor Greece shooters made contested jumpers all night. When they were up 10+, they just kept shooting threes like they had nothing to lose. The defensive lapses were due to poor transition D (Tractor Traylor beat D Howard down the TWICE), lack of interior D AND poor pick and roll defense.

agreed

as much as i like Bowen i think he would be a non factor


USA's coaching screwed up-players have more than enough talent to be molded into world champions, this is obvious to all

[Kori Ellis]

Man, Mike and Mike in the morning freakin sucks balls, can I get a witness!! haha

Amen.

If I see it for a minute by accident when I'm flipping channels, I go crazy. I HATE their show.

[Kori Ellis]

Pls. tell me how can he not use Josh Howard in the second half? How come he allowed Wade to continue playing even though he doesn't pass the ball when he's getting tripled team?

You mean Dwight Howard. I don't know why he didn't get much playing time in the second half. He had a nice first half.

[JLH Fans]

[QUOTE=Spurologist]As much as I disliked the decision to keep him off the team, I don't think he would have made a difference. Poor Greece shooters made contested jumpers all night.

Well,they made many contested 3 in the 3.quarter,but the USA's defense completely collapsed as well. For example,Johnson was beaten badly 4-5 times at least.Greece made many 2 vs 2 play etc.
I ll be back but Argentina vs Spain is just have been started.

[Kibic]

agreed

as much as i like Bowen i think he would be a non factor


USA's coaching screwed up-players have more than enough talent to be molded into world champions, this is obvious to all

10x
Just talent is not going to make them World champions.
2 months of great coaching is not going to make them World champions.

[sendman]

And my two cents.
If Slovenian coach would lead his team the way coach K did, people over here would eat him alive. The way US team has played this game shows complete misunderstanding of the game played under FIBA rules.

[Kibic]

And my two cents.
If Slovenian coach would lead his team the way coach K did, people over here would eat him alive. The way US team has played this game shows complete misunderstanding of the game played under FIBA rules.
I do not think rules were any problem here.

[gospursgojas]

Props to Greece....

Coach K couldn't come up with an answer for the P&R

[WalterBenitez]

This is unfair I slept all the nigth and I couldn't watch this game

[dav4463]

Well I'm gonna go watch the Argentina-Spain game, it was good seeing a good amount of people either stay up or wake up just to see some basketball. Real basketball fans.

Hey, I'm still watching ! I love hoops. I watch Saved By the Bell in between commercials ! Kelly is so hot !

[sendman]

I do not think rules were any problem here.
Oh yes, they were. It was just ridiculous to watch US players try to penetrate Greek zone 1 on 5 for entire second half. Instead of fast ball movement and quick place exchanges they let the entire Greek defense collapse on a player that came under the basket and take forced shots.
U have to have a lot of understanding of the rules to know how to set your offense. Rules are the most important factor for team tactics and the way that game is played as whole.

[Russ]

Official USA biennial excuse template:


If only the US had [fill-in-the-blank], things would've been different.

But seriously, is what the NBA plays anymore really basketball? Or, on the other hand, is what FIBA plays really basketball?

In either event, these are two very different games and they translate to each other much less than we have assumed for years.

[Kibic]

Oh yes, they were. It was just ridiculous to watch US players try to penetrate Greek zone 1 on 5 for entire second half. Instead of fast ball movement and quick place exchanges they let the entire Greek defense collapse on a player that came under the basket and take forced shots.
U have to have a lot of understanding of the rules to know how to set your offense. Rules are the most important factor for team tactics and the way that game is played as whole.
They could play fast ball movement? Player fwho came under basket could pass on 3pt...? They just aren't good enaugh.

[Kibic]

Official USA biennial excuse template:



But seriously, is what the NBA plays anymore really basketball? Or, on the other hand, is what FIBA plays really basketball?

In either event, these are two very different games and they translate to each other much less than we have assumed for years.
Wasn't that just great BB game?

[temujin]

Rules?

Greece is a state the size of Indiana.
And with far less basketball players.

K cited the greek players by numbers. How good this numebr x was.
He doesn't have the foggiest idea who beat his team.

That's pretty amazing.

[temujin]

Manu played in Italy.
He won.

He played for Argentina.
He won.

He played for the Spurs.

He won.

The common issue was TEAM play.

Basketball is TEAM sport.

When you are sending Bowen home, you are sending a wrong message.

[sendman]

They could play fast ball movement? Player fwho came under basket could pass on 3pt...? They just aren't good enaugh.
Oh don't sell me this crap of how they are not good enough. They are good enough. But, if somebody teaches you lifelong that you must take a shot under the basket no matter what (show time that will give that player $$$ in NBA) then that player doesn't develop some other aspects of the game like passing at the right time to other player that is prepaired to recive such a pass. US offense didn't look smooth for 9/10 of the time. Only few times they managed to crack down Greek defense with those kind of plays. On the other side Greeks were selling P&R for about 25 minutes and there was no answer from US bench.
It was pathetic to watch US efforts. Hinrich and CP were completely clueless and Spanoulis looked like monster, and we all know that he isn't. He is good, but not that good.

