Tiago Splitter, FIBA Americas Championship

[ace3g]

http://www.fiba.com/pages/eng/fe/07/fibaAmer/men/teamPlay/play/p/competitioncode//eventid/3965/langid/1/langlc/en/playernumber/37395/roundid/3965/season//teamnumber/250/fe_teamPlay_playStat.html

here is where we can keep track of our draft picks stats'.


Brazil plays the US on August 26, 2007, so we can see how does against NBA talent.
_________________

[lotr1trekkie]

Splitter will be a comlementery player not a Melo. He will contribute at what he does best. It is still a grand delusion that having 5 of the best players makes the best team.

[Darkwaters]

Brazil is about to start their game on NBATV.

I'm currently watching the Texas Rangers blast the Orioles 30 - 3 but will start watching as soon as this slaughter ends.

[objective]

for those without NBA-TV like me, there's also an online simulcast at NBA.com of the NBA-TV feed that should also have the game.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Brazil is about to start their game on NBATV.

I'm currently watching the Texas Rangers blast the Orioles 30 - 3 but will start watching as soon as this slaughter ends.
Today is a happy day to be a Rangers fan. :)

[objective]

Splitter already has 2 fouls halfway through the first

other than a couple of decent rebounds, the only other thing he did of note was carry on the proud Spurs bigman tradition of pumpfaking one's way into getting a shot blocked.

EDIT - might only have one foul. Going into commercial the announcers talked of him getting another foul, but he was still in after the break.

[Darkwaters]

Splitter just had a nice tip in.

[Darkwaters]

Splitter with a nice fast break flourish for 2. He can definitely get up and down the court.

[Darkwaters]

First half is over.

Splitter has had a hard time so far. He seems to be bobbling a lot of passes and there seems to be an overall confusion on the court between some of the Brazilian players. Many of the bobbled passes can be blamed on Leandro Barbosa's non-existant passing skills (he might play with Steve Nash, but he obviously can't play like him).

Splitter does have a lot of rebounds tonight though. He has been grabbing a fair amount of boards as well as showing some good defensive effort. But the entire Brazilian team seems out of sync anyways, so his individual efforts have been overshadowed by team-wide lapses.

Splitter has 6-8 points right now (Brazil has 36 total team points) which have mostly come off of others creating the opportunities for him. He has not been very succesful in the endeavor of creating his own offense and fell apart the one time I saw him put the ball on the floor.

All and all, a forgettable half.

[Spurs Brazil]

I think Tiago played a good D but had a very tough time on offense

As I expected Brazil team is terrible coached. You can see that it's a mess there. Nobony know what to do.

[yavozerb]

I have been impressed with Splitter's passing ability. Runs the floor well, good rebounder, and above average passer. Defense is good (not a shot blocker) and seems to be in good position most of time. At 22 has plenty of time to work on scoring.

[ace3g]

commentators saying that Tiago might have added on some pounds and muscle over the offseason

[Russ]

It will be replayed on Fox Sports Southwest at 11:00 p.m. SA time.

[BeerIsGood!]

As long as Splitter get's rebounds, plays D, and is capable of cleaning the O glass to get points he'll be just what the doctor ordered for the Spurs. A bigger Oberto but probably not as good of a passer

[yavozerb]

He runs the floor almost as well as elson and passes like oberto. A very good mix and as stated can rebound very well.

[ace3g]

man I wish we still had Alex Garcia, he just made a nice simple pass on the fast break for a layup

[Spurs Brazil]

Good to see Alex playing well

[ChumpDumper]

Alex does look good.

[ace3g]

what team does Alex play for right now in overseas

[Spurs Brazil]

He played here in Brazil last season. I don't know where he'll play next year

[Spurs Brazil]

Nice play now for Tiago

[Russ]

Game on the line -- Splitter taking over.

[ace3g]

splitter with a tony parker tear drop

[SequSpur]

Tiago Splitter!

[ChumpDumper]

Splitter keeping both teams in the game.

[Spurs Brazil]

Huge tip in by Tiago

[Spurs Brazil]

Tiago fouled out

[Spurs Brazil]

He finished with 12pts 8rebs

[Russ]

I wanna see Splitter swat one back in Kobe's face. :)

[SequSpur]

Tiago fouled out

Parking Lot Attendant Forum.

[ChumpDumper]

Clutch TO by Carl "I don't have to play summer league to impress NBA teams" English.

