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oh snap, what time?
ISTANBUL -- Team USA gets its first real test Monday. But it might not be as much of one as originally thought.
A week after losing NBA big man Nene for the World Championship due to a leg injury, Brazil officials don't know yet whether they will have another NBA big man available in Anderson Varejao, who hasn't played since he suffered a sprained ankle in an Aug. 18 exhibition game. That includes having missed the first two games of the Worlds.
"I don't know if I'm going to play," Varejao told FanHouse on Sunday. "But I am feeling better, though."
The Cleveland big man could be pivotal to Brazil's chances of pulling an upset in the game that almost certainly will decide Group B. The teams are tied for first at 2-0.
"It is very important," Brazil center Tiago Splitter (above), who recently signed with San Antonio, said of having Varejao in an attempt to defeat the Americans. "I think Anderson is a guy who knows them very well. He is extra energy on the court, and we hope he's OK and he can play."
It sure would help Splitter having Varejao alongside him. But with or without him, Splitter denied he feels any extra pressure due to Spurs fans anxious to see how he looks against Team USA.
"I feel confident in myself," said Splitter, who said he needs to get his visa situation in order but vows to get to San Antonio as soon as he can after the Worlds end Sept. 12, arriving early for the Sept. 28 start of training camp. "(Splitter is) going to show everybody why I'm in the NBA. ... It's going to be a good test."
FanHouse's Chris Tomasson is in Turkey for the 2010 FIBA World Championship.
The Americans believe the Brazilians will be a worthy foe as well.
"We look at it the same way," Team USA big man Kevin Love said of the game almost certainly deciding Group B. "We just want to come out there and really execute our game plan and not have a lapse."
The Brazilians had lapses Sunday as they were perhaps looking ahead to their date with the Americans. They struggled before finally pulling away to beat Tunisia 80-65. Toronto guard Leandro Barbosa led Brazil with 21 points.
"It's going to be a big game," Barbosa said of Monday. "Hopefully, (Varejao) can come back. If he doesn't, we have to prepare ourselves with what we've got."
Asked to give to give a brief scouting report on the Brazilians, Team USA assistant Jim Boeheim lauded Barbosa and said "their big guys are very good around the basket."
But if Varejao can't play, what initially looked to be a trio of very accomplished big men will have been reduced to just Splitter.
http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/08/29/u...ged-up-brazil/
oh snap, what time?
130 on espn
Tyson Chandler, Kevin Love, and Lamar Odom. I hope Splitter wrecks them...
what is the visa issue that he is referring to? I would imagine that NBA foreign players get H1 visas or something equivelent pretty easily?
Brazill is overrated. Everyone in our group is scared of them. And I really don't know why???
USA by 30.
No nene. and Varejao is more important to brasil team than splitter. Hope he plays
Good point. Brazil´s play have been subpar so far. If we really had Nene then things might be a little different.
I predict 3 losses in the next games. Slovenia and Croatia just played one of a game. I dont think Brazil can match that.
If Varejao and Nene were healthy, they'd pretty much have the best frontcourt in the tournament. But with just Splitter holding it down, they're pretty vulnerable.
I agree. I expect a USA blowout with or without varajeo. Splitter might be able to have a pretty decent game if odom matches up on him for the most part.
Unlike some of the past teams the USA has sent to FIBA, I really like this team. This team has taken on a Durrant-like character of humility and heart. I can't help but find myself rooting for them. Unfortunately, it will all be wasted when Lebron, Wade, and Kobe kick the more likeable players to the curb in the next Olympics.
I hope Splitter has a dominating game, but that team USA wins by a comfortable margin.
Does anyone know if Varejao & Nene are better than Splitter? I've seen Varejao in the NBA but I've yet to have seen him with Brazil...
I've heard the Splitter/Varejao comparison, but I really think Splitter's the superior player. I don't think he's yet on the level of Nene on the other hand, but I have little knowledge on the matter.
lol Brazil.
I agree. With Splitter, Nene and Varejao Brazil would have had a great frontcourt. They'd be a contender for a medal. But now just with Tiago and not a real Varejao it sucks. I do know Splitter will kick all of our centers ass, but he won't score more than 25. Barbosa's been good so far, but I don't really see others playing that great against Slo. or Cro. I do believe they will win against Croatia cause their big guys make stupid fauls, and I expect a close game with Slovenia. But today they've got no chance.
awesome! to see Splitter vs. solid NBAers
today will be a very good metric to see how he will do this season. My guess? today the legend of Splitter starts
Give them all three and Team USA still beats them by 20+.
Splitter at the tip
Splitter already with a assist
splitter killed by durant
well USA pressed Brazil and Splitter had to dribble the ball up the court; did a decent job but after his pass the ball got stolen
Does anyone know of a link where I can watch the game? I'm at work, so I don't have access to ESPN. Thanks!
Splitter draws a foul on Odom in the paint
nice PnR by Splitter for the easy layup
Nice Splitter pick and roll bucket
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