[WalterBenitez]

Manu played in Italy.
He won.
He played for Argentina.
He won.
He played for the Spurs.
He won.
The common issue was TEAM play.
Basketball is TEAM sport.
When you are sending Bowen home, you are sending a wrong message.

You are rigth about TEAM (Not that stuff of Manu wining in every place), I think USA trust more in individuals skills like NBA does (with few exceptions, of course) , rather than the TEAM effort.

I also undertand that the lack of SuperStar in FIBA's world trend/push the game to TEAM perspective, besides that ... I got mad when Bruce was left out; even that USA BBall is going in the rigth direction when they decided to create a process, but they chose a bunch of stars.

Probably less stars an more role player would be the key to States recovering the place they like to have.

[temujin]

You are rigth about TEAM (Not that stuff of Manu wining in every place), I think USA trust more in individuals skills like NBA does (with few exceptions, of course) , rather than the TEAM effort.

I also undertand that the lack of SuperStar in FIBA's world trend/push the game to TEAM perspective, besides that ... I got mad when Bruce was left out; even that USA BBall is going in the rigth direction when they decided to create a process, but they chose a bunch of stars.

Probably less stars an more role player would be the key to States recovering the place they like to have.


To me a star is somebody that wins a playoff game by scoring ZERO points, but making the crucial block in the last seconds.
To me a star is someone that knows how to win.
Bowen is a star.
James is not. For the time being, he is circus.

[sendman]

The mighty have fallen….again!
Now they can go home and SALUTE the nation.

[velik_m]

Rules?

Greece is a state the size of Indiana.
And with far less basketball players.

K cited the greek players by numbers. How good this numebr x was.
He doesn't have the foggiest idea who beat his team.

That's pretty amazing.

what else do you expect from a coach who thought there are 30sec attacks in FIBA?

[sendman]

what else do you expect from a coach who thought there are 30sec attacks in FIBA?
:lol :lol :lol

[Kibic]

Oh don't sell me this crap of how they are not good enough. They are good enough. But, if somebody teaches you lifelong that you must take a shot under the basket no matter what (show time that will give that player $$$ in NBA) then that player doesn't develop some other aspects of the game like passing at the right time to other player that is prepaired to recive such a pass. US offense didn't look smooth for 9/10 of the time. Only few times they managed to crack down Greek defense with those kind of plays. On the other side Greeks were selling P&R for about 25 minutes and there was no answer from US bench.
It was pathetic to watch US efforts. Hinrich and CP were completely clueless and Spanoulis looked like monster, and we all know that he isn't. He is good, but not that good.
Yes and then he is not good enough to be the World champion!
No hard feelings!

[MarkCuban]

Manu played in Italy.
He won.

He played for Argentina.
He won.

He played for the Spurs.

He won.

The common issue was complaining then getting rule changes in your favor.

Basketball is about complaining then getting rule changes in your favor.

When you are sending Bowen home, you are sending a wrong message.

:spin

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

I'm glad they got Coach K to run this thing. Attention all Duke opponents: the pick and roll is your friend :lol

[samikeyp]

Congrats to Greece....they played a great game and earned a great win. Its going to be a learning process for Team USA but I still think they are on the right path. Despite the opinion of most international fans of Americans...I can give credit where it is due. Hopefully we can get a Bronze.

[Kamnik]

Congrats to Greece....they played a great game and earned a great win. Its going to be a learning process for Team USA but I still think they are on the right path. Despite the opinion of most international fans of Americans...I can give credit where it is due. Hopefully we can get a Bronze.

i agree the path is right

but the head coach isnt what he should be

[Obstructed_View]

That was beautiful basketball from Greece. It was a clinic, and was inspiring to watch. USA played incredibly good and disciplined defense in the first quarter and Greece just found a way to beat it over and over. Great game to watch. Just a dismantling of team USA.

[temujin]

Congrats to Greece....they played a great game and earned a great win. Its going to be a learning process for Team USA but I still think they are on the right path. Despite the opinion of most international fans of Americans...I can give credit where it is due. Hopefully we can get a Bronze.


I agree.
Another bronze after the landmark third in Athens 2004 would be extremely gratifying.

And one last thing:
Will those in charge, please scrape that last zero on paychecks?

[ALVAREZ6]

And one last thing:
Will those in charge, please scrape that last zero on paychecks?
What pay checks?

[samikeyp]

I agree.
Another bronze after the landmark third in Athens 2004 would be extremely gratifying.

And one last thing:
Will those in charge, please scrape that last zero on paychecks?

and people call us bad sports. :rolleyes

[dbestpro]

It's strange on a team with Lebron and Wade that Carmelo became the go to guy. He isn't even an allstar and the two best young allstars in the league were asked to be his side kicks.