[Darkwaters]

Splitter's stat line:

Minutes: 28

Points: 12
FG: 6/9
3PT: 0/0
FT: 0/2

Rebounds: 9
Defensive: 7
Offensive: 2

Assists: 2
Steals: 1
Turnovers: 6
Personal Fouls: 5

http://www.fiba.com/pages/eng/fe/07/fibaAmer/men/scheResu/p/eventid/3965/gamename/1/groupname/B/langid/1/langlc/en/roundid/5730/fe_scheStat_boxScor.html

[Darkwaters]

Splitter had a much stronger second half than first despite the fact that his playing time was sharply curbed by foul trouble as well as eventual ejection. Splitter's inflated turnover count came largely from a flurry of bobbled passes in the first half (largely from bad passes but also likely some rust) as well as a poorly called charge in in the late second half which also rescinded a nice basket (also resulting in his 4th foul).

Splitter's rebounding was as good as advertised. He seems to have been slighted in the rebound department to my estimation (I had 10 boards written down). Had he been credited with that final board it would have tied him with Samuel Dalembert for game high rebounding honors. He showed good fundamentals in the rebounding game and was able to pull in some handy boards. He was clearly the best rebounder on the floor for Brazil.

Tiago's scoring came mostly off of his ability to find open space and receive passes for easy baskets. Rarely did he face much opposition when taking it to the rim. His 3 missed shots came off of an inside move that was cleanly blocked by Dalembert, a horrible 6 or 7 footer that came nowhere close and a wild runner in the lane. His general lack of shooting was largely explained by the sheer volley of shots fired up by Leandro Barbosa. Barbosa's 30 points was overshadowed by the fact that had to take nearly as many attempts (26) to put the points on the board. His selfishness was a large catalyst in Tiago's generally pedestrian offensive game. Splitter's horrid attempt at putting the ball on the floor earlier in the game was, however, replaced by a pair of competant drives in the second half. While one attempt floundered on a foolish off-balance runner in the lane his second attempt at a similar shot looked very sweet and Parker-esque.

Splitter played his typical solid defensive game all night. Rarely did he gamble on blocks preferring not to sacrifice his position. He spent a decent amount of time out on the perimeter as well when the Canadian bigs took it out that far. At times he frustrated me with aspects of his perimeter defense, but he definitely has a solid grasp of the general idea and can probably be coached into a higher level of efficiency. It will be his perimeter defense that will make or break him as a Dirk-stopper. He clearly has all the tools and simply needs to continue to put it all together.

All and all, a fairly good showing for the young man from Brazil. Canada is hardly one of the Argentinas or Spains of the world, but they are clearly a decent team with some legit players. Splitter showed that he is capable of doing all the things that we thought he could and that his offensive game is still...developing. But he clearly has some tools, and we'll just have to see what the Spurs staff can do with this athletic bigman.

[whottt]

His boards per minute look nice. It's easy to see why the Spurs wanted him more than Scola.

What's Scola's rebounding been like anyway?

[oligarchy]

Nazr 2.0 -- stone hands.

[wildbill2u]

Nazr 2.0 -- stone hands.
I don't think so. There's a youtube video of the Euro playoff game which extends over 9 minutes of play. I was particularly impressed in that game by his ability to make the play rolling to the basket where he was making some very tough catches. Scola was out with foul trouble and Splitter simply took over the game at both ends of the court.

It's hard to tell off one game either way, but I'm betting his hands are better than Elson and way better than NAZR.

[oligarchy]

I don't think so. There's a youtube video of the Euro playoff game which extends over 9 minutes of play. I was particularly impressed in that game by his ability to make the play rolling to the basket where he was making some very tough catches. Scola was out with foul trouble and Splitter simply took over the game at both ends of the court.

It's hard to tell off one game either way, but I'm betting his hands are better than Elson and way better than NAZR.

Link?

Just my initial judgement. Though you are right, it's only one game. Watching him reminded me of Nazr, though. Nazr has flashes of a good game, but the same tendancy towards turnovers was shown by Tiago.

[wildbill2u]

Link?

Just my initial judgement. Though you are right, it's only one game. Watching him reminded me of Nazr, though. Nazr has flashes of a good game, but the same tendancy towards turnovers was shown by Tiago.
The link is on several of the Splitter threads here. Or you could go to YouTube and run a search. The thing I liked about the vid was that it wasn't just highlight clips, but an extended view of a game with fouls and misses included.

[urunobili]

His boards per minute look nice. It's easy to see why the Spurs wanted him more than Scola.

What's Scola's rebounding been like anyway?

you're wrong... the spurs didn;t like him MORE than scola... it's just that Scola is too good to have a back up role.. he feels he is a starter.. and this kid... not quite there yet... can;t wait for a semi final (ARG-BRA) so you get to see the matchup by yourself... although... you'll suffer it in the upcoming years in our division...

