DR WU
08-26-2007, 09:53 AM
Comments on Splitter -- S.I.
In addition to Nene, who scored seven points and looked ready to decapitate Juan Mendez after a hard foul in the opener against Canada, the Brazilians also have Tiago Splitter, an international man of mystery in his own right. The 6-foot-11 center was drafted by San Antonio with the 28th pick in the 2007 draft after years of flirting with entry. Against Canada, Splitter scored 12 points (on 66.7 percent shooting) and proved an able complement to Nene in Brazil's frontcourt.
"Every time I see Splitter, he is better," Rautins said. "He's bigger, stronger and right now he is playing with a lot of poise. He has a nice post game and he is always going to the offensive glass."
Brazil also happens to be motivated. After winning the Pan American Games title last month, Brazil has no interest in playing in another Olympic qualifying tournament next summer. For the Americans, easy baskets won't come quite so easy -- Nene has been known to occasionally pick someone off in midair.
So enjoy Team USA's first two victories. The Americans did their jobs, and they looked pretty good doing it. Just remember: This tournament begins Sunday.
In addition to Nene, who scored seven points and looked ready to decapitate Juan Mendez after a hard foul in the opener against Canada, the Brazilians also have Tiago Splitter, an international man of mystery in his own right. The 6-foot-11 center was drafted by San Antonio with the 28th pick in the 2007 draft after years of flirting with entry. Against Canada, Splitter scored 12 points (on 66.7 percent shooting) and proved an able complement to Nene in Brazil's frontcourt.
"Every time I see Splitter, he is better," Rautins said. "He's bigger, stronger and right now he is playing with a lot of poise. He has a nice post game and he is always going to the offensive glass."
Brazil also happens to be motivated. After winning the Pan American Games title last month, Brazil has no interest in playing in another Olympic qualifying tournament next summer. For the Americans, easy baskets won't come quite so easy -- Nene has been known to occasionally pick someone off in midair.
So enjoy Team USA's first two victories. The Americans did their jobs, and they looked pretty good doing it. Just remember: This tournament begins Sunday.