[Obstructed_View]

It's strange on a team with Lebron and Wade that Carmelo became the go to guy. He isn't even an allstar and the two best young allstars in the league were asked to be his side kicks.
Carmelo may not be a better all around player than Wade or James, which is arguable, but he is probably the best scorer of the three. Carmelo wasn't handling the ball or bringing it up. Their problem was allowing a team that was averaging 80 ppg to score over a hundred anyway.

[gus]

Carmelo may not be a better all around player than Wade or James, which is arguable, but he is probably the best scorer of the three. Carmelo wasn't handling the ball or bringing it up. Their problem was allowing a team that was averaging 80 ppg to score over a hundred anyway.


Amen to that.

USA over Argentina by 20.- Argentina has no legs right now.

[sendman]

Carmelo may not be a better all around player than Wade or James, which is arguable, but he is probably the best scorer of the three. Carmelo wasn't handling the ball or bringing it up. Their problem was allowing a team that was averaging 80 ppg to score over a hundred anyway.
Almost every team scored around 100 against US team. That is not because they play bad defense, it's because they play much faster game, and scores are higher because of it. Defending P&R was just one problem today, even bigger problem was offense against settled Greek defense. Team USA simply sucked at that.

[Obstructed_View]

Almost every team scored around 100 against US team. That is not because they play bad defense, it's because they play much faster game, and scores are higher because of it. Defending P&R was just one problem today, even bigger problem was offense against settled Greek defense. Team USA simply sucked at that.
The US allowed 75 ppg over the last five before today. Greece averaged about 80 before today. Today's game was not up-tempo, so by your logic the fact that they allowed 100 points is further proof that their defense was abysmal.

[gus]

My predictions right now

1.- Greece
2.- Spain ( without Gasol they have no chance )
3.- USA
4.- Argentina ( Argentina won't have the legs to beat USA )

Gus

[sendman]

The US allowed 75 ppg over the last five before today. Greece averaged about 80 before today. Today's game was not up-tempo, so by your logic the fact that they allowed 100 points is further proof that their defense was abysmal.

If you watched US games against Puerto Rico,China and Slovenia you could see that Amercan team was able to enforce their game to the opponents. Today, after quick start and a lot of cockines at time outs (James was saying something about "They don't know what to do") Greece was able to take the game to the pace they liked. When they got comfortable the whole hell broke loose for team USA.

[Kibic]

My predictions right now

1.- Greece
2.- Spain ( without Gasol they have no chance )
3.- USA
4.- Argentina ( Argentina won't have the legs to beat USA )

Gus

1.- Greece
2.- Spain ( less than 5 points diference )
3.- Argentina ( Easy )
4.- USA

[Obstructed_View]

If you watched US games against Puerto Rico,China and Slovenia you could see that Amercan team was able to enforce their game to the opponents. Today, after quick start and a lot of cockines at time outs (James was saying something about "They don't know what to do") Greece was able to take the game to the pace they liked. When they got comfortable the whole hell broke loose for team USA.
None of which supports your earlier contention that the USA's offense was the reason they lost. The USA couldn't hit free throws, took bad shots and passed up good shots. All that pales in comparison to the fact that they allowed 87 points in three quarters to Greece.

[Louae]

The question was why didn't the US players congratulate the Greece players. Your missing the point at hand. It wasn't about the team celebrating it was the fact that they did it as soon as the game was over. Celebrate all you want, but the least you can do is shake hands with the competition first.

You lost me there. The Greece players were celebrating immediately after the game and continued to do so for awhile. It was nice that some of the US players stayed and waited for them to finish their victory dance to shake hands, but I'm not knocking the US players for not waiting around for the Greek players to be ready.

[Brutalis]

Uh I would have left and still had my balls intact to do it.

[Obstructed_View]

You lost me there. The Greece players were celebrating immediately after the game and continued to do so for awhile. It was nice that some of the US players stayed and waited for them to finish their victory dance to shake hands, but I'm not knocking the US players for not waiting around for the Greek players to be ready.
I thought it was classy of Carmelo to stand there and wait for them to finish celebrating to congratulate them.

[Sway]

Props to the Greek team and fans. They played a good game and deserved the win.

Even though Team USA lost I am still proud of how they represented us. No one can say that they didn’t give 100% effort or that they didn’t care.

[bdictjames]

It was a huge upset. I thought Team USA was ready to go for the gold but seems like they can't handle crunchtime. I hope they realize that Bowen should be in the team and Battier should be cut. Have you seen Greece do the three pointers? And we nned a bigger man to handle Baby Shaq.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

USA will never win jack shit as long as they focus the team roster on jersey sales.

How can you preach defense and team unity, then appoint the GM of a team who lobbied the NBA to change the rules to limit perimeter defense to build it, and fill the staff with coaches who are offense first types?

Stupid.

[picnroll]

Personally I'm glad that the mighty saviour's coach K and Colangelo got their asses handed to them.

[nbascribe]

I gotta agree with Hoopsfan.....