[boutons_]

I'd like to see Tiago lose some fat. He arms and shoulders are not very well defined. -15 lbs would help his foot speed.

And he needs to put on some muscle for rebounding, but that's for later.

[dbestpro]

I watched the game and was very impressed with the way he ran the floor and attacked the basket for rebounds from the high post, which is something we have not seen since Robinson retired. He has great foot movement and played defense well under the basket or out on the floor. Add in the facts that he will be the main inside scorer for his team this year, his age, the tutelage of Duncan when he gets here, and the shooting coach who probably will make him reinvent his outside shot and this kid looks like he may be a lot better than most in this forum think. He definitely has the motor and desire to play defense that the Spurs like. Besides when is the last time you saw a near 7 footer lay in a tear drop shot?

[objective]

The game tonight against Venezuela was a blowout where Splitter sat the rest of the first half after getting subbed for in the first quarter as Brazil went small, and then only played one stretch starting the third for a total of 15 minutes.

Final line:

15 minutes
13 points (4/6 fg, 4-8 ft)
4 rebounds (1 off)
2 assists
1 block
3 fouls

I wasn't able to pay full attention during his minutes, but according to the box score he hit a 3 pointer.

Anyways, his passing looked very good in the first half, much more like Oberto than Elson, Rasho or Nazr. And he did have a nice block in the 2nd half.

box score link:

http://www.fiba.com/pages/eng/fe/07/fibaAmer/men/scheResu/p/eventid/3965/gamename/5/groupname/B/langid/1/langlc/en/roundid/5730/fe_scheStat_boxScor.html

[phxspurfan]

He had a breakaway dunk attempt that went wrong -- he got about 4 inches off the ground and did the emergency lay-in, TD-style.

[ChumpDumper]

you're wrong... the spurs didn;t like him MORE than scola...You're going to have to produce a link with someone from the Spurs saying that. Otherwise, we can only conclude you are making it up.
it's just that Scola is too good to have a back up role.. he feels he is a starter..So Scola's ego kept him from becoming a Spur -- ok, I'll accept that.
and this kid... not quite there yet... can;t wait for a semi final (ARG-BRA) so you get to see the matchup by yourself... although... you'll suffer it in the upcoming years in our division...We'll be fine. I'm sure I'd overestimate my countrymen's abilities if I lived in a foreign country too.

[T Park]

No one has answered my question yet in that,

How does a 22 year old be "as good as he will ever be"

I mean, did Tony Parker plateau at 22?

If he could improve, why couldn't Tiago?

[Dre_7]

SA could've had Tucker. :depressed

[Whisky Dog]

No one has answered my question yet in that,

How does a 22 year old be "as good as he will ever be"

I mean, did Tony Parker plateau at 22?

If he could improve, why couldn't Tiago?

Splitter still has plenty of room for improvement. He just hasn't shown much improvement over the last couple of years, so people are hastily drawing the conclusion that he can't improve. With a change of scenery and working with the best people in the business when he comes over it's a pretty good chance he'll improve. Even Oberto improved a great deal throughout this season as a seasoned veteran of professional basketball.

[SenorSpur]

Judging from this game along, he appears to be an average to below-average FT shooter, which means he should fit right in with the Spurs.

[wildchild]

Splitter'll have a great improvement with us. He's young and it seems to learn fast.
He has more minutes in his national team than Nene (Denver)? :wow
Nene injured?

[Spurs Brazil]

Tiago played a good game yesterday in limited minutes

I'm very impressed the way he's running the floor. He didn't have that in the beggining of his carrer

[BronxCowboy]

He has some nice qualities. I think he will be a decent NBA player when he gets a little stronger, and he should considering that he's still young.

[planaria]

He had a breakaway dunk attempt that went wrong -- he got about 4 inches off the ground and did the emergency lay-in, TD-style.

Murilo was in his front... :devil

He complained about that :P

[planaria]

Splitter'll have a great improvement with us. He's young and it seems to learn fast.
He has more minutes in his national team than Nene (Denver)? :wow
Nene injured?

Nene had some serious issues with his NBA insurance. So, he couldnt be free for practice until some days before the tournament.

So, the coach is very cautelous with him in the first games.

[planaria]

I wasn't able to pay full attention during his minutes, but according to the box score he hit a 3 pointer.


You´re right. He hit a 3 pointer in the garbage time.

