If Panama can beat Argentina.....

[HighLowLobForBig-50]

Come on, give us the medal already.
On the plus side, are we about to witness the revival of an American Dream Team.We're unstoppable now, will guys make a long term commitment to establish dominance.

[ChumpDumper]

Argentina was trying to rest its stars since they had already advanced. I wouldn't take them too lightly, but sure the US should win the tournament.

[HighLowLobForBig-50]

you right chump, but about the dream team thing, we look sharp

by the time we meet arg. in the games we will have gotten much better while they got worse

[ChumpDumper]

Yes, Team USA Olympic Basketball is what amateur sport is all about.

[HighLowLobForBig-50]

poor panama happy Aroyo

[HighLowLobForBig-50]

btw delfino wears makeup

[Manudona]

Well, they couldn't. Now what?

[HighLowLobForBig-50]

the fact they got close is enough for me, and close is an understatement

[Manudona]

I sincerely do not believe Arg "B" can beat USA "A", even with both "A" Teams I would say USA has the upper hand, but the interesting thing is that if something Argentina has proved is that the games must be played, is a tough opponent for anyone, including for USA

[Cherry]

If Panama can beat Argentina.....Come on, give us the medal already.

...sorry :angel

[dav4463]

If Manu Ginobli and Fabricio Oberto were playing, I would root for Argentina..........I might do it anyway.

[Otaku]

Add Nocioni and Herrmann and it won't be easy for anyone.

[ArgSpursFan]

Argentina was trying to rest its stars since they had already advanced. I wouldn't take them too lightly, but sure the US should win the tournament.

U.S tipical. :smokin

[diego]

if the bucks can beat the spurs...

(jk)

I have this theory that all the fiba teams lie down for the US in this tournament, because its really pretty meaningless- does anyone care who the FIBA america champ is? so why show you are a threat to the "sleeping giant" when you can stay under the radar, let the US get overconfident, then try to stun them in the olympics. Also, since the FIBA america is almost always close to the US/caribbean vacation area, it seems more US star players are willing to go- or at least thats the impression i got last time around.

anyways, in 03 the US wiped the floor with everybody including argentina's A team. but in athens, when something was actually on the line...

and for the record, i think its lame to minimize losses/ highlight wins but the truth is a reg. game isnt the same as an elimination game, and the US is always the favorite and though i cant say what the coaches think, if i were coaching i would definitely try and play possum till it counts

[MmP]

I think with luck, great defense and smart offense Argentina can beat the US.

[freedom&justice]

When complete, Argentina is very tough. When you add guys like Manu, Nocioni, etc. they're very dangerous. They as well as Spain and Greece are probably going to be the toughest opponents for the US in Beijing.

[samikeyp]

Nice to see the anti-American haters out.

If Team USA wins, its "well, they were the favorites" If they lose its "haha, USA sucks" and if you root for Team USA its "U.S. Tipical" (BTW, typical) :)

Its odd that some (not all) international fans clamor about a lack of respect shown to them, but then they don't want to show respect for Team USA and it usually has to do with anything but basketball.

Try as you haters might, you are not going to change my mind. I will still root for Team USA....if they lose, then they lose and I, being a good sport (something that a lot of you don't believe ALL Americans are) will give the winning team proper credit for a job well done.

If the US does win the Gold this summer and or next summer, will you do the same?

Its ok...I won't hold my breath.

[ArgSpursFan]

Nice to see the anti-American haters out.

If Team USA wins, its "well, they were the favorites" If they lose its "haha, USA sucks" and if you root for Team USA its "U.S. Tipical" (BTW, typical) :)

Its odd that some (not all) international fans clamor about a lack of respect shown to them, but then they don't want to show respect for Team USA and it usually has to do with anything but basketball.

Try as you haters might, you are not going to change my mind. I will still root for Team USA....if they lose, then they lose and I, being a good sport (something that a lot of you don't believe ALL Americans are) will give the winning team proper credit for a job well done.

If the US does win the Gold this summer and or next summer, will you do the same?

Its ok...I won't hold my breath.

one thing is to think that you are favotires to win it,another thing is to say:Give as the medal already....
don´t you think?????
for being that way U.S hasn´t won shit in BB in the international level for ...how long?

[samikeyp]

one thing is to think that you are favotires to win it,another thing is to say:Give as the medal already....
don´t you think?????

I agree but that was one guy, not a representation of an entire fan base...to think so is pure ignorance.

[ArgSpursFan]

I agree but that was one guy, not a representation of an entire fan base...to think so is pure ignorance.

deep inside most US BB fans and players think that way,since the 92 dream team distroyed everyone in Barcelona.
But that´s ok,games have to be played,and on the court they are Five guys againts other Five guys.