This team lacked the 'fundamental' basketball skills of playing REGULAR basketball.

As long as you haven NBA players on this roster, they will continue to play the NBAE style of ball, i.e. entertainment style instead of competitive style.

This team made some horrific mistakes in the tournament that weren't capitalized on by their opponents but Greece saw them and they did capitalize. The main problem for Team USA is that they can't hit an outside shot to save their lives nor do they know when to take a three and manage the game.

These teams are forcing Team USA to use what they think is a strength (i.e. dunking) and turning it on them as a weakness.

We simply don't get it...it's not about the dunk at this level; it is all about the team play, shooting and not letting your opponent set up in a zone defense.

ARGENTINA: hey Greece how do you beat Team USA?

GREECE: Play a zone defense.

[Louae]

It was a huge upset. I thought Team USA was ready to go for the gold but seems like they can't handle crunchtime. I hope they realize that Bowen should be in the team and Battier should be cut. Have you seen Greece do the three pointers? And we nned a bigger man to handle Baby Shaq.

I totally disagree. Battier proved his worth last night and for the WC for that matter. But you could make a case that Bowen would've have been a better player to have on hand than Brad Miller.

[nbascribe]

I totally disagree. Battier proved his worth last night and for the WC for that matter. But you could make a case that Bowen would've have been a better player to have on hand than Brad Miller.

Totally disagree with the Bowen take. It's not about defense for Team USA; it's about offensive punch and the ability to not let the opponent set up zone defenses. Even though Team USA won all their games but this one so far, look at the games in which they struggled from the field. More than likely the opponent implemented a zone defense and forced the slashers and drivers into jump shooters. American basketball players do not have the art of the jump shot in their arsenal any more.

[Nashfan]

Team USA did not play team ball. Too many isolation plays and LeBron, and Wade dribbled the ball too much and did not pass that often to open players. I haven't looked at the box score yet but it seemed like Wade, James and Anthony took the majority of the shots. Anthony was shooting better than the other two but when Howard was in there he was getting dunks and getting rebounds. He would have also helped on defense by blocking shots and clogging up the lane so they would not have had a layup drill on the USA. Freethrows were horrible, if they would have let Joe Johnson drive to the basket or even allow him to shoot it more than they did at least he would have most likely made his freethrows. Bad coaching decisions by Coach K on the players he played in this game. LeBron and Wade do not play well in the international game. Too much one on one play by these two and running the clock down so there is not much of a shot selection left except desperation. Just my two cents.

[Supergirl]

I called it - Spurs wouldn't win without Bowen.

I'm not saying he would have made the difference, but he might have helped. He can hit from the outside, he's used to big time games, and he's confident, poised, and doesn't give up on defense. USA was exposed.

My bigger shock was the Spain beat Argentina. I predict Argentina comes back to pound the USA for the bronze.

[sabar]

Poor FT shooting
Excellent FG% in 2pt range from Greece
Poor 3pt% by USA

USA could have won, but the dice didn't fall their way. Allowed far too many uncontested shots near the basket, I blame the poor defense. Greece just played better.

Kobe's 3pt shooting would have been very welcome.

Coach lost it in the 2nd half. Defense just vanished.

We did quite well for players that don't play together for extended periods of time in a new system. Send over Detroit/Dallas/Spurs team over there and give time with the system and the USA would steamroll every team. Bring an international team into the NBA and they will have a win record of .500-.600.

Different systems make a large difference. Unfamiliarity with team mates and other teams. Imagine if team USA had 50 exhibition games and then the championships. And imagine if it was the same team over 10 years. The international game has caught up. They play good team ball and we have to get the system down. I think team USA did extremely well given the conditions. Bring over the Greece team into the NBA playoffs and see how far they get.

[adidas11]

You people have it all wrong.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. The reason why Team USA lost was because they haven't had enough time to play together as a cohesive unit. And because we haven't had a consistent system in place for an extended period of time like the international teams. (i.e. Coach K being the head coach).

Here is what happens. When you're a team that hasn't played together much, and you encounter a pressure situation, you revert back to your individual instincts. You don't have a proper game plan, you don't have the proper experience playing together to counter the pressure situations. As NBA basketball players, that instinct is to play isolation and try to break teams down, and to chuck up 3 pointers. You can't expect Team USA to be able to beat GOOD international national teams with only a month of practice. These teams have been together and played under the same system for YEARS. They know how to react under pressure situations as a team because of experience together, and enough practice under one coach and one system.

I'm proud of Team USA, and they got as far as I expected them to. This wasn't an upset. Greece is the European Champion, and as of right now, is the BETTER TEAM. All Team USA had going for them in this tournament was to high pressure other teams, and depend on their athleticism to beat their opponents. Which is what you do when you're not familiar with each other. The problem is, being more athletic and high pressuring other teams won't work when you run against a good enough team that can handle that pressure. And as you get further into the tournament, you will eventually run into the 3 or 4 teams that can handle that pressure. Greece being one of them.