It´s nice because he use to shot treys with a nice % when younger. Nowadays, even his FT shot mechanic looks horrible. Looks like his coach in Spain simply was not very worried with the develpoment of his offensive game...

I hope Pop and cia could do something about that.

[dy-nasty21]

Does Brazil play against the U.S. Anybody know? Could be interesting to see

[duncan228]

Does Brazil play against the U.S. Anybody know? Could be interesting to see

Tomorrow. It will be on ESPN2. 9:00 EST

Schedule on NBA.com.

http://www.nba.com/2007fibaamericas/schedule.html

[lotr1trekkie]

21 min/game , 12 pts, shot 66%, 4 assists. Looks like a Spur to me!

[phxspurfan]

21 min/game , 12 pts, shot 66%, 4 assists. Looks like a Spur to me!


Yep, I almost fell asleep while reading that stat line. He's a keeper

[Spurs Brazil]

Today against VI, 10pts 5rebs in 16 minutes

[T Park]

Itll be interesting to see what he does with increased touches, and more minutes with Tao Ceramica.

Scola might have hampered his development.

[objective]

Today against VI, 10pts 5rebs in 16 minutes

damn, i missed the game.

Anything stand out regarding his performance in today's game?

[Spurs Brazil]

damn, i missed the game.

Anything stand out regarding his performance in today's game?

He didn't play well in the 1st half but was Brazil best player in the 3rd but with 4 minutes to go in the quarter he picked his 4th foul and did not comeback

I'm happy with his D. He's playing solid D in all games

[AFBlue]

I'm happiest with his rebounding. He really seems to have good timing and hands to grab the boards.

[jaespur21]

im watchin the game right now on FSN. against the Virgin Islands.
hope he plays well

[whottt]

His biggest problem is that he's pretty foul prone....at least in this tournament. His humbers would be a lot better if he wasn't missing so much PT due to fouls.

[Whisky Dog]

His biggest problem is that he's pretty foul prone....at least in this tournament. His humbers would be a lot better if he wasn't missing so much PT due to fouls.

Duncan couldn't stay on the court in FIBA games due to fouls. Some players just have a hard time with the crazy officiating and pick up more fouls than they would in the more physical NBA game. I'm guessing his main issue in the NBA will be adjusting to that difference in physicality.

[Cansal]

BUENASSSSSSSS ESTE EMAIL VA DIRIGIDO A TODOS AQUELLOS QUE DUDAN DEL EXCELENTE JUGADOR QUE ES HOY POR HOY TIAGO SPLITTER Y QUE PONEN EN ENTRE DICHO TODAS SUS CUALIDADES POR EL SIMPLE HECHO DE VER UN PARTIDO PREPARATORIO PARA LAS OLIMPIADAS DEL 2007.

LLEVO SIGUIENDO A ESTE JUGADOR 5 AÑOS DESDE QUE LLEGO AL TAU Y SOLO TENGO QUE DECIROS QUE NO SABEIS LA SUERTE QUE HABEIS TENIDO CON SU ELECCION EN EL DRAFT.
ADEMAS DE SALIROS MUY BARATO AL CAMBIO OS HABEIS LLEVADO A UNO DE LOS MEJORES PIVOST DE LA ACB!!!!!!!!!!!!. MEJORES CUALIDADES: PESE A MEDIR MAS DE 2 METROS CORRE COMO COMO UNA GACELA, SUBE Y BAJA POR TODO EL CAMPO PELEANDO TODOS LOS BALONES, ES UN GRAN BLOQUEADOR QUE FACILITA MUCHISIMO LOS TIROS DE 3 DE LOS ALEROS Y TIENE UNA GRAN VISION DE JUEGO, ES UN GRAN PASADOR Y COMO DEFENSA NO TIENE PALABRAS. ACASO NO HABEIS VISTO NINGUN VIDEO DE LA EUROLIGA????????????? ME RIO DE TODOS AQUELLOS QUE LE DESPRECIAS SIN CONOCERLE, HACE MENOS DE 1 MES OS QUEJABAIS DE QUE ERA UN DESCONOCIDO Y AHORA POR VERLE UN PARTIDO OS PENSAIS QUE YA PODEIS DECIR TAJANTEMENTE SI SERA O NO UNA GRAN ESTRELLA EN LA NBA.......ACASO TIM DUNCAN, TONY PARKER, OBERTO ARRASARON NADA MAS LLEGAR??????? ES JOVENCISIMO Y TIENE MUCHISIMO QUE APRENDER PERO SOLO OS DIGO QUE SI LLEGA, LE DAN MINUTOS Y PUEDE DEMOSTRAR TODO LO QUE TIENE NOS OS DEFRAUDARA ES UN TIO CON MUCHA GARRA Y NO DA NI UNA BOLA POR PERDIDA OS LO ASEGURO. :hat

[Cansal]

Itll be interesting to see what he does with increased touches, and more minutes with Tao Ceramica.

