Huge spurs fan, love bruce, class act and the most professional player in the nba. But even I have to admit that he didn't belong out there last night with all that talent. He looked lost, especially on offense, gave up an AND 1 on a drive, the airball was so embarrasing.
Its clear Battier is well ahead of him for the Defensive stopper/shooter role.
Bowen 0-2 0-0 0, what a pathetic line. Another thing that really is working against bruce is the fact that he is a terrible rebounder for a long athletic 3.
Coach Mike Krzyzewski also singled out Shane Battier for praise, and it'll be interesting to see whether Battier will beat out Bruce Bowen for one of the final spots on the roster (The Americans are bringing 14 players to Asia, but only 12 will be on the active roster). Bowen was the only U.S. player who did not score Thursday night, and he also was the only American to shoot an airball.
Battier won a national le with Krzyzewski at Duke, another factor pointing in the wrong direction. It is safe to say that the honeymoon is over for bruce for USA basketball, we hardly knew ye!
At 35 years of age this was his only shot, and he AIRBALLED!
very embarrasing![]()
I don't think Team USA brought him along for his shooting ability...
Last edited by 1Parker1; 08-04-2006 at 11:12 AM. Reason: Spelling Police...
abilities?
First of all, Bowen has been singled out by Coach K for praise throughout the process. One exhibition game isn't going to change that.
Bowen is there as a leader and veteran influence more than anything. He's not going to be logging major minutes or expected to do much offensively.
Did you watch the game? Battier played okay, but he had four fouls in like 10 minutes or something from what I saw. I guess if we are going by just last night's game, then he'd foul out in WC play.
Anyway, I think people are overthinking one game.
Nevermind my post, I just looked up your old posts and realized who you were.
I shouldn't even have wasted my time responding.![]()
Needed or not, your post was still good.![]()
Spurs ruined the team. in the Olympics, Duncan screw USA over complaining about calls, then this time Bruce.........airballs. hehehehehehehe![]()
Bowen belongs out there just as much as anyone else. The new approach the US team is taking in terms of filling out a roster is a refreshing change over what we've seen in the past. The team doesn't need scorers only, but a nice blend of scorers and veteran players who know their roles and provide leadership to the Lebron's and the Wade's of the team. Besides, Bowen brings something this team is lacking-a 3 point threat.
Did I mention that Bowen is a great fit to the trapping style of defensive ball that coach K likes to play?
yes yes. dat is good point.
Bowen will be invaluable to have once the compe ion becomes stiffer in the medal round. I think they may keep both Bowen & Battier. Lord knows LeBron & Wade can't play any D. Yeah, they get a few steals but that's because they're taking chances all the time. From what I can tell taking chances leads to wide-open 3 pt shots for those int'l teams and those guys can flat out shoot the 3.
Last edited by mabber; 08-04-2006 at 11:40 AM.
Yep. I would have felt a lot better if the US had more three-point specialists on the team such as Ray Allen or Michael Redd. As well as they played yesterday, the three's weren't dropping.
Hopefully, this deficiency won't hurt them as much as it did in the 2004 games.
Bruce was clearly nervous last night. He rushed both his shots which he missed pretty bad and he looked uncomfortable each time he had to handle the ball. The guy just really wants to do well so him not playing well in one exhibition isn't a big deal. Give the guy a break I'm sure he felt a lot of pressure to score as the margin of victory got bigger.
WTF?? since when has Bruce kicked ass in a warmup game??
Bruce is letting the kids play until an important game vs. Argentina or some other team with a superstar and BAM! all of a sudden the Bruce haters will have to about something else. Like why they momma cooked chicken again.
I agree that Bowen doesn't belong in the American team, he's horrendous and has always been I don't know why he was even picked to be part of the national team, Battier is light years ahead of him...
BTW if you think he was brought for his defense...ummm
From what I saw, Team USA has big problems with the 3-2 zone defense...
Bruce was brought over for the 2 championship rings he sports on his fingers. Nothing else needs to be said.
Bruce Bowen has more class in his little finger than the starter of this thread!![]()
What do team accomplishments have to do with being part of team USA??
Bowen is trash...
Wake me when the "Rockettes" do something! We'll celebrate by having a bowl of sharkfin soup!![]()
From what I've heard Bruce is almost a lock for the team. However, he did play like crap yesterday. If he plays the same the next 3 games it wouldn't shock me if he's cut. Personally, I think it takes a player like Bruce 1 or 2 games before he finds his groove. Very similar to Manu in the All-Star Game.
Bowen should be cut. I'm flabbergasted that he's made to the final 14. All he does is hack people.
even if Bruce didnt score a single point, it wouldnt matter. He is there for his D but i think his maturity, experience, level head, humility and encouragement are all more important to a USA team with alot of young stars. These guys could get ahead of themselves quite easily and i think someone like Bruce has the ability to keep them grounded.
Very well said! I also think of Bruce as a locker room leader. He will keep the likes of Carmello and Arenas focused on the big picture. In 2004, Carmello had the big head and maybe now he has learned his lesson and will perform like we all hope he can.( for the USA team only......I want him to play like CRAP for the nuggets)![]()
There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)