Team USA is on the right track, by having a coach and a team together for a 3 year (or however long it is) committment. This way, they get to play together (or at least practice together) next summer, and then play in the following summer as well. They have established a national team pool, where they can continually evaluate players, and try to put together the best team at the right time.

But they need to take it a step further: they need to implement a FULL TIME coach. Not a part time coach like Coach K, who also coaches the Duke Blue Devils. It needs to be a full time coach, who can travel extensively and evaluate players in the league throughout the year, and also travel and evaluate opponents when they play as well.

We did a lot of right things in this tournament. The attitude was good, the team was better put together, the approach was improved. But we have to take the next step in order to beat the elite international teams. We have to play together more often.

I'd also like to say that Sabar has it right as well. Team USA played as well as they possibly could under the present conditions.

[sendman]

None of which supports your earlier contention that the USA's offense was the reason they lost. The USA couldn't hit free throws, took bad shots and passed up good shots. All that pales in comparison to the fact that they allowed 87 points in three quarters to Greece.
I'm not saying that US team played great defense, I'm saying that Greeks managed to slow down American scoring. They were scoring about 120 per game for the first three games and then other teams started to figure out ways to slow US scoring down (bad free throws helped, bad shot selection certainly also helped, but who made them take those bad shots, who made them go to the line when shot was not falling?). Italy showed the way and others followed. Pace of the game was crucial for the outcome, and Greeks were in complete control of it.

[Das Texan]

Why the hell was Coach K with his wealth of international knowledge the coach of this team anyway?

[adidas11]

Why the hell was Coach K with his wealth of international knowledge the coach of this team anyway?

That's the problem. There isn't a coach available that has a wealth of international knowledge. To get that experience, you have to have a full time coach for an EXTENDED period of time. At least 4 years. I wouldn't mind Coach K doing it, but to do it properly, he would have to quit Duke. We have to quit appointing coaches who are already under contract with other teams.

[sendman]

You people have it all wrong.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. The reason why Team USA lost was because they haven't had enough time to play together as a cohesive unit. And because we haven't had a consistent system in place for an extended period of time like the international teams. (i.e. Coach K being the head coach).

Here is what happens. When you're a team that hasn't played together much, and you encounter a pressure situation, you revert back to your individual instincts. You don't have a proper game plan, you don't have the proper experience playing together to counter the pressure situations. As NBA basketball players, that instinct is to play isolation and try to break teams down, and to chuck up 3 pointers. You can't expect Team USA to be able to beat GOOD international national teams with only a month of practice. These teams have been together and played under the same system for YEARS. They know how to react under pressure situations as a team because of experience together, and enough practice under one coach and one system.

I'm proud of Team USA, and they got as far as I expected them to. This wasn't an upset. Greece is the European Champion, and as of right now, is the BETTER TEAM. All Team USA had going for them in this tournament was to high pressure other teams, and depend on their athleticism to beat their opponents. Which is what you do when you're not familiar with each other. The problem is, being more athletic and high pressuring other teams won't work when you run against a good enough team that can handle that pressure. And as you get further into the tournament, you will eventually run into the 3 or 4 teams that can handle that pressure. Greece being one of them.

Team USA is on the right track, by having a coach and a team together for a 3 year (or however long it is) committment. This way, they get to play together (or at least practice together) next summer, and then play in the following summer as well. They have established a national team pool, where they can continually evaluate players, and try to put together the best team at the right time.

But they need to take it a step further: they need to implement a FULL TIME coach. Not a part time coach like Coach K, who also coaches the Duke Blue Devils. It needs to be a full time coach, who can travel extensively and evaluate players in the league throughout the year, and also travel and evaluate opponents when they play as well.

We did a lot of right things in this tournament. The attitude was good, the team was better put together, the approach was improved. But we have to take the next step in order to beat the elite international teams. We have to play together more often.

I'd also like to say that Sabar has it right as well. Team USA played as well as they possibly could under the present conditions.

This year US team had enough time to prepare. They played enough friendly games, they were together for the same amount of time as all the other teams. International teams don't play together for years like you are preaching. Players of all this national teams competing at WC are scattered all over the world and playing for their teams and they get together about a month before the championship to prepare themselves. Your argument that other teams are playing together for long time is completely bogus, and was already used before to make an excuse.

[Bob Lanier]

Dookie Krizewski chokes again. :smokin

Jerry Colangelo can suck it.

[sendman]

Why the hell was Coach K with his wealth of international knowledge the coach of this team anyway?
Coach K is having Mike D'Antoni on his staff. This guy played in Europe for a long time, this guy was a head coach in European top teams for a long time and I just don't understand what they were doing with this team for a month and a half, because today this team looked lost for last 3 Q.

[adidas11]

This year US team had enough time to prepare. They played enough friendly games, they were together for the same amount of time as all other teams. International teams don't play together like you are preaching. Players of all this national teams competing at WC are scattered all over the world and playing for their teams and they get together about a month before the championship to prepare themselves. Your argument that other teams are playing together for long time is completely bogus, and was already used before to make an excuse.