Scola might have hampered his development.

ESTOY TOTALMENTE DEACUERDO!!!!!! EL HECHO DE QUE SCOLA SEA EL CAPITAN DEL EQUIPO HA HECHO QUE TENGA UNA MAYOR RESPONSABILIDAD Y QUE HAYA TENIDO QUE JUGARSE O TENIDO LA POSIBILIDAD DE JUGARSE 90% DE LOS BALONES QUE HA HABIDO EN JUEGO. POR ESO PIENSO,QUE ESTE AÑO PUEDE SER UN GRAN AÑO PARA TIAGO SI COGE UN MAYOR PESO Y RECIBE LOS MISMOS BALONES QUE SCOLA. PORQUE POR MUY BUENO QUE SEAS TODO EL MUNDO NECESITA BALONES PARA JUGARSELA SINO PORQUE SCOLA METE 20 PTOS POR PARTIDO???????? ACASO NADIE SE FIJA EN LAS ESTDISTICAS???????? :spin

[bigfish22]

Did anyone just see Splitter's block on Amare's dunk?

They called it a foul, but it looked clean.

[tmtcsc]

Yeah, that was clean and all Bill Walton could talk about was some damn concert in Brazil. Goofball, no one cares. Splitter is going to be good for us.

[Cansal]

I have been impressed with Splitter's passing ability. Runs the floor well, good rebounder, and above average passer. Defense is good (not a shot blocker) and seems to be in good position most of time. At 22 has plenty of time to work on scoring.
Nota de agencia

Splitter cree que el TAU conseguirá "grandes cosas" pese a la baja de ScolaPese a la ausencia de Luis Scola, Tiago Splitter se ha mostrado convencido de que el TAU Cerámica "va a conseguir grandes cosas este año"


Tiago Splitter, uno de los líderes de Brasil en el Torneo de las Américas (Foto EFE)


Las Vegas (Estados Unidos), 25 ago. 2007 (EFE).- El pívot brasileño del TAU Céramica Tiago Splitter considera que su equipo conseguirá "grandes cosas" en una temporada en la que ya no compartirá banquillo con el hispano-argentino Luis Scola, nuevo fichaje de los Houston Rockets, de la NBA.

"Conseguir olvidar a Luis Scola será complicado, pero creo que vamos a conseguir grandes cosas este año", dijo a EFE el jugador brasileño, que disputa con la selección de su país el Torneo Preolímpico, en Las Vegas (Estados Unidos), clasificatorio para Pekín 2008.

Splitter comentó que el conjunto vitoriano "ha fichado a grandes jugadores" y, por tanto, sólo queda comprobar si logran "funcionar como equipo".

El pívot, que hoy anotó 10 puntos en el partido que Brasil le ganó a Islas Vírgenes (89-93), destacó que el encuentro de mañana contra Estados Unidos, último de la primera fase de competición, será "especial" para él.

"Va a ser increíble enfrentarse a ellos, algo muy especial", señaló el brasileño, quien admitió que habrá muchos ojos pendientes de él tras haber sido seleccionado en el 'draft' (sorteo universitario) de este año por los Spurs de San Antonio. :clap :clap :clap

[objective]

Splitter finished with

26 minutes
13 points (6-10)
9 rebounds (3 off)
1 block
2 fouls
2 turnovers
0 assists credited though I'm pretty sure he had a good one early

http://www.2007lasvegas.fibaamericas.com/pages/eng/fe/07/fibaAmer/men/scheResu/p/eventid//gamename/10/groupname/B/langid//langlc//roundid/5730/fe_scheStat_boxScor.html

[Switchman]

I really think he could easily get 10 pts a night with the passers we have on the Spurs.

Brazil had plenty of chances to bounce pass it to the helper under the basket for an easy score.

[tmtcsc]

Anyone comparing Ian to Splitter right now is uninformed. Tiago actually can play and compete at a high level. I think Ian will be lucky to even make the team in 2 years.

[Obstructed_View]

I was looking forward to seeing Splitter playing with Nene, who's a low post scorer. Unfortunately all Brazil ran was pick and rolls, and while they were effective with it for a time, they then just kind of started taking bad shots and stopped scoring. I'm excited about Splitter as the center for the Spurs. He's legit, and he's got the ability to become a better defender. Hell, he's already as good a defender as the first team all NBA center.

