duncan228
08-31-2007, 09:21 AM
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/chris_mannix/08/31/fiba.lessons/
What we learned
Kobe steps up, but Americans show weaknesses
Las Vegas -- Four things we learned about the United States in its 91-76 win over previously undefeated Argentina in the final game of the quarterfinal round of the FIBA America's tournament.
1. Kobe Bryant is still the most skilled player in basketball
Leave it to Bryant to have his most prolific game of the tournament in the marquee matchup that was played 24 hours after LeBron James' 26-point outburst against Uraguay. For seven games Bryant has played the role of lock-down defender, shutting down the opposition's leading scorer while not forcing his own offense. Against Argentina, Bryant looked more like the player that led the NBA in scoring the last two seasons. He was aggressive early, scoring 15 first-quarter points (and connecting on 75 percent of his three-point attempts) as the U.S. built an insurmountable 15-point lead. What, you forgot Bryant had an ego?
2. The U.S. looked good, but...
Size continues to be a concern for the United States, which was outrebounded 40-31, the second straight game it was bullied on the boards. Spain, Greece and Argentina's "A" team all boast considerable size upfront and will be able to defend the U.S. with bigger zones. Despite being marvelous offensive talents, Carmelo Anthony, James and Tayshaun Prince are all small forwards playing out of position. Expect USA basketball director Jerry Colangelo to be on the lookout for more size before next summer.
3. Americans can't play zone
Maybe it's Jim Boeheim's influence, but the U.S. continues to tinker with a zone defense that has been largely ineffective for most of the tournament. Zone defenses tend to present gaps for jump shooters and most foreign teams are excellent jump shooters. Late in the fourth quarter on Thursday the U.S. switched to a 2-3 zone and Argentina promptly dropped back-to-back 3-pointers. The U.S. has too many talented man-to-man players to bother playing any kind of college-like zone defense.
4. FIBA officials are absolutely atrocious
I now understand where Tim Duncan was coming from. Either FIBA's referees aren't seeing the plays or they have a different interpretation of the rules. Several times it felt like the officials were letting Argentina get away with clutching and grabbing on the inside, effectively keeping the Argentineans in the game for stretches. It's almost as if they view the Americans' size and strength inside as a competitive advantage and let defenders hang on the arms of James, Anthony and Amare Stoudemire all night long. I don't know what can be done to rectify the situation, but FIBA needs to realize that just because one player's muscle mass is superior to another, it doesn't change the definition of a foul.
What we learned
Kobe steps up, but Americans show weaknesses
Las Vegas -- Four things we learned about the United States in its 91-76 win over previously undefeated Argentina in the final game of the quarterfinal round of the FIBA America's tournament.
1. Kobe Bryant is still the most skilled player in basketball
Leave it to Bryant to have his most prolific game of the tournament in the marquee matchup that was played 24 hours after LeBron James' 26-point outburst against Uraguay. For seven games Bryant has played the role of lock-down defender, shutting down the opposition's leading scorer while not forcing his own offense. Against Argentina, Bryant looked more like the player that led the NBA in scoring the last two seasons. He was aggressive early, scoring 15 first-quarter points (and connecting on 75 percent of his three-point attempts) as the U.S. built an insurmountable 15-point lead. What, you forgot Bryant had an ego?
2. The U.S. looked good, but...
Size continues to be a concern for the United States, which was outrebounded 40-31, the second straight game it was bullied on the boards. Spain, Greece and Argentina's "A" team all boast considerable size upfront and will be able to defend the U.S. with bigger zones. Despite being marvelous offensive talents, Carmelo Anthony, James and Tayshaun Prince are all small forwards playing out of position. Expect USA basketball director Jerry Colangelo to be on the lookout for more size before next summer.
3. Americans can't play zone
Maybe it's Jim Boeheim's influence, but the U.S. continues to tinker with a zone defense that has been largely ineffective for most of the tournament. Zone defenses tend to present gaps for jump shooters and most foreign teams are excellent jump shooters. Late in the fourth quarter on Thursday the U.S. switched to a 2-3 zone and Argentina promptly dropped back-to-back 3-pointers. The U.S. has too many talented man-to-man players to bother playing any kind of college-like zone defense.
4. FIBA officials are absolutely atrocious
I now understand where Tim Duncan was coming from. Either FIBA's referees aren't seeing the plays or they have a different interpretation of the rules. Several times it felt like the officials were letting Argentina get away with clutching and grabbing on the inside, effectively keeping the Argentineans in the game for stretches. It's almost as if they view the Americans' size and strength inside as a competitive advantage and let defenders hang on the arms of James, Anthony and Amare Stoudemire all night long. I don't know what can be done to rectify the situation, but FIBA needs to realize that just because one player's muscle mass is superior to another, it doesn't change the definition of a foul.