Sure. I'm willing to bet that in previous years, even going back as far as the Olympics and the previous World Basketball championships, that the same teams were together (for the most part) and that the same coaches were in place as well. Also, you're acting as if Greece has never played together. Yet they participated AND won the European Basketball Championships.

Plus, in the Euro leagues, they have a much shorter season than the NBA.

Even though the teams might have had the same amount of time this summer to prepare, they have a head start by simple virtue of having played together as a cohesive unit in previous years.

Go do some research.

[sendman]

Sure. I'm willing to bet that in previous years, even going back as far as the Olympics and the previous World Basketball championships, that the same teams were together (for the most part) and that the same coaches were in place as well. Also, you're acting as if Greece has never played together. Yet they participated AND won the European Basketball Championships.

Plus, in the Euro leagues, they have a much shorter season than the NBA.

Even though the teams might have had the same amount of time this summer to prepare, they have a head start by simple virtue of having played together as a cohesive unit in previous years.

Go do some research.
Dude I'm from Europe, so don't teach me how things work on our side of the pond. I'm following most European players all year around. Top teams in Europe are playing in at least 3 different competitions every season (Euroleague, Domestic league and Cup). Amount of games played by top teams is very close if not the same as in NBA. You go do some research, sigh!

[DarkReign]

Is it so hard to just admit the US got beat pretty handily?

Who cares...Im totally serious. I never cared about international competition. I want my team to win, not the national team.

Congrats Greece! Definately were the better team (as described in this thread).

99% of Americans never watched a game in this tourney. What may have been Greece's biggest game in a loooooong time, Americans didnt even choose to watch.

[ChumpDumper]

The "inexperienced coach" bit doesn't fly when you have D'Antoni on staff. A decade including championships under international rules isn't enough experience?

And a team like Tau is going to be playing from the end of September to the middle of June, so the preperation time is pretty much the same.

This point:
Even though the teams might have had the same amount of time this summer to prepare, they have a head start by simple virtue of having played together as a cohesive unit in previous years.is valid.

We'll see what the USA ends up doing in the Olympics. It's a good thing they'll have to qualify next summer -- more experience.

[mavsfan1000]

Things I think that will give USA a better chance in FIBA play.
1. Make the 3 point closer and allow full blown zone defense in the nba. This will force players to work on their jump shot more and the zone defense will force teams to pass more instead of the star styled game the nba has right now which leads to selfishness.
2. Build the team on defense. This means get the prequisite to making the team is defense. The next things to look at are Basketball IQ, passing, and shot blocking. If this leaves a few superstars out than it is fine. USA has had no problems with scoring but their defense was atrocious.
3. Get a coach that understands the FIBA game. A defense first coach. Especially with the High Screen and roll along with guarding the perimeter.

[adidas11]

The international teams have played together before as a cohesive unit (players and coaching staff) in previous competitions. Team USA has not. It's that plain and simple. Quit acting as if these teams just got together for the first time this summer and started off from the same foot as Team USA.

When push came to shove, Greece knew how they wanted to react to pressure, and how to execute. Team USA didn't. That only comes from having enough experience playing TOGETHER.

Go do some research.

[sendman]

The international teams have played together before as a cohesive unit (players and coaching staff) in previous competitions. Team USA has not. It's that plain and simple. Quit acting as if these teams just got together for the first time this summer and started off from the same foot as Team USA.

When push came to shove, Greece knew how they wanted to react to pressure, and how to execute. Team USA didn't. That only comes from having enough experience playing TOGETHER.

Go do some research.
Backbone of this US team was made out of players that were playing at Olympic games in Athens (James, Wade, Carmelo). This guys are playing with or against each other on nightly bases, it's not like they fell from the moon. Previous US team coach got dumped for bad results (nothing new for any sport), so what are you saying?

Don’t do any research, it’s a waste of time. Too damn hard.

[mavsfan1000]

The international teams have played together before as a cohesive unit (players and coaching staff) in previous competitions. Team USA has not. It's that plain and simple. Quit acting as if these teams just got together for the first time this summer and started off from the same foot as Team USA.

When push came to shove, Greece knew how they wanted to react to pressure, and how to execute. Team USA didn't. That only comes from having enough experience playing TOGETHER.

Go do some research.
The research is this team was poorly constructed just like last team. They keep throwing all the superstars and expect them to be role players. Why not get real role players that don't need to score to be effective. Battier and Howard were the closest to this. Carmelo, Wade, and Lebron were the defensive liabilities on this team.

[ChumpDumper]

Why not get real role players that don't need to score to be effective. Battier and Howard were the closest to this. Carmelo, Wade, and Lebron were the defensive liabilities on this team.You take that back!

Sincerely,

Nike

[sendman]

You take that back!