[picnroll]

Hell, he's already as good a defender as the first team all NBA center.
Better

[2centsworth]

His biggest problem is that he's pretty foul prone....at least in this tournament. His humbers would be a lot better if he wasn't missing so much PT due to fouls.
duncan was foul prone in FIBA play too.

[Spurs Brazil]

But the fact is the Americans didn't fold. Led by Bryant, the U.S. completely shut down Brazil's attack, holding FIBA's 17th-ranked team to 39.1 percent shooting. Nene finished with eight points while botching a layup attempt and finding himself totally out of position on several plays. One of Brazil's few bright spots was the continued solid play of Tiago Splitter, who scored 12 points (on 60 percent shooting) and seemed unfazed by the size and skill of his American counterparts.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/chris_mannix/08/27/us.brazil.ap/index.html

[Darkwaters]

One of Brazil's few bright spots was the continued solid play of Tiago Splitter, who scored 12 points (on 60 percent shooting) and seemed unfazed by the size and skill of his American counterparts.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/chris_mannix/08/27/us.brazil.ap/index.html

Tiago Splitter!

http://www.basketsession.com/images/Tiago-Splitter.jpg

[Obstructed_View]

duncan was foul prone in FIBA play too.
Duncan got a foul during warmups for an illegal pick. Not exactly the same thing.

[Darkwaters]

I've been reading that Splitter has been fairly injury prone during his career thus far. Can anybody with a longer history of following the Brazilian give us some more info on that aspect of his career? Is he a guy that we're going to have to be worried about missing games every year?

[objective]

Tiago quotes about the game with the USA

http://www.2007lasvegas.fibaamericas.com/pages/eng/fe/07/fibaAmer/men/news/quotDay/p/newsid/21681/FE_news_quotDay.html


TIAGO SPLITTER, BRAZIL

Do you think that your efforts today serve as a credential for your selection in the NBA draft?
I think that my performance today was not anything out of this world. I simply did my job. Some of our plays today depended on me and I tried to simply do my best either making shoots or defending. I think the most important thing is the team as coach said. Today we could not win as the other team played a better game, but we will continue to work towards our overall goal.

What was your biggest challenge for today against team USA?
They have very talented players. Their defense is very complicated as they often make changes, which it became a challenge for us. In a way we were able to balance the game at first, but their offensive strategy with the three-pointers was the problem.

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

[objective]

I was asleep and missed the game, but tonight Brazil lost to Puerto Rico 97-75

Splitter had

34 minutes
15 points (6-11 fg, 3-4 ft)
11 rebounds (5 off)
2 assists
1 block
1 steal
2 fouls
4 turnovers

[objective]

Watching the replay now online

Damn, I knew Barbosa was selfish, but this is ridiculous. End of the 1st quarter he had a two on one with Splitter for an easy dumpoff or alley oop for a Splitter dunk, refused to pass, and went in for a contested layup which he missed and the quarter ended while Splitter was fighting for the rebound.

[wildbill2u]

Watching the replay now online

Damn, I knew Barbosa was selfish, but this is ridiculous. End of the 1st quarter he had a two on one with Splitter for an easy dumpoff or alley oop for a Splitter dunk, refused to pass, and went in for a contested layup which he missed and the quarter ended while Splitter was fighting for the rebound.
Notice that the Brazil coach has Splitter way out beyond the 3 pt arc most of the time, presumably for a high pick and roll--but the Brazil guards, especially Barbosa simply won't give him the ball and run that play like they did successfully early in the game .

[Spurs Brazil]

Notice that the Brazil coach has Splitter way out beyond the 3 pt arc most of the time, presumably for a high pick and roll--but the Brazil guards, especially Barbosa simply won't give him the ball and run that play like they did successfully early in the game .

That's true. every time he went for a high pick and roll he didn't have the ball.

Brazil team is terrible coached. Leandro is a selfish player, Nene is fat. I fell bad for good guys like Tiago and Alex but they deserve to lose in this tournament.

Brazil need major changes in their basketball system

[SenorSpur]

Watching the replay now online

Damn, I knew Barbosa was selfish, but this is ridiculous. End of the 1st quarter he had a two on one with Splitter for an easy dumpoff or alley oop for a Splitter dunk, refused to pass, and went in for a contested layup which he missed and the quarter ended while Splitter was fighting for the rebound.

That type of poor decision-making is likely the reason the Suns have never completely trusted him (Barbosa) as their exclusive backup PG. Recall that he made many a poor decision with shot selection during the playoff series versus the Spurs.