[samikeyp]

deep inside most US BB fans and players think that way

Proof, please.

[ArgSpursFan]

Proof, please.

facts can proov what I say.Just look at the way the U.S team is playing,they think it´s the all star game not an international tournament.
you have to respect every team,and keep the circus plays for the ASG.don´t you think?

[mardigan]

facts can proov what I say.Just look at the way the U.S team is playing,they think it´s the all star game not an international tournament.
you have to respect every team,and keep the circus plays for the ASG.don´t you think?
How is it circus play? Because no one can guard any of them?

[samikeyp]

So you have facts that can prove most US fans and players think deep down that we should just be handed the Gold medal?

I would be curious to see these facts.

I do think you have to respect every team. If you don't like the way a team scores...stop them from scoring.

[ArgSpursFan]

How is it circus play? Because no one can guard any of them?

But still Mards,they haven´t played vs nobody just yet.
Argentina played vs shity teams also,and there was no need to be showing off like you are beating a 1st level int´l team.
I would like to see them do that vs.Greece,France,Slovenia,Spain or a complete Arg team.
and them I ´ll say wowwwww.

[ArgSpursFan]

So you have facts that can prove most US fans and players think deep down that we should just be handed the Gold medal?

I would be curious to see these facts.

I do think you have to respect every team. If you don't like the way a team scores...stop them from scoring.

Arg. have done it to the US team,in Indy and Greece too.

[samikeyp]

But still Mards,they haven´t played vs nobody just yet.
Argentina played vs shity teams also,and there was no need to be showing off like you are beating a 1st level int´l team.
I would like to see them do that vs.Greece,France,Slovenia,Spain or a complete Arg team.
and them I ´ll say wowwwww.

No you won't. You will say that the US is a circus team or they haven't played anyone or they cheated. If they beat Argentina in this tourney...you won't give the US credit, you will say "well, our best guys weren't here"

[samikeyp]

Arg. have done it to the US team,in Indy and Greece too.

Very true and I along with many fans, praised them for their efforts. Something you won't do if the US beats them..much like last year in Japan.

[ArgSpursFan]

No you won't. You will say that the US is a circus team or they haven't played anyone or they cheated. If they beat Argentina in this tourney...you won't give the US credit, you will say "well, our best guys weren't here"

Actually I do give the U.S team credit.I just don´t like the circus plays that´s all.

[mardigan]

But still Mards,they haven´t played vs nobody just yet.
Argentina played vs shity teams also,and there was no need to be showing off like you are beating a 1st level int´l team.
I would like to see them do that vs.Greece,France,Slovenia,Spain or a complete Arg team.
and them I ´ll say wowwwww.
Well yea, but if Argentina had their A squad, they might just be showing up the teams they were playing as well.
And all the dunks, alley oops, etc.., thats just the way the US plays, always has been like that. I dont think they are trying to embarass anyone, they are just playing the whole 48 minutes and are so much better than anyone they are playing that it doesnt matter, if they really wanted to show people up, guys like Kobe and mello would probably get more than 20 minutes a game. No other team has the kind of firepower off the bench the US does

[ArgSpursFan]

U.S beated as in Japan.but we were playing for the 3rd and 4rd place.WTF??????????????
who cares who comes 2nd,3rd,4rd????
winners are just remembered

[mardigan]

And doesnt the brazil team have a whole bunch of NBA level talent on it?

[samikeyp]

winners are just remembered

You are right...and the US won over Argentina in that tournament. :)

[samikeyp]

And doesnt the brazil team have a whole bunch of NBA level talent on it?

True but two guys were sitting out.

[ArgSpursFan]

Well yea, but if Argentina had their A squad, they might just be showing up the teams they were playing as well.
And all the dunks, alley oops, etc.., thats just the way the US plays, always has been like that. I dont think they are trying to embarass anyone, they are just playing the whole 48 minutes and are so much better than anyone they are playing that it doesnt matter, if they really wanted to show people up, guys like Kobe and mello would probably get more than 20 minutes a game. No other team has the kind of firepower off the bench the US does
that´s not true.believe me. I have seen the Arg A team play vs teams like Venezuela or Urugauy while getting ready to play the world cup last year,and they were just focused on getting better on D and to run all the new plays on the offensive end.

[samikeyp]

So if your team makes an acrobatic basket...its Viva Argentina but if someone does it against your team, its "circus plays".

Ok.

[ArgSpursFan]

So if your team makes an acrobatic basket...its Viva Argentina but if someone does it against your team, its "circus plays".