Sincerely,

Nike
:lol :lol :lol

[2centsworth]

As soon as Americans accept that the best basketball is being playing internationally the faster we will see better results in these games.

I think the American basketball team is headed in the right direction. They showed a lot of improvement over the past two teams. They were undefeated in the prelims and a few correction away from making the gold medal game. That is a lot better than we have seen recently which means to me we're headed in the right direction.

[ShoogarBear]

As soon as Americans accept that the best basketball is being playing internationally the faster we will see better results in these games.

I think the American basketball team is headed in the right direction. They showed a lot of improvement over the past two teams. They were undefeated in the prelims and a few correction away from making the gold medal game. That is a lot better than we have seen recently which means to me we're headed in the right direction.

This will be known as the official "Saint K" response.

How about: the USA could/should have won THIS time if the coaching was less pig-headed?

[E20]

I can't believe USA lost. I really remember Potapenko giving Duncan fits at Athens.

[sendman]

From Yahoo sports:

As they warmed up before Friday's semifinal against Greece, the U.S. players put on a jam session for the fans.

Dwight Howard dunked emphatically. Dwyane Wade bounced the ball off the backboard, caught it and stuffed. Elton Brand jammed an alley-oop pass. Finally, LeBron James flew down the lane for a tomahawk.

As the crowd roared, the Greeks lined up at the other end and shot free throws.

This is THE BEST SUMMARY of everything we talked about.

[The Genius]

Wooooooo. I'm quite shocked.

[mavsfan1000]

From Yahoo sports:

As they warmed up before Friday's semifinal against Greece, the U.S. players put on a jam session for the fans.

Dwight Howard dunked emphatically. Dwyane Wade bounced the ball off the backboard, caught it and stuffed. Elton Brand jammed an alley-oop pass. Finally, LeBron James flew down the lane for a tomahawk.

As the crowd roared, the Greeks lined up at the other end and shot free throws.

This is THE BEST SUMMARY of everything we talked about.
Man fuck this team. All they want to do is dunk and be selfish. I'm glad Greece won. They were more interested in winning than showing off.

[polandprzem]

Wooooooo. I'm quite shocked.

Good you didn't start a new thread.







:D

[The Genius]

Good you didn't start a new thread.







:D

My apologies. I just got home from practice and just saw the games. I was like, "Mother-trucker"

[MarkCuban]

Man fuck this team. All they want to do is dunk and be selfish. I'm glad Greece won. They were more interested in winning than showing off.

im going to make this a serious post.

this team has not grown up. ESPN is saying how much more mature Melo, Wade, James have become. dont fool your selves. thats nonsense. the stupid salute that they do. they act like theyre trying to be funny. when they dunk on somebody they will just stand there staring at a player so the camera will capture them.

but when it comes to crunch time, they are a one-on-one selfish team looking to point fingers. on the bright side, they atleast are getting better teammates i.e. Battier, Jamison, Miller, Bowen, J. Johnson who arent looking to bask in the spotlight. this is a step ahead of Marbury, Jefferson, AI, Duncan.

[timvp]

The only time Coach K has ever won anything is when he's had teams with far and away the best talent. He's never taken an average team and made it better. For as much talent as he's had at Duke, his success hasn't been all that great.

And it's not like he breeds winners. The only Duke player to ever win an NBA championship is Danny Ferry.

If the US was serious about winning they'd name Phil Jackson, Jerry Sloan or Pop as coach.

[MarkCuban]

The only time Coach K has ever won anything is when he's had teams with far and away the best talent. He's never taken an average team and made it better. For as much talent as he's had at Duke, his success hasn't been all that great.

And it's not like he breeds winners. The only Duke player to ever win an NBA championship is Danny Ferry.

If the US was serious about winning they'd name Phil Jackson, Jerry Sloan or Pop as coach.

wow

[Slo spurs fan]

The only time Coach K has ever won anything is when he's had teams with far and away the best talent. He's never taken an average team and made it better. For as much talent as he's had at Duke, his success hasn't been all that great.

And it's not like he breeds winners. The only Duke player to ever win an NBA championship is Danny Ferry.

If the US was serious about winning they'd name Phil Jackson, Jerry Sloan or Pop as coach.
They will. Sooner than you think.

[polandprzem]

The only time Coach K has ever won anything is when he's had teams with far and away the best talent. He's never taken an average team and made it better. For as much talent as he's had at Duke, his success hasn't been all that great.

And it's not like he breeds winners. The only Duke player to ever win an NBA championship is Danny Ferry.

If the US was serious about winning they'd name Phil Jackson, Jerry Sloan or Pop as coach.


He had sooo much talent but just Ferry won a championship - interesting.

[sendman]

The only time Coach K has ever won anything is when he's had teams with far and away the best talent. He's never taken an average team and made it better. For as much talent as he's had at Duke, his success hasn't been all that great.

And it's not like he breeds winners. The only Duke player to ever win an NBA championship is Danny Ferry.