I do agree with others who have suggested his play in this tournament is the result of poor coaching.

[Hoy]

Tiago fumbles ball too much when Brazil play Pick-and-Roll. Bad hands. So the guards hesitate to pass. And he have a bad, flat jumper so Pick-and-Pop is a sorry option, too. For now, Tiago is a garbage/clean up man.
Set screens, go get the rebounds for his points.

[yavozerb]

I guess you have not seen any games during the tourney cause he is constantly taking his man off the dribble as far as the 3 pt line..Tiago's hands are not great, but the passes that have beem made to him have mostly been horrible (look who is PG for Brazil). He is a good player now, but I agree with you on his shooting, but this can be worked on since heis only 22 years of age.

[GrandeDavid]

He's a great guy and seems to be a pretty good potential role player. He's young but has some mileage since he's been playing professionally since he was 15. Down here in Brazil I'm disappointed in Brazil's loss to Puerto Rico last night, which might prove very costly, but am enjoying following Splitter and my good buddies Valtinho and Alex.

[wildbill2u]

He's a great guy and seems to be a pretty good potential role player. He's young but has some mileage since he's been playing professionally since he was 15. Down here in Brazil I'm disappointed in Brazil's loss to Puerto Rico last night, which might prove very costly, but am enjoying following Splitter and my good buddies Valtinho and Alex.
Since you know Alex, how is he physically>I heard he'd been injured, but he looked very fast on a couple of drives to the hoop.

[Spurs Brazil]

Splitter: “We need to pass the ball”

After yesterday loss Tiago Splitter said the offensive system is the team main concern in the tournament:

“We need to pass the ball. That’s what’s missing in our offense. We need to help each other more”

Splitter also said that a team meeting happened after the game to players tell each other face what they’re thinking.

http://esporte.uol.com.br/basquete/ultimas/2007/08/28/ult4356u857.jhtm

[dbestpro]

Tiago fumbles ball too much when Brazil play Pick-and-Roll. Bad hands. So the guards hesitate to pass. And he have a bad, flat jumper so Pick-and-Pop is a sorry option, too. For now, Tiago is a garbage/clean up man.
Set screens, go get the rebounds for his points.

The beauty of Splitter's game is he is accomplishing so much without the ball. The Brazil guards are the foulest passers in the tournament. I have watched all of Brazil's games and Tiago has shown great court vision and when given a pass that is within reach has closed well to the basket.

This guy is much more than a garbage clean up man. I will admit that cleaning up is a lost art in the NBA and his lust for offensive rebounds makes Tiago very production. However, garbage emplies that he gets on the floor for garbage minutes when the game is out of hand. Splitter is by no means a garbage player.

I expect when our shooting coach gets hold of Splitter's shot, his shot will vastly improve. Remember how we use to cringe every time Tony took a jump shot?

[Obstructed_View]

Barbosa may have the highest ratio of talent to brains in the league, and that ain't because of his talent. It's amazing to me that the Suns have gone so long without a real backup point guard for Nash.

[Darkwaters]

I expect when our shooting coach gets hold of Splitter's shot, his shot will vastly improve. Remember how we use to cringe every time Tony took a jump shot?

The ideal situation would be to refine Splitter's high post skills. A high post/low post combo of Splitter/Duncan would be formidable. If a respectable 3 point shot could be added to his repertoire (he has shown the beginnings of one in the past with the Brazilian NT) then he would be perfect.

[nfg3]

The ideal situation would be to refine Splitter's high post skills. A high post/low post combo of Splitter/Duncan would be formidable. If a respectable 3 point shot could be added to his repertoire (he has shown the beginnings of one in the past with the Brazilian NT) then he would be perfect.

This is an excellent observation and it reminds me of the Drob/TD days when we had that very comboination. Combine that with Splitter's passing skills and his willingness to crash the boards would just make us even more difficult to beat. But I would first want him to develop that mid range shot rather than the 3 point one IMO.

[objective]

Splitter's passing skills are remarkable for a big man.

I'm not saying he's Vlade, but with his passing skills he might be the best passer (certainly most willing) on the Brazillian national team. He's really sharp and aware on the offensive end.

[SenorSpur]

Splitter's passing skills are remarkable for a big man.

I'm not saying he's Vlade, but with his passing skills he might be the best passer (certainly most willing) on the Brazillian national team. He's really sharp and aware on the offensive end.


Sounds like Splitter is a better passer than even Barbosa is.

[objective]

He certainly isn't as selfish as Barbosa.

-----------

Brazil plays Mexico tonight at 7:30 central.

