Ginobili Status

[WalterBenitez]

American basketball players grew up dreaming of playing in the NBA, not playing for their country. I imagine that if you asked them, the vast majority of American players would rather win an NBA le in their careers than an Olympic medal.

I think you are right in term of idealization (if this word exists ); when your domestic compe ion is the big one, you trend to consider that the sky is there; which is right in terms of bball.

The rest of the world (At least in South America) we consider the World Cup and Olimpycs as THE EVENTS, so we priorise these compe ions.

Which everybody should consider is that USA BBALL no longer could guaranteed Gold Medal if they dont change the axis of their team ... they do not need 12 Star or SuperStar or Galatic ... they need:

1) A team

2) Practice ... no two weeks, at least a month (under FIBA's rule)

3) Forget about "Star treatment" when you got a bad refs in FIBA they are horrible for both team

PS: I respect the honor and the heart that TIM and AI put in Olimpyc, I remember AI with red eyes when USA Flag was raised ... that look deserves a MEDAL, because he was proud of being there, no matter of what colour was his medal.

[waly.mg]

Ray Allen is an All Star, but i don´t see him last weekend in Connecticut

[strangeweather]

they need:

1) A team

2) Practice ... no two weeks, at least a month (under FIBA's rule)

3) Forget about "Star treatment" when you got a bad refs in FIBA they are horrible for both team

Amen. Also:

4) Continuity. Try to get a coaching staff willing to make a longer-term commitment to the national team so that we have a consistent game plan, and try to get players who are willing to sign up for longer runs barring injury.

The 2-year plan we had in '03-'04 was a step in the right direction, but it was a flawed plan, and it didn't go far enough.

[WalterBenitez]

Amen. Also:

4) Continuity. Try to get a coaching staff willing to make a longer-term commitment to the national team so that we have a consistent game plan, and try to get players who are willing to sign up for longer runs barring injury.

The 2-year plan we had in '03-'04 was a step in the right direction, but it was a flawed plan, and it didn't go far enough.

Sure, I forgot Continuity that gives coherence and preparation, you are right.

[Athenea]

Argentina still only beat J.V ... the world hasnt seen a team that really gave a damn about the Olympics since 92' I think this loss will the U.S something to prove and a reason for our top guys to take off there summer... remember our guys care more about money and nba rings and then Olympic gold in that order... but for now I guess all we can do is wait and see what happens and let have the glory of beating Americas B-team. You sir, talk a very confident talk but deep inside you arf hoping to see a complacent U.S where are top guys make excuse after excuse not to play in 08' so your little team can have a chance yall dont wanna see U.S in full force with a chip on their collective shoulders.

BINGO!!!! When asked about his priorities, Manu answered:
1- LES
2-GLORY
3-MONEY
Multiply that for 12, and u have the reason why Argentina won.
note: our Olympic NT (no matter the names) was a step back from our Indy NT back in 2002.

DRAZEN was special along with Divac,Manu,Dirk,Nash,Manu,and maybe 2-3 others allthe rest=BUMS

OK...I'll take 2 Manus in the NT and the Spurs