Ok.

We´ll see if they manage to make the circus plays all the time vs MY TEAM.
they haven´t played Arg yet.

[mardigan]

that´s not true.believe me. I have seen the Arg A team play vs teams like Venezuela or Urugauy while getting ready to play the world cup last year,and they were just focused on getting better on D and to run all the new plays on the offensive end.
So if you have a team that is way more athletic than any other team they are playing, you dont think its a good coaching decision to use that athleticism to run the ball up the court?

And where was the outcry when Brazil was beating up on Venezuela or Argentina was beating down Mexico or Uruguay? Were they just focusing on getting there d better in those games?

[mathbzh]

As a french Fan I would love to see a new legitimate "Dream Team".
I remember 1992 as a huge boost for the game here in France (I believe the French generation of Parker/Diaw/Pietrus... is a product of the Jordan days).

And actually the French team also like the "Circus" because their athletism is unmatched in Europe.

[samikeyp]

We´ll see if they manage to make the circus plays all the time vs MY TEAM.
they haven´t played Arg yet.

Is that a yes or no?


Actually, my question is this to you. If the US team wins the tournament...will you be a good sport and give them the credit they would have earned by that win?

[samikeyp]

As a french Fan I would love to see a new legitimate "Dream Team".
I remember 1992 as a huge boost for the game here in France (I believe the French generation of Parker/Diaw/Pietrus... is a product of the Jordan days).

You are correct. I watched NBA Access this weekend and Ahmad Rashad was talking with Tony Parker and they went back to the sports academy where Parker started when he was 14...they went to his old room and saw AI and Kobe posters and Parker was asked who he had on his wall. He said "Oh...Jordan...always Jordan"

[ArgSpursFan]

Is that a yes or no?


Actually, my question is this to you. If the US team wins the tournament...will you be a good sport and give them the credit they would have earned by that win?

you actually don´t see my point Sami
I do give the U.S team all the credit
I truelly believe these is the best posible team assambled in the whole world,and they HAVE to win it all.
But,at the same time I dont like the ¨WE ARE THE SHIT¨
actitud they have.
that kind of actitud can comeback and bite you in the ass.
I hope you see my point now.

[samikeyp]

you actually don´t see my point Sami
I do give the U.S team all the credit
I truelly belieave these is the best posible team assambly in the whole world,and they HAVE to win it all.
But,at the same time I dont like the ¨WE ARE THE SHIT¨
actitud they have.
that kind of actitud can comeback and bite you in the ass.

I do see your point, I just asked you a question.

I also asked you on proof of that "we are the shit" attitude you speak of and you have yet to present me with anything but your opinion. You have a right to your opinion and I respect that but an opinion is not proof. Just because a team runs and dunks does not mean they don't give a shit.

[mathbzh]

The thing is that now, that if the USA win the Olympics, it should be considered as a real accomplishment not as something they were supposed to do.

[ArgSpursFan]

I do see your point, I just asked you a question.

I also asked you on proof of that "we are the shit" attitude you speak of and you have yet to present me with anything but your opinion. You have a right to your opinion and I respect that but an opinion is not proof. Just because a team runs and dunks does not mean they don't give a shit.

the circus plays,and the arrogant looks
You know exacly what I mean.

[mardigan]

the circus plays,and the arrogant looks
You know exacly what I mean.
Again, I think your confusing circus plays with the US just being way more athletic than any team they play by far. You want them to just walk the ball up everytime or what?

[Switchman]

Even if...when...U.S. wins. It's nothing special. They are just winning a global tournament they are supposed to win.

[samikeyp]

the circus plays,and the arrogant looks
You know exacly what I mean.

Why...because you say so?

The only looks I saw last night, and yes, I watched the whole game, were looks of determination and teammates encouraging one another. Things I have not seen in awhile.

Do you often post statements you can't back up? You said that most US BB fans and players think the Gold Medal should be handed to them...you also said you had proof...you, like a coward, have refused to present said proof.

I think what you have done is confuse opinion as fact. You think all the US team players(and judging by your words, all US fans) are arrogant. You can think that but just because you think it, doesn't make it true.

You either don't know the difference, which makes you misguided...or you believe it to be true which makes you just as arrogant as those you are accusing to be the same.