If the US was serious about winning they'd name Phil Jackson, Jerry Sloan or Pop as coach.
Let me get this...
He won his titles with loosers who had far and away best talent?
Then he can't be that bad.

[Spurologist]

The only time Coach K has ever won anything is when he's had teams with far and away the best talent. He's never taken an average team and made it better. For as much talent as he's had at Duke, his success hasn't been all that great.

And it's not like he breeds winners. The only Duke player to ever win an NBA championship is Danny Ferry.

If the US was serious about winning they'd name Phil Jackson, Jerry Sloan or Pop as coach.

You are going a bit too far on Coach K. He built the Duke program from scratch. You could say he got lucky along the way, but he has to get a lot of the credit. Coach K is not only the face of Duke basketball, but the face of the entire university. That alone is an accomplish in its self.

Pop is a good coach but he has been blessed with numerous all stars that have given him 3 rings and a coach of the year award. It's all about what you do with that talent that matters.

[LaMarcus Bryant]

the holy document of fiba law shall not be changed
so sayeth the timvp

[Slomo]

As they warmed up before Friday's semifinal against Greece, the U.S. players put on a jam session for the fans.

Dwight Howard dunked emphatically. Dwyane Wade bounced the ball off the backboard, caught it and stuffed. Elton Brand jammed an alley-oop pass. Finally, LeBron James flew down the lane for a tomahawk.

As the crowd roared, the Greeks lined up at the other end and shot free throws.

This epitaph is worthy of hanging in any basketball locker room.

[Slomo]

http://www.cikava.com/gallery/albums/Photoshop_madness/Tombstone.jpg...

[G0D]

http://www.cikava.com/gallery/albums/Photoshop_madness/Tombstone.jpg...

thou shalt not tamper with thy gravestones.

(it says RIP for a reason :flipoff)

[CharlieMac]

Shane Battier "hustling" means grabbing an opposing player's leg while you are on the floor.

Carmelo Anthiony likes to shoot.

Free throw shooting is important?

Team USA loses.

[Solid D]

:lol very clever Slomo.

I watched the replay of the game just now and the Greeks could have won that game in any arena in the US, rectangle or trapezoid lane. The Greeks ran a pro-style offense, lifting their players and then ran dribble hand-offs and high screen rolls. They had nice perimeter rotation after the penetration. Most importantly they hit their shots.

It became grossly obvious that Team USA was ill-equipped to handled this offense. They switched the screens 90% of the time and none of the help defenders did much to rotate to help other than flag at the roll man or driver. Heinrich and Paul are horrible help defenders and Joe Johnson wasn't strong enough to stay in front of his man after the first move.

On offense, the US team seldom ran a zone offense. They didn't screen enough, they didn't reverse the ball enough, and they didn't use many ball-fakes to move the zone or skip passes either for that matter. Four things you need to do to attack a zone. They just passed it around the perimeter a couple of times and either settled for 3s or resorted to one-on-one dribble penetration.

Maybe the coaching staff didn't have time to put in a rotating team defense but I saw no creativity nor imagination. We are used to seeing Pop or Avery calling a timeout when a team gets to the basket on two straight possessions with weak help D. We saw none of that today with Team USA.

[V-2]

Greece runs alot of Rick Pittino's stuff. I think the Americans were expecting them to play zone D because Germany's tactics were quite successful for a couple of quarters.

[Solid D]

Greece did run a Zone...a lot. In fact, when Greece went to the 2-3, it helped to send them on their 22-5 run.

[jbspurs]

You mean Dwight Howard. I don't know why he didn't get much playing time in the second half. He had a nice first half.

YEAH DWIGHT HOWARD! MY BAD!! LOL

[Lady M]

how many captains? 3
if you can't chose the chief you go nowhere
and all the captains want to be superman for save the country

[Renu_]

The international teams have played together before as a cohesive unit (players and coaching staff) in previous competitions. Team USA has not. It's that plain and simple. Quit acting as if these teams just got together for the first time this summer and started off from the same foot as Team USA.

When push came to shove, Greece knew how they wanted to react to pressure, and how to execute. Team USA didn't. That only comes from having enough experience playing TOGETHER.

Go do some research.

BINGO!

[Slomo]

Better knowledge of the FIBA/Euro game is a bullshit argument. I mean it's not rocket science. I'm too lazy to review the game but if you would put aside all the calls/TO that were a result of the rules difference, I believe the US would still have lost.

Also it's not about who plays or has played team basketball longer together it's the willingness to do so. I'm convinced that the US has the needed talent to overcome any lack of knowledge of the FIBA rules, what it lacks is a team spirit. So for that reason Mike D'Antoni is just as wrong a choice for head coach as K. was/is (although D'Antoni as assistant is probably a good thing). You need a coach who will be able to shape the players in to a team, a coach that will put discipline before popularity when deciding who's on the court.

And finally you need a coach who not only preach defense but actually makes it a priority. Was Bruce indispensable to the US team? I don't know but him not making the cut definitely sent the wrong message.