I don't know how much Splitter plays, after playing 4 days in a row already and lodging 34 minutes last night.

[SenorSpur]

He certainly isn't as selfish as Barbosa.

-----------

Brazil plays Mexico tonight at 7:30 central.

I don't know how much Splitter plays, after playing 4 days in a row already and lodging 34 minutes last night.

...and the whiny Suns fans wonder why they've not won a title. They've got talent - no doubt. However aside from Nash, they've got a fairly large contingent of selfish ball players who always seem to think "me" first. I'm talking about Stoudamire, Marion and Barbosa. No doubt that Nash has probably one of the toughest jobs in basketball - keeping these whiny mouths fed night after night.

[timvp]

Someone should clue in Brazil that Barbosa is a shooting guard. Why aren't they starting Garcia at point and Barbosa at the two?

It's tough to tell whether Splitter is that good of a passer or if the other players on the team are just that bad. I mean, seriously, Nene at times looks like Bill Walton compared to some of the other players on that team.

[objective]

I have no doubt that Splitter could execute within the Spurs offense right now. He can pass to cutters just fine.

I wonder what Mahinmi's passing skills or lack thereof are like.

[objective]

game is starting now

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Tiago Splitter!

[timvp]

Not watching but box score says Splitter with six points and eight rebounds with time left in the first half. Is that accurate?

[ChumpDumper]

Already has 6 points and 8 rebounds in the first half. Sitting on the bench with 3 1/2 minutes in the second quarter.

[ChumpDumper]

So, to answer your question: yes.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

:smokin Not bad.

[objective]

He seemed very agressive and frustrated also.

First rebound of the game he didn't pass off and brought the ball into the frontcourt himself.

He's seemed a little off to me. Right before he went out in the second he committed a frustration foul just grabbing at the guard after a change of possession.

Had what I would say were two blocks and two steals, but I don't know how the statkeeper is doing.

[objective]

Splitter is on the bench to start the 2nd half; Brazil had a double digit lead at the half and already got it up to 20+ in two minutes.

Splitter might rest the rest of the game.

[ChumpDumper]

:lol They're making Nene stay out there to burn some fat.

[ChumpDumper]

Splitter finally back in with 2 minutes left in the 3rd. Nice block right off the bench. Assist a minute later.

[objective]

with the lead in the twenties Splitter has been put back into the game

[objective]

final line:

17 minutes

6 points (3-7)
9 rebounds (4 offensive)
2 blocks

----------

Wednesday Brazil plays Argentina at 7:30 central

[Spurs Brazil]

Someone should clue in Brazil that Barbosa is a shooting guard. Why aren't they starting Garcia at point and Barbosa at the two?

It's tough to tell whether Splitter is that good of a passer or if the other players on the team are just that bad. I mean, seriously, Nene at times looks like Bill Walton compared to some of the other players on that team.
Valtinho is Brazil starting PG, but the team system is so bad that is all about Barbosa. It’s like the Lakers with Kobe.

[whottt]

IF Pele was still on the team this kind of BS wouldn't be happening! He'd put Barbosa in his place.


I am pretty happy with Tiago...in 2004 during the Olympic touranment, Scola played pretty well statistically, but his rebounding was a huge question, a question he didn't particularly like answering(or being asked)...

That is not the case with Tiago. His reounding is not the question, neither is willingness to play D and do all the things a bigman needs to do on the Spurs.


Good call saying no to Scola and yes to Tiago, Spurs...I agree 100% that we kept the right one. I have zero questions about his ability to fit on this team...and the questions never ended for me with Scola. Not even when he was playing about as good as he could play. And I am also 100% certain Tiago is not as good now as he will be...just like Scola at the age of 22.

Splitter - 100% whottt approved.

[whottt]

I will always believe Splitter was destined to be a baseball player though...baseball got robbed. :(

[anakha]

I will always believe Splitter was destined to be a baseball player though...baseball got robbed. :(

Baseball? That would make for one heck of a large strike zone, wouldn't it?

[whottt]

With a name like Splitter...he'd definitely be a pitcher.

[hendrix]

Argentina is already qualified 2nd or 3rd for the semis... avoiding USA on that stage.
So the remaining 2 games (Brazil and USA) Argentina will play scrubs most of the time. I would not risk anyone unless the Brazil game is tight... because we want to beat Brazil always... at any stage :)

[Darkwaters]

I will always believe Splitter was destined to be a baseball player though...baseball got robbed. :(


Apparently hes a converted volleyball player.

[hendrix]

With a name like Splitter...he'd definitely be a pitcher.

Or porn actor.