[hendrix]

Ohhhhh... stop it already.
The best USA team would beat the best Argentine NT 8 times out of 10. I just don't think it's 9 out of 10, but whatever :)
To make it clear, let's replace Argentina with the best international team of the moment. Whether it's Spain, Italy, Greece...
However, the facts are that Argentina beat a couple of USA "A" teams in the important games. So that makes it 0-for-2 in the "Superbowl" (and I'm a Bills fan, I know :( )

This tourney, USA will probably beat Argentina by a +30 point margin.
But...If the stars align, and the americans get what we call here a "cold chest" condition (means, no inner strength, no passion, no survival of the fittest kind of feeling)... then, it could get closer... +15 maybe :)

[samikeyp]

I have no argument with what you said, Hendrix. My point is this...if the US team wins...people will say "oh they were supposed to win" but if a US fan says that, they get slapped with the "arrogant" tag. Non-US fans expect their teams to get respect when they make major accomplishments (Gold medals and such) but many of them are not willing to return the favor. Has their been bad US team behavior in the past? Absolutely. I thought the 1994 "Dream Team II" was guilty of this and to some extent the 2000 team but this team has not had those issues. People like ArgSpursFan think they do based solely on things in the past without looking at the present.

Respect goes both ways.

[ArgSpursFan]

The only looks I saw last night, and yes, I watched the whole game, were looks of determination and teammates encouraging one another. Things I have not seen in awhile

coze U.S havent won shit in a while.


Do you often post statements you can't back up? You said that most US BB fans and players think the Gold Medal should be handed to them...you also said you had proof...you, like a coward, have refused to present said proof.

Just go back to many U.S fans post since this tournament stared,and there you have the proove I-m talking about.
And Yes,I always stand by what I say.


I think what you have done is confuse opinion as fact. You think all the US team players(and judging by your words, all US fans) are arrogant. You can think that but just because you think it, doesn't make it true.

Never said all,I did say many



You either don't know the difference, which makes you misguided...or you believe it to be true which makes you just as arrogant as those you are accusing to be the same.

No,I´m not misguided,I know exacly what I´m talking about.
And I know that being humble will take me furder tham being an arrogant.

[samikeyp]

coze U.S havent won shit in a while.

Agreed


Just go back to many U.S fans post since this tournament stared,and there you have the proove I-m talking about.
And Yes,I always stand by what I say

yes..many US fans who have posted here...not most of ALL US fans.


Never said all,I did say many

How can you possibly know that?

In order to accurately know that many people of a certain group are doing anything..you must first know how many people are in that group. Unless you know exactly how many US fans there are, you can't know what the majority is and therefore you cannot prove that many US fans think a certain way..again..an opinion, not proof.

[Extra Stout]

deep inside most US BB fans and players think that way,since the 92 dream team distroyed everyone in Barcelona.
But that´s ok,games have to be played,and on the court they are Five guys againts other Five guys.
deep inside most Argie BB fans are presumptuous self-important bigots.

[samikeyp]

I don't know about most of all of them, but most of the ones who post here I think are pretty cool.

[Holt's Cat]

deep inside most Argie BB fans are presumptuous self-important bigots.

Just their basketball fans?

[hendrix]

And getting back to Argentina, our key match is going to be the SECOND time we face Brazil... in the semis. That match decides which team goes to the olympics with USA.
That is.. unless Argentina loses against Canada or Venezuela.

[magic]

http://img.mp3fiesta.com/covers/61/6163/alb_33774_big.jpg
http://www.onetimesone.com/lists/bestofhowlinwolf.jpg
http://www.rollingstonesnet.com/images/VeryBestJLHooker.jpg

[hendrix]

And it could get nasty against Brazil... for the olympic berth?? hmmmm... i see punching, biting and kicking all over the floor.

[samikeyp]

That is.. unless Argentina loses against Canada or Venezuela.

I don't see that happening.

[Cherry]

So if your team makes an acrobatic basket...its Viva Argentina but if someone does it against your team, its "circus plays".

Ok.

Argentina goes for a layup (rotation + find the open guy) = points

Usa goes for a Slam Dunk (run + jump to the basket) = showtime!

[mathbzh]

Argentina goes for a layup (rotation + find the open guy) = points

Usa goes for a Slam Dunk (run + jump to the basket) = showtime+points!

[samikeyp]

Argentina goes for a layup (rotation + find the open guy) = points

Usa goes for a Slam Dunk (run + jump to the basket) = showtime!

So the USA never scores on a slam dunk?

It doesn't matter how the ball gets in....as long as it gets in.

Actually in this tourney its been a lot of run to the basket, dish it for the 3=Points

[magic]

http://www.checkers.com/images/hotdog_big.jpg
http://www.dkimages.com/discover/previews/829/544412.JPG
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/176/447610189_0082806431.jpg
:smokin

[samikeyp]

Damn...Magic's getting me thirsty! :)

[ChumpDumper]

U.S tipical. :smokinTell me why the US shouldn't win this tournament.

Because they jump high and look at people?

The only team I've seen really underestimate another this tournament is Argentina underestimating Panama. You can make excuses for them all you want, but hey were lucky Panama made those two unforced turnovers near the end of regulation. Of course you are such an oversensitive prick when it comes to the source of your vicarious self-esteem, you failed read the first part of my sentence where I said the US should not take Argentina lightly. Go back and bold that.

Furthermore, I believe that FIBA tournaments with pro players are a bad joke. I only watch them to see certain players, usually none of them are American. But thanks for giving me a reason to root for my country's team when they play yours.

USA! USA! USA!

[CubanMustGo]

And it could get nasty against Brazil... for the olympic berth?? hmmmm... i see punching, biting and kicking all over the floor.

The third thru fifth place teams have another way into the Olympics, according to the FIBA Americas website they're eligible for another Olympic qualifier.

But anytime those two teams meet, I think you're going to see that kind of play.

[samikeyp]

Great...now i'm hungry too! :)

[Martin R]

NO WAY this US team with 4 weeks of team work can be beaten by Argentina A squad.
No way.
Maybe one 1 of 10. There's at least a 20 point difference betwwen Manu & Co.

[urunobili]

Come on, give us the medal already.
On the plus side, are we about to witness the revival of an American Dream Team.We're unstoppable now, will guys make a long term commitment to establish dominance.

Spain world champs could threat this team...

[Extra Stout]

I don't know about most of all of them, but most of the ones who post here I think are pretty cool.
Nevertheless, one smug overgeneralization deserves another.

[incansables]

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/176/447610189_0082806431.jpg
:smokin
http://rapidshare.com/files/51667671/pool.wmv
:clap :elephant

[SpursIndonesia]

U.S tipical. :smokin

Well, i'm not an american, and i thought that way too. That's just common sense, not that you know much about nonetheless. :rolleyes

[SuperManu!!!]

USA still is the favorite but the idea of the Dream Team being unbeatable is lost...thanks to ARg and other teams

[Demo Dick Marcinko]

Damn, it doesn't matter if I'm reading a general political forum or a sports forum, some 3rd world poster has to inevitably paint the USA as the Ugly American. And just for the record since I've started posting here, I have thought all our foreign posters were cool and had a solid perspective on things. I guess their true colors are coming out.

Chill fellas, it's just basketball.

[SpursIndonesia]

USA still is the favorite but the idea of the Dream Team being unbeatable is lost...thanks to ARg and other teams

Agreed, game still needs to be played, i think most USA fans knows better about taking opponents lightly can really bite you in the rear.

[SpursIndonesia]

Damn, it doesn't matter if I'm reading a general political forum or a sports forum, some 3rd world poster has to inevitably paint the USA as the Ugly American. And just for the record since I've started posting here, I have thought all our foreign posters were cool and had a solid perspective on things. I guess their true colors are coming out.

Chill fellas, it's just basketball.

I do think the conservative american as ugly american -as much as i thought about fundamentalist bastards around the world, but yes, bringing politics to sport is a stupid sh!t to do. :toast

[diego]

Nice to see the anti-American haters out.

If Team USA wins, its "well, they were the favorites" If they lose its "haha, USA sucks" and if you root for Team USA its "U.S. Tipical" (BTW, typical) :)

Its odd that some (not all) international fans clamor about a lack of respect shown to them, but then they don't want to show respect for Team USA and it usually has to do with anything but basketball.

Try as you haters might, you are not going to change my mind. I will still root for Team USA....if they lose, then they lose and I, being a good sport (something that a lot of you don't believe ALL Americans are) will give the winning team proper credit for a job well done.

If the US does win the Gold this summer and or next summer, will you do the same?

Its ok...I won't hold my breath.


were you directing this to me as well?

anwyays, i agree the US is (will always be?) in a tight spot because being the favorite carries more pressure.

but there are douche bags everywhere- how many people discounted argentina's wins over the US because "our best werent there"? like you said its a two way street. there are respectful US and argie fans, and there are idiots who like to trash talk on both sides.

and argspursfan is (surprise!) being a dumbass, there is nothing wrong with the "circus" and I loved the fact that argentina put some sauce on their win in Athens.

[HighLowLobForBig-50]

yeah- if everybody's gonna get all skanky, i might as well be that American. Give us the gold already. nobody can match our determination to win this. Let alone skills, athleticism,hustle, blah blah. Give us the gold. skanks

[samikeyp]

were you directing this to me as well?
No. :tu